Nigerian Dwarf Goats - Adorable Pets

Have you ever considered owning a pet goat? Nigerian Dwarf goats are of western African origin. They are miniature dairy goats standing less than two feet tall. They have calm, even-tempered, sweet, gentle and playful personalities. They are easily trainable and can even walk on a leash. These characteristics make them lovable companions or pets, especially, for small children, the disabled, and the elderly.

They come in many colors including: white, black, red, cream and patterns. Some have white "frosting" on their ears and blue eyes. The nose is straight and the ears upright. Their coat is soft with short to medium hair.

The Nigerian goats share pastures, peacefully, with other livestock such as cattle, horses, llamas and donkeys. They help improve pastures by eating weeds, brambles and ivy that other livestock will not eat.

These goat breeds need ventilation for optimal health. They should not be kept in airtight buildings. Their pens should be clean, draft-free, without pests like flies and rodents. Fresh straw or hay should be used for bedding. Some owners have used an over-sized doghouse, or two, with toys included for their playful nature. They are able to survive in many locations, including cold weather locations, such as Ontario, Canada.

Their hooves should be trimmed, regularly, every four to eight weeks and vaccinations should be checked with a veterinarian. Worming is, also, important for maintaining good health. Good hay, pasture and fresh water, in clean containers, should always be available. With good goat care, their average lifespan can range between fifteen to twenty years!

They can produce a range from one to eight pounds of milk per day. Their milk has a sweet taste due to a high butterfat content and is excellent for making soap.

Nigerian Dwarf goats can breed all year round. They can have several kids at one time, with triplets and quads being common. They are excellent mothers and take care of their kids, if you allow them.

If you have never considered owning Nigerian Dwarf goats, as pets, you may reconsider. Not only are these miniature goats friendly and easily trained, they are great to enter in goat shows!

One of the top twenty events across the Southeast, USA is called the Goats, Music and More Festival. This festival will occur in Lewisburg, Tennessee on October 8th through October 10th, 2010. This festival is not just any small event, it has grown from a few thousand its first year to over 17,000 attending from all fifty states in the USA and four countries. At this festival, you will find a variety of goat shows, arts and crafts, goats milk soap, activities for children and adults, goats milk soap makers, a variety of goats milk products, live bands performing music from Motown music to gospel songs, country music artists, entertainment, food and fun for all!

If you have never considered owning a pet goat, Nigerian Dwarf goats make, farm fun, adorable pets. These goat breeds can be more than cute and cuddly; they can be one of your most prized possessions!