That Viral Baby Goat Will Weigh 90 Pounds One Day

Quick Take

• Those viral videos of goats roaming inside homes look adorable, but when goats grow up, they can't always live inside. Why indoor living harms them →
• Miniature goats aren't actually a breed, but are multiple breeds bred to be smaller than typical goats. See what defines the breed →
• Both pygmy and Nigerian dwarf goats can technically be milked, but one of them makes the process surprisingly difficult. Compare their dairy qualities →
• The baby goat fitting in your palm today will grow into something most first-time owners aren't prepared for. See adult size expectations →

What is more adorable than a pint-sized goat sitting in your hand and bleating its little heart out? Check out the viral video above from Instagram for your daily dose of cuteness. Miniature goats as pets are trending on social media, but do they actually make good pets? That depends on your time commitment, how much outdoor space you have, and whether your local area even allows livestock as pets.

Why Are They So Small?

Miniature goats are not a single breed; instead, they are goats from various breeds that have been selectively bred for smaller size. While standard goat breeds may reach up to 170 pounds, miniature goat breeds tend to stay under 100 pounds.

Two popular miniature goat breeds are Nigerian dwarf goats and American Pygmy goats. Breeders raise miniature goats not only for their small stature but also for their temperament and gentle nature. Miniature goats are generally friendly and great pets for children.

How Big Do They Actually Get?

As a baby, a miniature goat can be amazingly tiny. You’ve probably seen the videos of baby goats wearing pajamas and running across a bed. However, it’s important to remember that a miniature goat won’t always be so small.

As adults, their sizes can vary, but they are usually under 100 pounds and roughly 2 feet tall. For example, Pygmy goats can weigh around 50 to 90 pounds, while Nigerian dwarf goats may grow to about 45 to 90 pounds.

Where Do Miniature Goats Come From?

The popular breeds of Pygmy goats and Nigerian dwarf goats can trace their roots back to West Africa. Pygmy goats were originally named Cameroon dwarf goats. They were brought from the former French Cameroon area to zoos in Europe. By 1959, they had made their way to the U.S. Nigerian dwarf goats, also from West Africa, were first imported to the U.S. in the 1970s.

Do They Produce Milk?

Although both pygmy goats and Nigerian dwarf goats produce milk, if you’re looking for a dairy goat, Nigerian dwarf goats are probably your best choice. They are prized for ease of milking. Also, their milk contains high amounts of butterfat. The higher butterfat content makes it creamier and sweeter than typical goat milk.

On the other hand, pygmy goats were not bred as dairy goats, but to produce meat. Though they can be milked after they have given birth, milking them is reported to be difficult and somewhat tedious.

Do They Make Good Pets?

They make wonderful outdoor pets, but they are not well-suited to living indoors. Despite social media posts showing adorable goats gallivanting through homes, their hooves are made to grip rocks and dirt. Smooth indoor flooring can make it difficult for them to maintain secure footing and may increase the risk of slips or joint strain. Also, they generally cannot be reliably house-trained.

However, if you have the space to keep them outside and can keep more than one (they are herd animals and need companionship), you will find they are incredibly friendly and intelligent. Be sure to invest in secure fencing, as these mischievous animals are notorious escape artists and require protection from predators.