Pygmy Goat Lifespan: How Long Do Pygmy Goats Live?

Written by Brandi Allred
Updated: June 26, 2023
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How Long Do Pygmy Goats Live? infographic
On average, pygmy goats have a lifespan of 10-15 years.

Goats, along with sheep, chickens, cows, and horses, are one of the most easily recognizable stock animals on the planet. Originating somewhere in Asia, the domestic goat has long provided humans with meat, leather, wool, and milk. Today, pygmy goats (which were originally bred specifically for their meat) make popular pets in many parts of the world. But, more than that, pygmy goats have become a popular addition to backyard farms the world over. This popularity leads many would-be goat owners to wonder how long pygmy goats live.

Here, we’ll discover a little more about these pint-sized ruminants, including how big they grow and what they look like. We’ll also take a look at the typical diet of a pygmy goat, as well as what typical pygmy goat behavior looks like. We’ll find out just how long pygmy goats live and discover their most common health problems. 

Read on to learn more about pygmy goats and their lifespan!

Pygmy Goat Background

American Pygmy Goats stand and lie on wooden platforms and tables in a pasture.

Pygmy goats grow to a maximum height of just two feet.

©Henk Vrieselaar/Shutterstock.com

Pygmy goats are among the smallest goats on the planet. That small size makes them ideal for small-scale farm-steads, backyard farms, and people looking for hooved pets. These small goats tend to have sweet temperaments, and they’re relatively easy to take care of. 

Size and Appearance

Formerly known as Cameroon dwarf goats, pygmy goats originated in Africa, where they were bred for their meat. Pygmy goats grow to a maximum height of just two feet, with some standing as short as 15 inches tall. Males are a little bigger than females and can weigh up to 70 pounds. Female pygmy goats may weigh as little as 35 pounds, which makes them smaller and lighter than many dogs. 

Pygmy goats come in many colors, including white, tan, every conceivable shade of brown and gray, and even black. Many feature more than one color and may even have hair frosted in lighter or darker colors. All pygmy goats have short tails, and most have small, upright ears. Males feature backward-curving horns, while females have noticeable udders.

Diet and Behavior

If you’re wondering how long pygmy goats live, you’re probably also wondering what these animals eat. Pygmy goats, along with all goats, sheep, and cows, are ruminants. This means that their digestive systems are specially adapted to eat hard-to-digest foods, like leaves and grass. Domestic goats eat a combination of hay, straw, pellets, and other feed.

Pygmy goats are known as intelligent, friendly, at times, playful farmyard companions. They’re not prone to separation anxiety but do best when there is at least one other goat around. Further, pygmy goats require plenty of stimulation; otherwise, they tend to get into trouble.

Pygmy Goat Lifespan

American pygmy goat relaxed lying down on a rock.

The average pygmy goat lifespan is 10-15 years.

©James Clarke/Shutterstock.com

Thinking of getting a pygmy goat? You’re probably wondering: how long do pygmy goats live? The average pygmy goat lifespan is 10-15 years. As with all animals, their lifespan heavily depends on overall health, environmental conditions, diet, and care. The average pygmy goat lives to be about 12 years old.

Do Pygmy Goats Have Health Problems?

A pygmy goat’s lifespan is largely dependent on its overall health. Goats are particularly resilient to disease and illness, especially compared to other livestock animals. However, they need regular checkups, vaccinations, lice treatment, and hoof trimming. 

One common and easily avoidable health problem facing pygmy goats has to do with their hooves. Goats’ hooves keep growing, and for many pygmy goat owners, this means regular hoof trimming every 4-8 weeks. Additionally, pygmy goats require proper diet, nutrition, water, and shelter, in order to live long, healthy lives.

Are Pygmy Goats Good Pets?

American Pygmy Goat kid likes to play and rest.

Pygmy goats make an excellent choice as pets.

©jctabb/Shutterstock.com

Thinking about getting a pygmy goat as a pet? Well, you’re not alone. People the world over are turning to pygmy goats as the ideal, pint-sized companion. With their friendly, intelligent personalities and compact size, pygmy goats make an excellent choice as a pet — provided you’re prepared to take care of them. Pygmy goats are happiest living outside as long as they have adequate food and shelter, so you shouldn’t plan on getting one if you live in an apartment.

For many, the choice to get a pygmy goat as a pet is a personal one. They may not be a good fit for you if you already have dogs or if you’ve never dealt with livestock before. But, if you think a pygmy goat just might be the companion you’ve always been waiting for, and you’re prepared to take care of one (or, more likely, a couple), then there’s no time like the present!

Do Pygmy Goats Need To Be Milked?

If you’re thinking about bringing home a pygmy goat but are worried about milking them, this part is for you. Luckily, female pygmy goats only need to be milked if they have a small kid (baby goat). Otherwise, you don’t need to worry about it.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © James Clarke/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Brandi is a professional writer by day and a fiction writer by night. Her nonfiction work focuses on animals, nature, and conservation. She holds degrees in English and Anthropology, and spends her free time writing horror, scifi, and fantasy stories.

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Sources
  1. , Available here: https://extension.psu.edu/animals-and-livestock/goats
  2. , Available here: http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/goats/
  3. , Available here: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/goat
  4. , Available here: https://www.britannica.com/animal/goat
  5. , Available here: https://www.npga-pygmy.com/