Pygmy
Capra aegagrus hircus
Small, compact meat-type breed originally from West Africa. NPGA recognized. Stocky and gentle, widely kept as a companion and for small-scale meat production.
Breed reference
The shape of the breed,
in plain English.
Small, compact meat-type breed originally from West Africa. NPGA recognized. Stocky and gentle, widely kept as a companion and for small-scale meat production.
Owner-experience
across 7 dimensions.
Each bar is a 1 to 5 score from breed-knowledgeable owners. Read the bar labels for the trade-off the dimension captures.
Temperament
Friendliness with handlers
Aloof or wary. Best handled in a herd, not as a pet.Highly social. Approaches handlers; bonds with humans.
Milk yield potential
Low yield. Sufficient for kid raising; not commercial dairy.High yield. Suitable for commercial dairy.
Hardiness
Requires careful management.Hardy. Tolerates parasite pressure and modest forage with normal management.
Escape artistry
Stays put with standard fencing.Persistent escape artist. Tests every latch and weak fence point.
Coat and maintenance
Climbing / jumping drive
Prefers ground level. Limited climbing.Strong climber. Will use any vertical surface available.
Vocal tendency
Quiet. Vocalizes only when distressed or in heat.Very vocal. Frequent bleating throughout the day.
Heat tolerance
Heat-sensitive. Drops production above 80 F.Heat-tolerant. Bred in warm climates; comfortable above 90 F with shade.
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