Nigerian Dwarf or Pygmy?

[paigemc]

We recently got 2 bucks from a family friend who works with an animal rehabber. These 2 goats were dropped off so we have no idea on any information about them other than the fact that they are about 2- 2 1/2 years old. This is my first time having goats and I am just trying to figure what breed of goats I have or if they're mixes. Thank you in advance!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Incorrect markings for pure pygmies. Best guess is Nigi's or mixes. They're cute - whatever they are!

 

[paigemc]

Incorrect markings for pure pygmies. Best guess is Nigi's or mixes. They're cute - whatever they are!

Thank you so much I was thinking that but it's hard to tell the difference

 

[Island]

We recently got 2 bucks from a family friend who works with an animal rehabber. These 2 goats were dropped off so we have no idea on any information about them other than the fact that they are about 2- 2 1/2 years old. This is my first time having goats and I am just trying to figure what breed of goats I have or if they're mixes. Thank you in advance!View attachment 118484View attachment 118485View attachment 118486View attachment 118487

I know this is an old post, but it's pinned to BYH's home screen.
I'm not an expert, but the conformation looks more like that of a pygmy rather than a Nigerian Dwarf, especially the head. Maybe some kind of pygmy cross?

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I raised and showed NPGA pygmy goats for years.

A good pygmy should have a short, wide muzzle. Their entire conformation should be short, thick and wide. I'll post a couple of pictures of my former show goats.

This buck took Grand Champion buck in several shows. This is him being goofy at home. Notice the short blunt muzzle. Even lounging around in a wagon you can see his overall body width.

This is another picture of a really nice buck, showing the heavy bone that a good pygmy should have and his massive width. You can see the classic dish face also.

Sorry, the pictures are old and of poor quality.

 

[Island]

Here's one of my Nigerian Dwarf does.
She's ADGA registered.
I'll see if I can get a better headshot

 

[Island]

We recently got 2 bucks from a family friend who works with an animal rehabber. These 2 goats were dropped off so we have no idea on any information about them other than the fact that they are about 2- 2 1/2 years old. This is my first time having goats and I am just trying to figure what breed of goats I have or if they're mixes. Thank you in advance!View attachment 118484View attachment 118485View attachment 118486View attachment 118487

In all fairness, it is relatively hard to tell conformation on shaggy goats

 

[Island]

Pygmy goats are shown natural. That's why NPGA judges put their hands on the goats.

Oh ok that makes sense. Sorry for my lack of knowledge!

 

[BellaM]

I know this is an old post but it appeared in my "feed".
The best explanation I received for telling the difference between a Nigerian Dwarf and a Pygmy goat is this ...

Think of a Nigerian Dwarf goat as a short person, and a Pygmy as a "midget" (politically incorrect and I apologise, tho' it works for this description).

A short person looks exactly like a "normal" person but is just shorter, but a midget has different physical attributes and therefore looks different to a "normal" person.

Similarly, a Nigerian Dwarf looks exactly like a normal goat, just shorter while a Pygmy has different physical attributes and therefore looks different to a normal goat - shorter legs, barrel tummy, wider forehead, etc.

In South Africa most of our miniature goats are a Nigerian x Pygmy. There are people working very hard to breed purebreds of both, and they are VERY expensive.

I have purebred Nigerian Dwarf and Nigerian x Pygmy. They have very different temperaments and hardiness. I love them both for different reasons.