Buying Guide

Nigerian Dwarf goats make fantastic pets, productive dairy animals, delightful home milkers and competitive show goats. If you are looking to add this wonderful breed to your life, then there are several important factors consider. If you have any further questions, please send us an email via the Contact page, contact us via Facebook.

Goat Friendly Environment

Goats are highly social herd animals that require the company of other goats to be happy. Responsible breeders will only sell goats in pairs unless there are going to an existing herd with similar age goats.
When considering buying goats its important to consider whether we can provide sufficient space, secure fencing, permanent shelter, clean water, appropriate feed and regular husbandry.
For more information about caring for Nigerian Dwarf goats, head over to the Care & Resources page.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

The Nigerian Dwarf breed is very popular and can be quite expensive. As a result there are unscrupulous scammers who are keen to take advantage of people looking to add this fabulous breed to their lives. So, it is important to buy Nigerian Dwarf goats only from reputable, registered breeders.
All responsible Nigerian Dwarf breeders will be registered with at least one of the Miniature or Dairy Goat associations of Australia. We recommend DGSA, NDGSA and AGB.
Current breeders will be listed on the Breeder lists of their association. In the case of DGSA, you can check with your state DGSA branch secretary to see if a breeder holds a current membership.
Most associations do not require new owners to be a member of the association to have their goat’s registration transferred to their name.
If you are interested in becoming a breeder it is important to become a registered breeder so that you can register any kids you breed.

Goat Registration & DNA

Legitimate Nigerian Dwarf breeding and show stock will be registered with at least one of the Miniature or Dairy goat associations of Australia. We recommend DGSA and AGB.
Many registries require DNA parent verification to ensure that pedigrees are correct.
DNA requirements for pets and show wethers can differ between associations, so check with the relevant association.
It is absolutely our recommendation that buyers should insist on DNA parent verification for all Nigerian Dwarf breeding and show stock they purchase.
Responsible breeders will be able to provide proof of Registration and DNA verification upon request for serious enquiries.

Myotonia

Myotonia is a genetic condition that causes affected animals to experience temporary muscle stiffness when startled, sometimes resulting in falling over and injuring themselves.
In order to be affected, animals must carry two copies of the gene, one from their mother and one from their father.
Animals carrying one copy of gene are completely unaffected and are referred to as Carriers. Animals carrying no copies of the gene are known as Myotonia Clear.
The gene has entered into the Australian Nigerian Dwarf population via two semen imports. Since the discovery, reputable breeders are working towards identifying and managing Carrier animals within their herds.
Because the gene pool in Australia is limited, some breeders are electing to conduct genetic recovery programs. The goal is to replace Myotonia Carriers with their Myotonia Clear offspring. This allows breeders to recover superior genetics, while also prioritising breeding Myotonia out of the gene pool.
Before purchasing Nigerian Dwarf goats it is vital to ensure the goats have been either tested or their status is verifiable via the test results of their ancestors.
Responsible breeders will be forthcoming regarding the Myotonia status of their goats.
There are varying policies amongst the registering associations for the registration and showing of Myotonia Carrier goats. So before committing to purchase any Nigerian Dwarf goats, it is important to ensure the goats will comply with your chosen association rules.

Biosecurity

Strict biosecurity measures are necessary to protect goat herds from contamination by parasites and serious diseases such as CAE and Johnes.
The current industry standard amongst most Miniature and Dairy goat breeders, is for all animals over the age of 12 months old to be tested annually for CAE and JD diseases.
Responsible breeders will be able to produce their current test results for serious enquiries upon request.
Due to biosecurity risks, many studs do not offer stud services to outside does or allow on farm visits. Some studs will allow visits by appointment only.
Breeders will always be happy correspond with prospective owners and provide photos of their available animals.
For more information check out the Care & Resources page.

Cost

Nigerian Dwarf goats are relatively new to Australia. The importation process is lengthy and costly, so the cost of purchasing them is still quite high.
Prices can vary depending on the percentage and quality of genetics.
As a rough guide for fullblood Nigerian Dwarf goats in Australia:
- Pairs of pet wethers $1000+
- Fullblood bucks $4000+
- Fullblood does $7000+
It is best to contact individual breeders to enquire about their current pricing structure.

Property Identification Code

All properties that keep goats, even if they are just pets require a Property Identification Number or PIC.
Breeders are legally required to complete a National Vendor Declaration when animals leave their property. This document requires the PIC number of the property the animal is being transferred to.
PIC numbers are free to obtain, but an application can take a couple of weeks to process. So, if you are seriously looking into acquiring goats then it is advisable to apply well ahead of when you plan to bring them home.
If you are in Tasmania, head over to NRE Tasmania to apply.