The pygmy goat (capra hircus), also known as the “Cameroon Dwarf” is a special specie of goats from West Africa. As it is a domesticated breed many tribes in Africa have been raising them in their homes as livestock for centuries. The pygmy goats were first imported to the United States in the year 1950 and eversince then it is the most popular choice for children especially because of its incredibly small size and easy handling. 

The African Pygmy Goat is a cute, playful, and an affectionate pet. Their diminutive size makes them easy to contain and they prefer to sleep indoors. A small size barn can make a perfect home for the African Pygmy. They graze only on grass due to their size and can be fed hay and commercial pellets. Care must be taken not to overfeed them with grains as too much can ferment in the stomach and cause a painful death. African Pygmies are somewhat picky eaters choosing their food by taste and smell. The pygmy goats mostly frolic and can be mischievous and curious. But the good thing about them is that these goats can be tamed and trained to a point very easily. Thus taking a few precautions to "goat-proof" your house can be saved from a lot of mess.

The African pygmy goat is around 18 inches tall, and weighs 40-60 pounds approximately.  They have silver-gray with black markings on the head and black and white markings throughout their bodies. The hair is always smooth and short. Both males and females are horned although female African Pygmies have much shorter horns than males and the shape of the male goat's horns are spiral. The life span of the African Pygmy Goat is usually from 10 to 15 years.