About the Breed

Australian Miniature Goat Association Inc
(AMGA)

Official Breed Association of the Australian Miniature Goat

Meet the Australian Miniature Goat

History: The Australian Miniature goat breed has been in development for approximately ten years. The number of breeders and availability of stock has grown steadily over the years. In 2007, it can still be difficult to obtain genuinely good quality proven stock at reasonable prices. Whilst small stock is available, it is more difficult to obtain proven genetically small animals who also carry the correct genetic make up to pass on to their progeny. The AMGA is committed to working with breeders to assist in procuring good base stock. Obtaining a good quality buck still remains the biggest obstacle to the miniature breeder although some breeders are working to produce quality buck lines.

Appearance: The Australian Miniature Goat is a genetically small animal. Its conformation is similar to that of the larger breeds, with all parts of the body in balanced proportion relative to its size. They are hardy, alert animals with impeccable temperaments that come in all colours and colour combinations. Their recommended height range is from 43.2 to 58.5cm (17” to 23”) for Grades A, B, C and PUREBRED animals and up to 63.5cm (25”) for Grade D. The Australian Miniature Goat is recognised in three breed types Minikin, Nuwby and Sheltie in Type 1 and five types in Type 2 Pixie, Munchkin, Nuwby, Sheltie and Elf.

Acquiring Animals: Goats are very affectionate animals and do not like being alone so it is recommended that two or more be kept. It is important that you tell the Breeder/ Seller how you intend to keep the goat, as animals need to be matched to their owners and to their living conditions. The general appearance and health of the animal should be good; they should appear friendly and alert and have gentle and docile temperaments. Horns are often troublesome but they can make it easier to handle them, however only dehorned/disbudded goats are recommended as pets, particularly for children. Teeth are only found on the bottom jaw and should be in good condition. Animals can be purchased as "hand reared bottle babies" from about two weeks of age or from weaner age onwards.

Buyers should obtain details of breeding and pedigree from Breeders and sizes of parents and siblings. It is highly desireable that you can view parents/siblings. Wethers (desexed males) make the best pets, as they do not come into season like females and they do not stink like bucks (males). If you would prefer females so you can breed, keep two females or one female and a companion wether rather than a buck as entire male bucks are often smelly and can be unpredictable even if they are very small in size. Some Breeders accept "outside" does for service and will put them in kid for a stud fee, (prices vary depending on the size and grade of the male).

Temperament and Training: Goats, in general, are one of the most intelligent breeds of livestock. These animals love human companionship and will often form close bonds with their family, including other pets, although they need constant companionship so it is always best to keep at least two. Appropriate food rewards work well in teaching them and early education is by far the best. Miniature goats can be taught to lead, stand up, jump up,come, shake hooves - a lot of things that a dog can, although they are not as motivated as dogs for human approval. Handlers should strive towards maintaining a reasonable level of discipline and use common sense when "trick" training. Miniature goats should not be encouraged to play rough games and it is not recommended that they be left with children unsupervised.

Housing & Fencing: Hinge joint or chain wire fencing is great, with the smaller squares (on hinge joint) toward the ground. Some breeders have used electric fencing with various degress of success. These little animals rarely jump over fences however they are capable of squeezing under or through the smallest of gaps. Goats are inquisitive and resourceful and no matter how beautiful you make things inside their fenced areas, they will always want to check out whatever is on the other side of the fence so will test every inch for weakness. Goats must also have some form of weatherproof shelter so they can get out of the cold and wet (they hate getting stuck in the rain!) and should always have access to fresh clean water.

Maintenance: Miniature goats require little additional feeding when grass, weeds and bush is readily available. Fresh hay should be supplied where grazing/browsing is unavailable or limited. One biscuit of hay will generally feed three miniature goats for one day. Small amounts of grain may also be given. Fruit and vegetables such as carrot, pumpkins and raisins are also enthusiastically accepted (no stone fruits).

Health issues: Regular worm treatment for internal parasites, an annual vaccination (available from your local veterinarian) and hoof trimming are generally the only health requirements needed unless you obtain a Sheltie type with a non shedding coat who will also need to be shorn/clipped once or twice a year. Faults to be aware of include; hermaphrodite or intersex (both male and female), twisted face, pronounced over or underbite, any severe leg deformities etc.

Breeding: Miniature goats are often seasonal breeders. Pairing often occurs in late summer through early winter. The Female will often come into season when the male goat is introduced. The female has an 18-21 day oestrus cycle or "season." The doe's "season" usually lasts from a few hours to a day or so. The gestation period is five months. Twins are common, single or triplet births are not rare.

Ideal Owner: Their small size makes them very easy to manage, very easy to keep and they require much less space in comparison to their larger counterparts. They are great for people living in alternative lifestyles, subsistence or hobby farmers, small acreages etc. They are cheaper to keep than a dog and are quite happy to be left "out the back" provided they have fresh water and access to plenty of browse - grass/weeds/shrubs. It is not recommended to keep a goat on its own, or in the 'suburbs' where yards can be too small and the goat/s become bored, destructive and noisy which may be an issue with close neighbours.

More Information/Contacts: Check out the AMGA Buyers Barn and Breeders websites can be accessed from the Members page.

All text and images contained herein are owned by and are copyright © 2005-7 Australian Miniature Goat Association Inc (AMGA). None of the contents of this site may be reproduced or republished except where written permission is given by the AMGA.