Best Goat Breeds to Keep as Pets on a Small Homestead

Let’s just put this out there—goats are the absolute best. They’ve got personality, they’re low-key hilarious, and they bring so much life to a homestead, no matter how big or small. When considering the best to keep as pets, it’s vital to understand their quirks and fun-loving nature. I remember when we brought home our very first goats (spoiler alert: we were NOT prepared for their mischief), and now I can’t imagine this farm life without them.

But if you’re thinking about getting goats as pets and not necessarily for dairy, meat, or breeding purposes—then you’re going to want to be a little picky with the breed. Not all goats are cut out for porch naps, snuggles, and being your kid’s sidekick. So today, I’m spilling the grain bucket on the best goat breeds to keep as pets, especially if you’re working with a smaller homestead.

1. Nigerian Dwarf Goats: The Instagram Celebs of Goatdom

If you’ve seen those adorable goats on TikTok wearing sweaters and hopping like caffeinated rabbits, chances are you’ve already met the Nigerian Dwarf (at least digitally). These little cuties are compact, colorful, and ridiculously charming. They max out at around 40–50 pounds, so they’re manageable even if you’re not used to livestock.

Bonus: They’re actually dairy goats, so if you ever want to dip your toe into home milking, they’ve got you covered. But for pet purposes, they are affectionate, intelligent, and will follow you around like a dog.

Pros:

• Tiny and manageable
• Super friendly
• Low maintenance
• Great with kids (both human and goat)

2. Pygmy Goats: Small but Mighty

Pygmy goats are like the clowns of the barnyard. They’re compact, hardy, and full of sass. We once had a pygmy goat who figured out how to open our garden gate. Let’s just say the tomatoes didn’t survive the afternoon.

These goats are pure entertainment. They don’t need much space, making them ideal for backyard homesteads, and they’re usually pretty chill with being handled. They’re not dairy producers like Nigerian Dwarfs, but if you’re looking for personality and companionship, these little ones deliver.

Pros:

• Very small (about 50–70 pounds)
• Playful and curious
• Great for small spaces
• Don’t require milking or trimming udders

3. Miniature Nubians: The Social Butterflies

Take the sweet, calm demeanor of a Nubian and shrink it down a bit—voila, you’ve got a Mini Nubian. These goats are talkers (I mean, really talkers), so be prepared for a daily “conversation” whether you want one or not.

They love people, get along with other animals, and they look like they walked out of a goat fashion magazine with those long floppy ears. If you’ve got kids who want a goat that acts more like a pet than livestock, Mini Nubians are your go-to.

Pros:

• Medium size (but still small enough for a small farm)
• Super affectionate and vocal
• Adorable looks
• Dual-purpose (milk + pet)

4. Kinder Goats: The Best of Both Worlds

These lesser-known gems are a cross between Nubians and Pygmies. They’re friendly, intelligent, and have a medium build—great for someone who doesn’t want a tiny goat but doesn’t have space for a full-size dairy goat either.

Kinder goats can produce a good amount of milk, but they’re also fun-loving and bond well with humans. A couple of ours are basically therapy goats at this point. They just know when you’ve had a rough day and come plop down beside you like “Hey, it’s okay. Let’s just chew cud together.”

Pros:

• Sweet disposition
• Medium size
• Can milk them or just love them
• Great for beginner goat owners

5. Fainting Goats (Myotonic Goats): No, Seriously

Okay, hear me out. Yes, they faint. And no, it’s not mean to find it a little funny (as long as you’re not purposely scaring them). Myotonic goats have a genetic condition that causes their muscles to stiffen when they’re startled. It’s harmless and temporary.

But what makes them great pets is how docile and laid-back they are. They’re gentle, quiet, and usually stay put. If your idea of a pet goat is one that won’t be hopping over the fence and dancing on your car, a fainting goat might be your soulmate.

Pros:

• Chillest goat breed ever
• Easy to handle and contain
• Unique and conversation-starting
• Very affectionate

What to Consider Before Getting Pet Goats

Now before you run off to find a pair of sweater-wearing goats online (don’t worry, I get it), let’s go over a few quick things:

• Companionship: Goats are herd animals. Always get at least two. One lonely goat is a sad goat—and sad goats are loud.
• Fencing: Goats are escape artists. Your fencing needs to be sturdy, tall (at least 4 feet), and without gaps.
• Shelter: A simple three-sided shelter works fine in most climates. Just make sure they have a dry spot to sleep and escape the wind or sun.
• Food: Goats need good-quality hay, fresh water, and sometimes a grain ration. Don’t forget minerals—they’re picky about that stuff.
• Space: Even mini breeds need room to roam, play, and stretch those little legs. A quarter-acre is often plenty for a pair of small goats.

Final Thoughts

Raising goats as pets on a small homestead is 80% joy, 10% chaos, and 10% learning curves you weren’t expecting. Whether you’re snuggling with your Nigerian Dwarf during a snowstorm or chasing your Pygmy goat away from the compost bin (again), there’s something magical about sharing your life with these quirky, lovable animals.

So if you’re wondering whether goat ownership is right for you, I say: Just do it!!!!! Start small, choose the right breed for your family and space, and prepare to laugh way more than you thought a farm animal could make you laugh.

And don’t forget—the first time you hear a goat scream because you left the pen without saying goodbye, you’ll officially know you’re one of us now.