Australian Miniature Goat Breed Types

The Miniature Goat Breeders Association of Australia recognises four breed types.
You can view more information and photos on the individual Miniature Goat Breed types by selecting the below Pages by clicking on the link on the breed circle above to the right.

ELF - Short ear
PIXIE - Upright ear
MUNCHKIN - Folded ear
NUWBY- Pendulous ears

Each Australian Miniature Goat breed has it's own unique characteristics that differentiates it from the next. Although each Breed is predominantly based on ear type, they are slightly different in body shape and length of leg. Facial profile is also slightly different when compared.

Each Goat is Classified for Breed Type when it reaches 3yrs of age, using photographs sent in with it's registration application (or 3yr adult registration). Classification also takes into account the parents of an animal (when registered), with offspring expected to show similar characteristics to their parent/s.
When an Australian Miniature Goat is produced that has characteristics that cannot be accredited to either parent, i.e. polled offspring from two naturally horned parents, blue eyed offspring from two normal eyed parents, elf ears from two Nuwby parents, then the grandparents are considered. If the Breeder runs more than one buck on the property, especially one of the type produced, then DNA may be required to confirm the listed parentage.

It is recommended that Miniature Goat Breeders choose the type that they would like to breed, then carefully select animals with the characteristics that they need to produce animals meeting the Breed Standard of Excellence for that type.

Sometimes, however, it is necessary to cross the different breed types, or use animals with less than perfect characteristics, to introduce or strengthen conformation, round off or compact body shape, breed in or out hair, 'perfect' temperament or height, in a line of animals. Crossing of types, if necessary, should be done in the lower Grades to reduce the chances of "throw-backs" being produced in the higher Grades.