MINIATURE GOATS IN AUSTRALIA

Australian Miniature Goats are genetically small animals. They are a "Designer Breed" predominantly based on ear structure and shape.

Although Australian Miniature Goats are not scaled down versions of their larger counterparts, their conformation is similar to that of the larger breeds, with all parts of the body in balanced proportion relative to their size. They are hardy, alert animals with impeccable temperaments that come in all colours and colour combinations.

An Australian Miniature Goat is considered to be; an Australian bred animal, not exceeding 53.3cm (21”) in height (ideally), that meets the breed standard requirements and has at least 5 generations of “miniature” breeding behind it. Such an animal would qualify as a Herd book purebred having two parents that would qualify for purebred status. An animal meeting all the requirements is technically an Australian Miniature Goat (as described in MGBA Rules) regardless of its registration status.

Many long standing, MGBA Breeders have been producing quality animals that are meeting the requirements of each new generation. Occasionally an animal will grow taller than expected, but this is to be expected at such an early stage in the Breeds development, especially when larger animals are being used to bring in the required types and when using animals with unknown backgrounds. Creation of the Australian Miniature Goat using MGBA standards is obtainable. Standards were created and modified with the help of many reputable Foundation Breeders to promote the development of the Breed. The aim was to create standards that any knowledgeable person could easily follow, using animals that were not unobtainable and to develop a Grading system similar to other accepted livestock grading up systems, that would continually support a breeding program in which each new generation would meet the steadily reducing height requirements.