[4]: 416 Between about 1930 and 1960 a variety of small goats of the West African Dwarf group of breeds were imported from Africa to the United States to be exhibited in zoos.

[4]: 399 The Nigerian Dwarf is small but well-proportioned; its conformation resembles that of larger dairy goats.

[4]: 399  The average weight is approximately 35 kg (75 lb), while maximum height is about 60 cm (24 in) for males and slightly less for females;[4]: 399  stock bred for dairy performance may be rather larger than show or companion animals.

[8] The gestation period is in the range 145–153 days;[8] the twinning rate is high, and triplet and quadruplet births are not uncommon.

[2] The milk is high in butterfat and protein, averaging 6.5% and 3.9% respectively,[9]: 284  and is suitable for making cheese and butter.