Unlike the USA where the Pygmy Goat Standard only allows for a set number of colours and patterns (see Traditional Colours below), the breed standards in Australian Associations allows for any colour or pattern due to the predominantly Australian Miniature Goat genetics that are being used to develop the breed here. In some cases other breeds such as Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian and Angoras have been used which has also influenced the coat and eye colours in Australia.
Australian Colours and Patterns
All colours and patterns (and mix of colours/patterns) are currently accepted. These include, but are not limited to:
- Traditional American Pygmy Goat colours, patterns and markings
- Solid colours: black, white, all shades of brown, grey, tan, gold and red
- Agouti and ticking over any colour
- Moonspots
- Colour patches
- Swiss Markings
- Chamoisee pattern
- Cou clair
- Buckskin
Traditional American Pygmy Goat Patterns and Colours
In contrast, the American Breed Standard is very strict on allowable colours, patterns and required markings as these are all deemed an integral part of the long established breed characteristics (much like spots on Dalmatians or the black colour of Friesian horses).
SOLID BLACK (no other solid colours allowed)
- Body Colour: Solid black with solid black stockings.
- Required Markings: None.
- Optional Markings: White patches or bellybands between point of elbow and stifle joint.
BLACK
- Body Colour: Solid black with solid black stockings.
- Required Markings: White accents on eyes, ears, muzzle and crown.
- Optional Markings: White patches or bellybands between point of elbow and stifle joint; White accent on tail.
AGOUTI
- Body Color:
- Black and Grey Agouti: Black and white hairs mixed, ranging from grizzled to nearly solid, with black stockings.
- Brown Agouti: Brown and white hairs mixed, ranging from grizzled to nearly solid, with brown stockings darker than body colour.
- Required Markings for All Agoutis:
- (a) White accents on eyes, ears, muzzle and crown mixed with body colour hairs.
- (b) Face and forehead darker than body color.
- Optional Markings:
- (a) White patches or bellybands between point of elbow and stifle joint.
- (b) Dorsal stripe darker than body color.
- (c) Grizzling on the body.
- (d) White accented tail.
CARAMEL
- Body Color:
- Caramel with Required Black Markings: Any shade from white to dark tan.
- Caramel with Required Brown Markings: Any shade from white to dark tan.
- Required Markings for All Caramels:
- (a) White accents on eyes, ears, muzzle and crown, maybe mixed with body colour hairs.
- (b) Vertical stripes in the centre of the socks at the front matching the body colour.
- (c) Black or brown accents on sides and rear of socks and dorsal stripe.
- (d) In bucks the martingale is accented in black or brown.
- (e) Black face accents; amount varies by age and gender.
- Optional Markings:
- (a) White patches or bellybands between point of elbow and stifle joint.
- (b) Martingale accent in black or brown is optional for Does.