They have very strong hooves, meant primarily for climbing. Generally, they attain a height of no more than 18 inches. An adult male may reach a weight of 90 lbs and an adult female may reach a weight of 70 lbs. Males and females may have horns or can be homless. Both sexes may have two skin appendages at the throat, called wattles.
Females are slightly smaller than the males, and their udders have only two nipples.
Both males and females can have beards. In Africa, pygmy goats are often herded long distances, due to scarce pasture land. In the zoo, they are fed hay and pellets. Pygmy goats will give birth to one or two young. However, in rare cases, a female will give birth to three young.