About MDGA

The Miniature Dairy Goat Association

was established in 1996 to recognize and provide registry services for breeders who have been raising goats bred from original crosses of purebred standard dairy goats and Nigerian Dwarf goats. The progeny of these first generation have demonstrated consistency of size, type and dairy conformation. This uniformity of type and the belief that a useful, mid-size dairy goat represents a needed resource in the goat industry, led to the foundation of the miniature dairy goat breeds.

MDGA is a privately owned registry that is also responsive to its membership. Changes in breed standards, scorecards and other rules influencing the character of the miniature breeds will be placed in effect as need arises with input from the membership. All changes regarding the registry's business, such as fees and publications, will be at the sole discretion of MDGA.

Membership in MDGA entitles each member to have a voice in any decision made, reduced fees, as well as a listing on the MDGA web site. Each registered herd (those who have paid for a herdname registration) whose owner is also a current member, can be placed on a Breeder's List. This list will be updated regularly and included in the MDGA information packet or sent to all who request if for free. Members will also be given the opportunity to advertise in any newsletters that MDGA publishes. Membership fees and newsletter advertisement costs will be used by MDGA to place advertisements in goat and farming publications, and to defray the cost of publications.

Other services provided by MDGA are Advanced Registry for goats who meet the minimum standards for production tests. DHIA as well as in-house testing program are available with either 305 or one day testing.

MDGA has show sanctions with rosettes designed for MDGA, and permanent grand championships for animals who win three times at official sanctioned shows. Judges licensed by ADGA or AGS are acceptable for judging official MDGA shows as well as a qualified breeder. MDGA has a virtual goat show program especially for people who can't attend in live shows (others are welcome too of course!).

MDGA represents a friendly, dedicated group of breeders who appreciate the need for miniature dairy goat breeds. Our pledge to members is to maintain an efficient, responsive registry service. We hope to provide the necessary networking between breeders that will make the development of these breeds a success. Our goal is to help breeders of miniature dairy goats receive the recognition these goats truly deserve.

Join MDGA and Join the List

Members only news list is open to all members of MDGA.

This list is just for the members of the Miniature Dairy Goat Association to discuss issue pertaining to the breeding and registration of the Mini goats.

We will use this list for member input and discussion on breed standards, changes in policy, showing the minis, DHIA for minis and any other topic of interest for the mini breeder.

This list will be monitored to insure the discussions remain friendly. Everyone can have a voice that will be taken into consideration for any possible changes in the MDGA policy.

Join to have a voice in the association. Go to

MDGA_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to join. Leave a message with your name .

FOR MEMBERS of MDGA ONLY

SELECTING A HERD NAME

Selecting a herd name can be fun but you need to choose carefully. As lovely as the name Dances With White Doves and Brave Eagles may be, it will not fit into a 35 space allowed for an animals' name. Such a long name could be used for a farm logo.

When selecting a herd name, be sure to leave enough spaces available for selection of a unique name for your animal. A shorter herd name will give you room to be creative. An example would be: My Goats (herd name) Whispering Willow. Remember that you must count the spaces too as part of the 35 spaces. With only 24 spaces used, it will allow you to get creative in the future. Example: My Goats Whispering Willow Image.

Also, give thought to how others will see your name. As cute as Stinky Acres may seem at the time, is it what you really want people to associate with those lovely miniatures that you plan to breed and raise?

Herd Names can be registered for $10 and only you will be allowed to use it. If you don't have a registered name, "THE" will be added will be added to the front of your chosen name. If you should use someone else's registered herd name, you will be contacted for a name change.