"Pygmy Goat Personality Profiles","

I wonder what their pygmy brains are thinking as they wander around the pasture and walk along the pond.


I've paid some attention to four areas of pygmy behavior: language, battling, affection, and differentiation.
 Eventually, if generalized theories of pygmy behavior can be developed, it might be worthwhile to gather more concrete data in addition to the current set of notes.


Their role in life as prey rather than predators seems to inform much of their behavior.
"" The weakest pygmies are always the one's that the predators attack first.
""

On Language

So far I've found at least five distinct sounds.


First, there is a separation call that they use whenever one goat wanders away from the herd.


Second, there is a recognition call generally associated with positive expectations.
 They'll also make this call if we're going for a walk, as they love to wander around the property.
 They know I don't get up on time every morning so it's muted at breakfast.


Fourth, there is a little ""meep, meep, meep"" call they make deep in their throats when they're readying themselves for battle.


Fifth, and saddest, there is a very loud, higher pitched, continuous call which either means ""I am hurt"" or ""I think I am hurt.
 Sally, in particular, kicks her legs in all directions and screams like a little baby as soon as the orange clipper is unsheathed.
 Sally was then able to observe my high pitched, continuous, cursing behavior.
 I'm sure there is an element of this, but they seem to really enjoy smashing foreheads.
 Their fur stands straight up on their backs, a traditional sign of anger, while they are battling, but it seems to be puffery more than enmity.


Social Affection and Herd Bonding

The pygmy's generous use of social affection to support bonding within the herd is one of the most endearing aspects of their behavior.
 They regularly engage in this behavior with each other.
 There is a lot of touching going on in pygmy land, but asexual in the case of our herd.


Personality Differentiation

We only have four pygmy goats, so this is clearly anecdotal not dispositive, but I believe we can ignore any fear of specious anthropomorphism and conclude that these pygmies have personalities that are wildly differentiated and wildly entertaining.
 Charlie dominates the herd with size and muscle.
 Given this, he still lets Ella lead when something new is afoot.
 Jack is stalwart and undemanding, taking what life brings him.


One could go on, but clearly there is not one genetic mold stamping out identical neural pathways.


Further Study

Additional work remains to be done in several areas, but time is money and pygmies are a parsimonious lot who pay little for unscientific monographs.


Their intelligence relative to other pets would be a particularly fruitful area for more analysis.
 Like cats, even though they seem to understand certain commands, they seem entirely disinclined to sit, shake or rollover.