Alison Fontan breeds mini goats, companion toy goats, in the Bordeaux region. Active on social media, the self-described "goatfluencer" has over 350,000 followers on TikTok. In her videos, little goats with blue eyes and soft fur bleat in a field. Their endearing cries capture the attention of internet users. Demand for these animals, which measure between 30 and 50 centimeters at the withers, has left her order book completely full for the next two years. The price depends on the miniature goat's size, color and rarity.
"My goats are not pains au chocolat," she said on her website. Concerned about her animals' well-being, she personally delivers them to her customers to ensure that they end up in good hands. "One day, a customer lied to me and I realized that he was living with a mini goat in a Parisian apartment." To prevent "impulse buys," she makes people aware of the responsibility involved in owning one of these animals.
"Well, I caved in. I wanted a horse, then a dog, so here we are... This is where we've ended up." In a video posted on TikTok, viewed more than 6.7 million times, actor Pierre Niney, crouching in the grounds of his country house, announced that he had adopted a miniature donkey. He added, "In 48 hours, he'll be sleeping in my bedroom, I think."
This trend hasn't escaped Anthony Ré, singer turned miniature animal breeder in the Dordogne. "Videos of baby cows from the United States have boosted demand for miniature animals in France. I get a lot of calls. But I also get a lot of twisted messages like 'How much for the critter?'." Alongside his work as a salesman, this farmer's son breeds several species of small animals. He selects dexter short legs, black cows measuring 80 centimeters at the withers. Females sell for €1,000, males for €500. "For the past two years, they've been reserved before they're even born." His customers include educational farms, wildlife parks and private individuals. Supply does not match demand. "There are very few miniature cow breeders in France," said Ré. "I do it because I love these animals, I like working with colors and finding breeds. However, it doesn't make any money."
Mini cows, mini goats, mini donkeys and mini pigs: Since the 1990s, the farm's traditional menagerie has been available in a downsized format. Behind the scenes, passionate breeders advocate for these animals, usually derived from natural breeds. "The miniature goat wasn't created by humans; it adapted to its environment and became miniature over time," explained Fontan. "No process contrary to common sense and my animals' well-being is used to reduce their size or engage in productivism."
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