Originating in Switzerland and taking its name from the district of Obertoggenburg, and being the most numerous type of goat in that area, this ancient and popular breed has been widely exported throughout the world. It was particularly popular in Great Britian from 1884 to1905, being the first of the Swiss breeds to arrive there. Toggenburgs are the most numerous breeds in the USA, where they have held their popularity to the present day. The ancestors of the Australian Toggenburg were imported from Great Britain in 1947. They have adapted well to our moderate climatic regions, in which they do equally well as house goats or on free range, holding their place as good milk producers in larger herds.

Between 1947 to1953, twenty Toggenburgs were imported from the Northmoor Stud in England, of which only three were Pure Toggenburgs, the remainder being of British Toggenburg origin, a rangy larger type.

The highest production for an Australian Toggenburg for 24 hours is held by Stoora Signorita * with 9.30 kgs (9.03 litres). The highest yearly production is held by R304 Murrungowar Jeneva *Q*3 with yield of 3047 kgs (2958 litres) in 365 days and was recorded in the 1999/2000 season.

General Appearance

A robust dairy type, active and vigorous, well proportioned with strong backline straight to the hips. Full chested with large deep wedge shaped body. Well boned strong straight legs. Coat colour may be from light fawn to dark chocolate with white facial stripes from eyes to muzzle, around edges of ears, on legs from knee and hocks to feet, on rump and tail. Ideal height for does 79 cm, bucks 90 cm.Toggenburg Doe

Recommended Reading