Description

he Toggenburg goat originates from the Toggenburg Valley in the Swiss Canton of St. Gall. The Toggenburg breed is known as the oldest and purest breed of goats in Switzerland. Toggenburg goats were first introduced to England in 1884 and later, in 1893, William A. Shafer of Ohio imported 4 purebred Toggenburgs into the United States. By 1921, there had been enough importation of Toggenburg goats to establish a foundation stock in the US. Toggenburgs were the first breed of goats registered in the United States.

Toggenburg goats are one of the smaller Swiss breeds, but in recent years breeders have tended to breed for larger animals. Typically they are very deer-like in appearance. Breed standards indicate they must be a shade of brown with definitive white markings on their head, rump and legs. The Toggenburgs are hardy, alert and consistent breeders that can maintain a long lactation. Mammaries are usually well attached and globular.