Origin

Toggenburgs are a popular breed of dairy goat in Australia. It originated in Obertoggenberg, Switzerland and was the first officially recognised breed of dairy goats.

Toggenburgs were first officially introduced into Australia by several private breeders in the mid 1940s. These came from British Toggenburg stock and more were imported in small numbers in the following few years. Grading-up, using the other Alpine breeds within Australia (particularly Saanen), is widely practised.

Breed characteristics

Toggenburgs do not generally produce as much milk as the Saanen breed but have consistently good udders and are known for their persistent milk production over long periods. Fat yield is usually between 3% and 4%.

The breed performs at its best in cooler conditions and it is reported to be the least suited of the dairy breeds to tropical conditions.

Toggenburgs are a compact, robust, dairy-type animal.. They are usually slightly smaller than the other Alpine breeds. The does weigh at least 55 kg. The average height, measured at the withers, is about 79 cm for does and 90 cm for bucks.
Colour varies from deep chocolate brown to pale fawn and the coat is generally short and fine though longer coats are common. Toggenburgs have white or cream markings on various parts of their body. These markings may fade with age. Horns and tassels may or may not be present at birth. The ears are erect and point slightly forward. The muzzle is generally broad.

Toggenburgs have a decided personality and character, are very alert and extremely active. As a breed, they tend to group together and respond well to training, so therefore adapt easily to machine milking.

The Toggenburg Doe

The high-producing Toggenburg doe should also be an efficient reproducer. She should have a mild temperament and appear alert and feminine

The Toggenburg Buck

The Toggenburg buck’s ability should be gauged by his reproductive performance and the quality and performance of his offspring. The buck should have good conformation and depth of body, be masculine but not coarse in appearance, and have vigour. He should be strong though not heavily boned, and have good firm legs.

The testicles should be of good size, well balanced and firm. The scrotum should be well placed, not divided, and allow the testes to hang away from the body (not excessively).