Origin

The British Alpine breed was developed in Britain by crossing local goats with Alpine goats imported from Switzerland in 1903.Grading-up using Saanen and Toggenburg does is widely practised.

Breed characteristics

British Alpine does are medium to heavy milk pro

ducers. Fat yield is usually between 3% and 4%.

British Alpines are best suited to temperate climates, and are reported to perform poorly in areas of high humidity.

The British Alpine is a tall, rangy and graceful dairy-type animal. The average height, measured at the withers, is about 83 cm for does and 95 cm for bucks. The breed is similar to the Saanen in structure and the Toggenburg in markings.

British Alpines are black in colour and the coat is generally short, fine and glossy, although bucks may have longer hair. They have white or cream markings on various parts of the 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 squarish. British Alpines are very independent and tend to stay with their own breed. They are excellent foragers and have good jumping ability.

The British Alpine Doe
 

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

The British Alpine Buck
 

The British Alpine 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 not be heavily built.