The Toggenburg goat is the oldest known dairy goat breed. It was originated from the Toggenburg valley in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. And the breed was named after the region in Switzerland, from where the breed originated.
Today there are more than three hundred goat breeds available throughout the world. And among these goat breeds, the Toggenburg goat is considered the oldest breed. The nickname of the breed is Togg.
The breed was officially recognized in Switzerland in 1892. As of 2006, there were 850 goats found in the Toggenburg Valley and the Werdenberg region. And total 3000 goats in Switzerland, which is down from 20000 in the 1950s.
4146 Toggenburg goats had been registered with the New Zealand Dairy Goat Breeders Association by the middle of 2002.
The club St. Gallen Goat Breeders Association, registers the breed and that was founded in 1901. The Verein Ziegenfreunde was formed to protect the breed and unite breed owners.
Toggenburg Goat Full Breed Information
The Toggenburgs were the first goat breed from Switzerland to reach United Kingdom, arriving in England in 1884. And the breed underwent a development program when introduced to the United Kingdom. Resulting the British Toggenburg goats, which are heavier and have improved milk quality.
The Toggenburg goat is also available outside of it’s place of origin, actually today the breed is available throughout the world. Read more information about this goat breed below.
Characteristics
The Toggenburg goat is a medium sized animal. They are sturdy, vigorous and very alert in appearance. They have soft, fine, short or medium length hair and their hair is laying flat. Their color is solid, varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade.
Toggenburg goats possess a general Swiss Marked pattern with various dilutions, and there are distinct white markings on their body. Distinct white markings of the Toggenburg goat are as follows: white ears with dark spot in middle; hind legs white from hocks to hooves; forelegs white from knees downward with a dark line below knee acceptable; two white stripes down the face from above each eye to the muzzle; a white triangle on either side of the tail.
Wattles are often present in Toggenburg goat breed, which is a small rudimentary nubs of skin located on each side of the neck. And white spot may be present at root of wattles or in that area if no wattles are present.
Their face may be straight or dished but will not have what is called as the Roman nose. They have erect ears which are carried forward.
The Toggenburg does have well developed udder, and they are also noted for their excellent udder development. On average, a mature Toggenburg buck weights about 68-91 kg and a doe weights at least 55 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Uses
Toggenburg goat is a very old dairy goat breed. They are mainly used for milk production. But also good for meat production.
Special Considerations
The Toggenburg goats are usually friendly in behavior, and are generally quiet and gentle in temperament. Although they are classed as dairy goats, but they are also good for raising as pets mainly for their friendly and calm nature and good personality.
Toggenburg goat is considered as a very hardy goat breed, and it is often extremely curious and inquisitive animal. Crosses with meat goat breeds, such as Boer or Kalahari Red goat can add better growth rates to their kids, offering a milking line to the kids of meat goats.
The Toggenburgs are not among the best dairy goats compared to their body size. They are moderate milk producers, and their milk is relatively low in butterfat content, about 3 percent fat and 2.7 percent protein. Review full breed profile of the Toggenburg goat in the following table.
| Breed Name | Toggenburg |
| Other Name | Togg |
| Breed Purpose | Milk |
| Breed Size | Medium |
| Buck | About 68-91 kg |
| Doe | At least 55 kg |
| Horns | No |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | Light fawn to dark chocolate |
| Good for Stall Fed | Not sure |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Switzerland |
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about Toggenburg goat. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about this goat breed. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
Is Toggenburg goat farming profitable?
Yes, raising these goats commercially is a profitable business. You can start this business for making money.
How to start Toggenburg goat farming business?
Starting a goat farming business with Toggenburgs is very easy and simple. Just select a good farm location, purchase good quality goats, feed them well and take good care of them.
What are the characteristics of Toggenburg goat?
The Toggenburg goat is a medium sized animal. They are sturdy, vigorous and very alert in appearance. They have soft, fine, short or medium length hair and their hair is laying flat. Their color is solid, varying from light fawn to dark chocolate with no preference for any shade. The does have well developed udder, and they are also noted for their excellent udder development. On average, a mature buck weights about 68-91 kg, and a doe weights at least 55 kg.
Are Toggenburg goats good for milk?
Yes, the Toggenburg is a very good milk goat breed. It is noted for it’s high milk production and the milk is rich in high fat content.
How bid does a Toggenburg goat get?
On average, a mature buck weights about 68-91 kg, and a doe weights at least 55 kg.
How much milk does a Toggenburg doe produce?
Generally, a good quality Toggenburg doe can produce around or up to 2-3 liter milk daily.
How long does a Toggenburg goat live?
Average lifespan of a Toggenburg goat is around or up to 12 years.
How do you identify a Toggenburg goat?
Identifying a Toggenburg goat is very easy and simple. Actually, Toggenburgs are smaller than most dairy goat breeds, sturdily built with strong legs and an elongated body. The forehead is wide, muzzle broad, and facial profile straight or slightly dished. Polled individuals are common; otherwise horns curve upwards and backwards.
