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Traditional bay Oberhasli doe

Black Oberhasli doe

Oberhasli buck

American Dairy Goat Association


The Oberhasli is a Swiss dairy goat. This breed is a medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. Its color is chamoisee. Does may be black but chamoisee is preferred. Chamoisee is described as: Bay ranging from light to a deep red bay with the latter most desirable. A few white hairs through the coat and about the ears are permitted. Markings are to be: two black stripes down the face from above each eye to a black muzzle; forehead nearly all black, black stripes from the base of each ear coming to a point just back of the poll and continuing along the neck and back as a dorsal stripe to the tail; a black belly and light gray to black udder; black legs below the knees and hocks; ears black inside and bay outside. Bucks often have more black on the head than does, black whiskers, and black hair along the shoulder and lower chest with a mantle of black along the back. Bucks frequently have more white hairs through the coat than does. Ears should be erect and alertly carried. The face is straight or dished. A Roman nose is discriminated against.


American Goat Society


The Oberhasli is a dairy goat found in the Brienzer region of Switzerland near Bern, where it is known as the Oberhasli-Brienzer. It was formerly called the Swiss Alpine in the USA. This breed is of medium size, vigorous and alert in appearance. It is noted for its rich red bay color and quiet, gentle temperament. The natural coat is a uniform red bay, ranging from light red bay to dark red bay; or a solid black in does. Bucks must have the red bay color to be registered.

Minimum markings in the bay Oberhasli are: two black stripes down the face from above each eye to a black muzzle; forehead nearly all black; ears black inside and bay outside; black stripe from the base of each ear coming to a point just back of the poll and continuing along the neck and back as a dorsal stripe; a black belly; black legs below the knees and hocks. The skin, including udder, is light gray to black. A few white hairs through the coat and about the ears and/or nose are permitted. Bucks often have more black on the head than does, black whiskers, and black hair along the shoulders and lower chest with a mantle of black along the back. Bucks frequently have more white hair than does.

Oberhasli heads vary with the most distinctive type being shorter in length than the other Swiss breeds. This head type has a deep jaw and broad muzzle with wide forehead and prominent eyes. The short erect ears are set low and pointed forward. The face is dished or straight.

Mature Oberhasli does should be at least 28" tall at the withers, and should weigh at least 120 pounds. Mature Oberhasli bucks should be at least 30" tall at the withers, and should weigh at least 150 pounds.

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