Oberhasli

The Oberhasli is a dairy goat that originated in the mountain cantons of Switzerland. Medium in size, it is recognised by its chamoisee coat, which runs from a light bay to a rich reddish brown, set off by black points on the face, lower legs, belly, and along the spine. Does stand around 71 cm at the withers and weigh approximately 54 kg; bucks are rather larger.

The breed is kept chiefly for milk. Yields are moderate when set against some commercial dairy types, but the milk has a clean, mild flavour that suits drinking and soft cheesemaking. Does are reliable mothers and prove adaptable in the cooler, wetter conditions found across much of Britain, a quality that reflects the breed's origins in alpine terrain.

Amongst the things that draw keepers to the Oberhasli is temperament. These goats are generally quiet and approachable, bonding readily with their handlers. That makes routine work such as milking and foot trimming considerably more straightforward than with more excitable breeds. Small-scale farms, smallholdings, and youth livestock projects all suit the Oberhasli's character.

Who it suits

The Oberhasli is well matched to keepers who want a steady, easy-going dairy animal rather than the highest possible yields. Its even temperament and tolerance of cool, wet weather make it a practical option for British smallholdings and hobby cheesemakers. Those who need large commercial volumes or who keep goats in particularly hot conditions may wish to compare it with heavier-milking alpine types.

The Oberhasli takes its name from a mountainous district in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, where the breed developed alongside other Swiss Alpine dairy types on small mountain farms. The chamoisee colour pattern was a consistent feature of these herds across generations.

Animals of this type were exported to North America in the early twentieth century. For a considerable period they were classified alongside other alpine imports under the broader Alpine heading, which meant the Oberhasli's distinct identity was not formally recognised for some time.

Dedicated breeders eventually traced and selected animals carrying the original Swiss chamoisee markings, breeding true to type to preserve the separate line. The Oberhasli was subsequently acknowledged as a breed in its own right rather than simply a colour form of the Alpine.

Whilst the Oberhasli remains less common in Britain than several other dairy breeds, interest has grown amongst keepers who value its heritage colouring and the quality of its milk. The British Goat Society holds records for the breed and can advise on sourcing registered stock.

The Oberhasli presents a balanced dairy frame: a level back, a deep body, and a well-attached udder in does. The face is straight or mildly dished, the ears stand upright and tip slightly forward, and the animal gives an impression of quiet alertness. Both does and bucks may be horned or disbudded according to the keeper's management system and local regulations.

Coat and colours

The characteristic colour is chamoisee, ranging from a light bay to a deep reddish brown. Black markings appear on the face, with two paler stripes running from above each eye towards the muzzle, and on the lower legs, belly, and as a stripe the length of the spine. The ears are frequently edged or marked with black. Bucks tend to carry more black in the coat than does. The hair is short to medium in length and lies flat against the body.

The Oberhasli is well regarded for its even, gentle temperament. These goats tend to form a settled relationship with their handlers, which makes routine work such as milking and foot trimming considerably easier. They remain observant of their surroundings without being prone to panic, a quality that suits open grazing and varied upland terrain.

With family members, the breed is friendly and tolerant. It is often recommended for households with children and for young people taking part in youth showing events. Amongst strangers, most Oberhasli goats are initially cautious, then settle readily once familiar. They generally integrate well with other goats and farm animals, though herd dynamics and individual characters will still play a part.

The breed is relatively quiet. Oberhasli goats are less inclined to vocalise than some dairy breeds, which is a practical advantage on smaller holdings where noise may be a concern. Curiosity and a capacity for climbing are characteristic of all goats, so secure fencing and adequate environmental enrichment are necessary to prevent escapes and keep the animals occupied.

Grooming

• Brush the short coat weekly to remove loose hair and inspect the skin
• Trim feet every 6 to 8 weeks to prevent overgrowth and lameness
• Check ears, eyes, and coat for parasites during routine handling
• For milking does, keep the udder and flanks clean and clipped as required

Exercise

• Provide daily access to pasture or a generous exercise yard
• Offer climbing structures, logs, or rocks to satisfy natural behaviour
• Fencing should be at least 1.2 to 1.5 m high; goats will test and exploit any weak points
• Rotate grazing to preserve pasture condition and reduce the parasite burden

Environment

The breed's alpine background gives it a good tolerance of cold, but it needs dry, draught-free housing to remain healthy in wet or exposed conditions, which are common across much of Britain. Clean bedding, adequate ventilation, and shade during warm spells are all important, as heat stress is a greater concern than cold for this breed. The Oberhasli is a herd animal and should not be kept alone.

The foundation of the Oberhasli's diet is forage: pasture, browse, and good-quality grass or legume hay. Browse, including shrubs and leafy vegetation, suits their natural grazing behaviour. Milking does and growing kids require additional energy and protein, usually supplied as a measured ration of dairy-goat concentrate. Water must be freely available at all times; milk yields fall quickly when access to water is restricted.

Treats and supplements

Offer treats such as small pieces of fruit or vegetable sparingly, so they do not unbalance the ration. Loose goat minerals with appropriate copper and selenium for your locality are advisable, as deficiencies occur where soils are low in these elements. A salt source and clean water round out daily requirements. Consult a vet or an agricultural adviser before adding supplements for specific health concerns.

The Oberhasli is a robust breed that manages cool and rugged conditions with few difficulties. With good husbandry many animals live between 12 and 18 years, though the most productive milking years are a shorter span within that. Most health problems encountered are those common to dairy goats generally, and the majority are preventable through consistent care, good hygiene, and sound nutrition.

Preventive care

• Schedule faecal worm counts and treat based on results
• Trim feet every 6 to 8 weeks
• Keep vaccinations current in accordance with your vet's advice (clostridial cover is standard in most areas)
• Provide loose minerals appropriate to your area
• Quarantine new animals before introducing them to the herd

Oberhasli does come to sexual maturity within their first year, though most keepers delay breeding until a doe is well grown, usually at 8 to 10 months or once she has reached a suitable bodyweight. The breed is seasonal in its breeding behaviour, cycling through the cooler autumn and early winter months. Gestation is approximately 150 days, or just under five months.

Does usually give birth to one or two kids, with twins being common in mature animals. The Oberhasli has a good reputation for mothering: does typically clean, nurse, and look after their kids with little human intervention. Kids stand and suckle soon after birth, and ensuring they receive colostrum within the first hours is important for establishing passive immunity.

Kids begin to nibble forage within their first few weeks and are generally weaned at around 12 weeks, whether dam-reared or bucket-fed. When selecting bucks for breeding, look for good conformation, sound temperament, and correct chamoisee colouring to maintain the breed's distinctive character.