Toggenburg Goat: Characteristics, Facts & Breed Info

The Toggenburg goat (also known as Toggenburger or Togg goat) is the oldest dairy goat in the United States. They originated from the Toggenburg valley in the Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Their name Toggenburg comes from the region where they came from. Keep reading to learn more about them.

History

Before, they were officially recognized as a breed of goat in 1892, and officially registered as a breed of goat in 1901 by a goat association called Club St. Gallen Goat Breeders Association in Switzerland. These goats are the most common goats of Swiss people in the Toggenburg valley and Wenderberg region of Switzerland, where they usually use them for milking.

Origin

Toggenburg goats originated in Switzerland, where they are usually used for milk production.

Toggenburg Goat Characteristics

• They are medium-sized goats.
• They are slightly smaller than other Alpine goat breeds.
• They are sturdy, vigorous, and very alert in appearance.
• Their coat color ranges from light brown to mouse gray, with white markings on their face, lower legs and tail area.
• They have tassels.
• They have wattles.
• They may be horned or polled.
• Their facial profiles are straight or slightly dished, but will never be Roman nose.
• Their ears are erect and carried forward.
• Their udders are well attached and carried high. Which is noted as excellent udder development.
• The average height of their adult bucks is around 28 inches, while for their adult does they are around 26 inches.
• The average weight of their adult bucks is around 150 pounds, while for their adult does they are around 120 pounds.
• They are good for milking.
• They perform better in cooler conditions than tropical conditions.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments.
• Their temperament is usually calm, friendly, quiet, and curious.

Facts

• They can be domesticated.
• They originated in Switzerland.
• They are the oldest dairy goat breed in the United States.
• They usually give twins each time. But triplets are also possible.
• Their lifespan is 8-12 years.
• Their gestation period is 150 days.
• Their milk production per day is 3-4 liters of milk.
• Their milk fat content is 3.2%.
• Their milk generally tastes like a pungent flavor.
• Their usual diets are hays, plants, grasses, grains, weeds, and shrubs.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• They are quiet goats.
• They have a natural foraging instinct.
• They only need a smaller amount of feed requirements.
• Their hardiness is good.
• Their fertility rate is good.
• They can produce a large amount of milk.
• They produce a strong milk flavor.
• Their does have strong maternal instincts.
• Their lactation period can last from 18 to 20 months.
• They can adapt to different types of climates and environments, especially the cold climates and environments.

Cons

• They are escape artists.
• They have a short lifespan.
• They are a bit hard to handle because of their personality.

Uses

The Toggenburg goat is a dairy goat breed. They are mainly raised for milk production, but also good for meat production.

Breed Profile Information

Breed Name	Toggenburg Goat
Other Name	Toggenburger Goat and Togg Goat
Breed Purpose	Milk Production
Uses	Milk, Meat, and Pets
Size	Medium
Height	Adult Bucks 28 inches, Adult Does 26 inches
Weight	Adult Bucks 150 pounds, Adult Does 120 pounds
Horns	They May Be Horned or Polled
Climate Tolerance	All Climates
Colors	Light Brown To Mouse Gray, With White Markings On The Face, Lower Legs, and Tail Area
Life Expectancy	8-12 years
Temperament	Calm, Friendly, Quiet, and Curious
Good for Stall Fed	Yes
Milk Production Per Day	3-4 liters/day
Milk Fat Content	3.2%
Rarity	Common
Country/Place of Origin	Switzerland

Final Thoughts

Toggenburg goats are the oldest dairy goats in the United States. If you want these goats, you can buy them from the breeders at the average price of $300-$600 per goat. But their price may change depending on the situation and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are Toggenburg goats used for? Toggenburg goats are mainly used for milk production. This is where they are good at because they are dairy goats.

Are Toggenburg goats good for milk? The Toggenburg goats are good for milk. They are known to produce a large amount of it. In fact, their milk production per day is 3-4 liters of milk.

How big do Toggenburg goats get? The Toggenburg goats can get an average height of 26-28 inches, with an average weight of 120-150 pounds.

What type of ears do Toggenburg goats have? The type of ears that Toggenburg goats have, are the ears that erect and carried high.

How much do Toggenburg goats cost? The Toggenburg goats can cost around $300-$600 per goat. But their price may change depending on the situation and requirements.

How long do Toggenburg goats live? The Toggenburg goats can live up to 8-12 years.