An ancient alpine breed from the Swiss canton of Valais, instantly recognizable for being jet black on the front half and white on the back half, with a long shaggy coat. A hardy multi-purpose mountain goat kept for milk, meat, fiber, vegetation management and increasingly as a striking pet.
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Large, stocky goat. Bucks ~85 cm and does ~75 cm at the withers; bucks at least 75 kg, does at least 55 kg. Both sexes horned, with long (40-50 cm) shaggy hair.
Lifespan
12–15 years
Social needs
group
Native region
Switzerland
Family
Bovidae
Genus
Capra
Part of the Goat breeds
Recognized goat breeds — selectively bred for type, purpose, and appearance.
From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
Photo coming soon
Minimum
Pair + browse + climbing
2+ goats / 0.25 ac dry-lot + 3-sided shed + 5 ft fence
Goats are herd browsers — keep at least two with climbing, browse, minerals, and clean dry shelter. Swiss alpine heritage goat with the distinctive half-black/half-white coat — hardy, mountain-bred.
Photo coming soon
Recommended
Rotational paddock
0.5 ac per goat + barn + rotation
Rotational paddocks reduce parasite load; barn for kidding/shelter.
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
Photo coming soon
Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
Photo coming soon
Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
Photo coming soon
Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
A robust mountain breed suited to steep terrain and cold climates; it needs ample pasture or alpine browse plus a dry, draft-free but well-ventilated shelter. The long coat tolerates cold and snow well but means good airflow and dry bedding are essential to prevent skin and coat problems. Sturdy fencing is needed as these are active, agile climbers. Best kept in a herd.
Diet
Free-ranging browse, alpine herbage and good pasture form the bulk of the diet, supplemented with grass or legume hay in winter. Provide loose goat-specific minerals (with copper and selenium) and constant fresh water. Grain only for lactating or late-pregnant does and growing kids; the breed thrives on a forage-based diet.
Behavior & temperament
Lively, hardy, sure-footed and independent, with a temperament that can be more spirited than dairy breeds; calm with regular handling. Traditionally multi-purpose, providing milk, meat and a coarse fiber, and valued today for landscape and brush management as well as showing and pets. Both sexes carry impressive saber-shaped horns.
Health
Generally hardy and disease-resistant, adapted to harsh alpine conditions. The dense long coat requires attention to external parasites (lice, mites) and matting; keep animals dry to avoid skin disease and hoof rot. As a numerically limited heritage breed, careful breeding to maintain genetic diversity is important. Standard goat concerns apply: internal parasites, CAE, CL, and copper/selenium balance.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Provide secure, tall fencing and enrichment such as rocks or platforms to satisfy their climbing instinct. Groom the long coat periodically and check for parasites and matting, especially around the belly and legs. Trim hooves regularly given the heavy build. Source from recognized breeders or herd-book stock to support conservation of this old breed.
