A reddish-brown Oberhasli goat with black legs standing on straw. — Photo: Silverije, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oberhasli Goat

Capra aegagrus hircus

A reddish-brown Swiss dairy goat breed with black markings, prized for its milk and its sturdy, fearless nature.

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About the Oberhasli Goat

Oberhasli goats come from the Canton of Berne in Switzerland. They are light tan to deep reddish brown with black "points," and they have upright ears and straight faces. Females stand at least 28 inches tall and weigh 120 pounds or more. An Oberhasli can make about 1,600 pounds of milk a year.^[1]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Capra aegagrus hircus^[1]
Size: Females at least 28 inches at the withers. Males about 30 inches.^[1]
Weight: Females 120 pounds or more. Males 150 pounds or more.^[1]
Lifespan: About 10 years.^[1]
Diet: Herbivore. Hay, plants, grain and produce.^[1]
Where it lives: Developed in Switzerland; now kept worldwide, though purebreds are uncommon.^[1]
Babies: Pregnancy lasts 148 to 156 days. Twins or triplets.^[1]

Fun facts

An Oberhasli goat can make about 1,600 pounds of milk in a year.^[1]
The breed was called Swiss Alpine until 1977.^[1]
Hikers who use pack goats often choose Oberhaslis.^[1]

Vocabulary

domesticated: Tamed and raised by people over many generations.
breed: A group of domestic animals that people have raised to share certain traits.
points: Darker coloring on an animal's face, legs and tail.
purebred: An animal whose parents are both the same breed.
pack goat: A goat trained to carry gear on hikes.

See it in person

Zoo AtlantaAtlanta, Georgia · All AnimalsSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Zoo Atlanta. “Oberhasli Goat.” https://zooatlanta.org/animal/oberhasli-goat/ (accessed 2026-10-02)

Facts last checked 2026-10-02.

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