Description

The Alpine goat of international renown, present in commercial systems worldwide. Although many modern Swiss breeds are technically Alpine dairy goats developed in particular regions of the Alps, the breed known as the Alpine dairy goat or French Alpine goat was initially developed in France. While few male goats find a role in the dairy industry, wethers are now finding their niche in human society. Their physical and social traits (large and strong build, agility, trainability, and acceptance of human companionship) make them valued trekking companions. They can even learn to carry packs if trained while young.

Origin

The Alpine type originated in the Alps in Europe, where they’ve resided for thousands of years. Goats would’ve arrived with pastoral migrants from the Middle East around 6,000 years ago. Indeed, archaeological evidence has dated farming communities in Greece and the Balkans from around 6,500 years ago from where they moved northwards over the following 2,000 years. Prehistoric leather clothing containing goat DNA discovered in the Italian Alps on the Austrian border was dated at around 5,300 years old. Another piece of goat leather from the Swiss Alps was dated at around 4,200 years old. As domestic goats derive from wild species from the Middle East, these samples must come from domesticated herds.