Oberhasli goats were first imported to the United States in the early 1900s. The breed was initially called the Swiss Alpine. In 1977, the breed name Oberhasli was adopted, and registration records were separated from the Alpines. This evolution of the breed’s name and identification has been one reason that its population in the United States has remained fairly small. There were a few people that were fundamental in breeding Oberhasli’s, Ester Oman (Herdname: Patterswiss and Play Fair), Judy Stuckey and Lib Zabriskie. You can find a nice history of Oberhasli’s here.
The Oberhasli is alert in appearance with a friendly, gentle disposition. Mature goats are medium in size. Bucks range in height from 30–34″, and does 28–32″, with weights of 100–150 pounds. While the does are a dependable source of milk, bucks and wethers are also useful as pack animals because of their strength and calm demeanor. Some goat packers prefer Oberhaslis because they are said to be less fearful of water and other trail obstacles than are other breeds.
The breed’s color pattern is called chamoisee. Goats are brown, with hues between light tan and deep reddish brown, and have black points. Two black stripes from the eyes to the black muzzle give a distinctive facial appearance. The forehead is nearly all black, and black stripes run from the base of each ear to a point just behind the poll and continue along the neck and back to the tail as a dorsal stripe. The Oberhasli has a black belly and light gray to black udder. The legs are black below the knees and hocks and the ears are black on the inside. The Oberhasli face is straight with no evidence of a Roman nose. The breed is well known internationally, and it is relatively numerous in Switzerland.
Oberhasli’s are on the “Recovering” list according to the American Livestock Breed Conservatory.
Here at Quartz Ridge Ranch, we have have two does and a buck.
DOB: 2/15/2007
Sire: Sir Echo Jasmine’s Boy (S: Redtail Ridge Oniya’s Balzli x D: Mornim’s Jasper Jasmine)
Dam: Retail Ridge Laze (S: Redtail Ridge Lark’s Zeus x D: Redtail Ridge Oniya’s Lanai)
Won Jr Grand Champion
Plymouth, Ca 5-1-10
Photo Courtesy C.L.G. Farms © 2011
DOB: 3/23/2010
Sire: Sir Echo Jackson (S: Sir Echo Loveys Red Hornet x Sir Echo Redji)
Dam: C.L.G. Farms Bella (S: Sir Echo Jasmine’s Boy x D: Redtail Ridge Laze)
Photo Courtesy C.L.G. Farms © 2011
DOB: 6/12/2011
Sire: 4PETESAKE Xtreme Pepper Jack (S: GGG Valroma Xtreme *B x D: 4Petesake John C Bobbie Ann)
Dam: Our*God’s*Grace RBSP Violet (S: Dynamic DGA Red Bull *B x D: Our*God’s*Grace MN Sweet Pea)
**Breed information from American Livestock Breeds Conservancy**
