At a glance the quick version
Males 150 lb (68 kg), females 120 lb (54 kg) per breed standard; some sources give up to 175 lb (79 kg) for males and 150 lb (68 kg) for females
Looks how to spot one
short, glossy coat
The Oberhasli has a short, sleek coat that lies close to the body. The breed is medium-sized with a straight nose, large eyes, and upright ears, giving an alert and vigorous appearance.26
Personality what they are like
Oberhasli goats are known for their gentle, friendly and docile nature. They are not easily frightened and are calm to handle, making them a good choice for hobby keepers and beginners. Bucks and wethers are also steady and reliable as pack animals.375
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Oberhasli goats need space to roam, climb and explore. They are active and agile, so a securely fenced area with structures for climbing is ideal. Daily exercise is important for their physical and mental wellbeing.45
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Routine hoof trimming every 6 to 8 weeks, regular deworming and vaccinations as advised by a vet, and annual shearing if kept for fibre are not needed for this breed. Their short coat requires minimal brushing. Clean, dry shelter and fresh water daily are essential.4
Home where they are happiest
A dry, draught-free shelter with bedding, plus a securely fenced outdoor area. Goats are adept escape artists, so fencing should be strong and at least 4 to 5 feet high. They need access to shade and a quiet area where they can retreat from human interaction.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A herbivore diet consisting mainly of good quality hay (such as Bermuda or Timothy hay), fresh browse (non-toxic plant clippings), a small amount of grain or concentrate, and mineral supplements. Fresh, clean water must always be available.4
Company who they like around
Goats are highly social animals and should never be kept alone. Oberhaslis thrive in the company of other goats. They are gentle and can also get along with other livestock, but companionship of their own kind is essential for their mental health.4
The story where it all began
The Oberhasli goat originated in the Oberhasli district of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. It is a type of Chamois Colored Goat. The breed was first brought to the United States in the early 1900s, but those early imports were crossbred and the pure line was lost. In 1936, five Chamois Colored Goats were imported from Switzerland by H. O. Pence, and all purebred Oberhasli in the USA today descend from these five animals. Until the 1970s, they were registered as Swiss Alpines and often interbred with other Alpine types. A dedicated breeders' association, the Oberhasli Breeders of America, was formed in 1976 or 1977, and the breed was officially accepted by the American Dairy Goat Association in 1978 or 1979. The name was changed from Swiss Alpine to Oberhasli in 1977. The breed remains relatively rare in the United States but is valued for its docile temperament and good milk production.127
Recognised by the official bits
- American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
- Accepted as a breed in 1978 or 19791
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Oberhasli Goat. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Fresh food and waterHay or browse, fresh water alwaysevery day
- Shelter spot cleanevery day
- Company checkGoats need at least one goat friendevery day
- Mineral checkKeep loose minerals made for goats availableevery week
- Shelter full cleanevery 2 weeks
- Hoof trimAbout every 4 to 8 weeksevery 6 weeks
- Flea, tick and worm protectionAs your vet recommends, often after a faecal egg countas your vet recommends
- VaccinationsAs your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upFind a vet who sees goatsevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Oberhasli Goat, and what should it eat?
Feed your Oberhasli goat daily with good quality hay like Bermuda or Timothy hay, plus fresh browse and a small amount of grain or concentrate. Always provide fresh water and mineral supplements. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.4 Furry Diary plan
Which foods and plants are dangerous for an Oberhasli Goat?
Avoid feeding your goat alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, and xylitol, as these are toxic. Also keep them away from raw meat, eggs, and dairy. For a full list, ask your vet or a good breeder.8
How much space and land does an Oberhasli Goat need?
Oberhasli goats need space to roam, climb, and explore, so a securely fenced area with climbing structures is ideal. Fencing should be at least 4 to 5 feet high to prevent escapes. The exact land size varies, so ask a good breeder for guidance.4
What kind of shelter does an Oberhasli Goat need?
Provide a dry, draught-free shelter with bedding, plus access to shade and a quiet retreat area. The shelter should protect from weather and allow the goat to feel safe. Furry Diary's starting plan includes daily fresh food and water.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Oberhasli Goat's hooves or feet?
Trim your goat's hooves every 6 to 8 weeks to keep them healthy and prevent problems. This is a routine care task. For specific techniques, ask a vet or an experienced goat keeper.4 Furry Diary plan
Does an Oberhasli Goat need grooming or shearing?
Oberhasli goats have a short, sleek coat that needs minimal brushing, and they do not require shearing for fibre. Focus on hoof trimming, deworming, and vaccinations as your vet advises. Furry Diary's plan includes weekly mineral checks.4 Furry Diary plan
Can an Oberhasli Goat live alone?
No, goats are highly social and should never be kept alone. Oberhaslis thrive with other goats for companionship, which is essential for their mental health. They can also get along with other livestock.4
How long does an Oberhasli Goat live?
Oberhasli goats typically live between 8 and 12 years. With good care, including proper diet and vet visits, they can enjoy a full lifespan.4
Is an Oberhasli Goat good with children?
Yes, Oberhasli goats are gentle, friendly, and docile, making them a good choice for families with children. They are calm to handle and not easily frightened. Always supervise interactions between goats and young children.375
What regular vet care does an Oberhasli Goat need?
Regular vet care includes deworming and vaccinations as your vet recommends, plus routine hoof trimming every 6 to 8 weeks. Furry Diary's plan also suggests weekly mineral checks. For specific schedules, consult an exotic-pet vet.4 Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- en.wikipedia.org: Oberhasli goat en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, weight kg, height cm, colours, history, fun fact
- britannica.com: Oberhasli britannica.comused for origin, coat or body, colours, best traits, history, fun fact
- oberhaslibreeders.com oberhaslibreeders.comused for weight kg, best traits, temperament
- zooatlanta.org: oberhasli goat zooatlanta.orgused for lifespan years, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics, social needs
- mountainlakecattle.com: oberhalsi goats mountainlakecattle.comused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, fun fact
- breeds.okstate.edu: oberhasli goats breeds.okstate.eduused for coat or body
- motherearthnews.com: oberhasli the swiss alpine zbcz1807 motherearthnews.comused for temperament, history
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- oberhasli.org: obibreederstandard oberhasli.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-10-02. Text is written in our own words from these sources.