Alpines have been in Canada since the 1930's and been a popular breed, particularly in dairies ever since. Sometimes referred to as French Alpines, the difference in name is used at times to make the distinction between purebred and Canadian Alpines. French Alpines are purebreds, descended from the first does and bucks entered into the CGS (Canadian Goat Society) herd book.

Alpine are designated as "at risk" in Canada.

As with all dairy goats, whilst they are natural browsers: Alpines require a high plane of nutrition in order to produce milk and maintain body condition.

Angora are a unique breed of goat. They are integral to Canadian farming history. In the early 1900's, it was not unusual for them to be found on Government run experimental farms. Pamphlets were produced entirely devoted to the care and upkeep of Angora and they were the most popular breed first entered in the Canadian Goat Society herd record book.

As times have changed and synthetic fibres became more popular, particularly for mass production - the Angora has seen a steady decline in number across not only Canada, but also the entire of North America. There are a few highly dedicated breeders across the country, but the breed has been listed as "critical" with HLC for some years and is in need of some new found enthusiasm.

Nubians are the result of crossing the Old English Milch and Zariby breeds from the UK, India, Russia and Egypt. First imported to Canada in the early 1900's, Nubians were then known as Anglo Nubians. Since that time, the North American Nubian has become distinct in type from their UK counterparts. Australia and New Zealand still maintain herds of Anglo Nubians.

Easily recognizable for their long, pendulous ears and distinct Roman nose, Nubians are traditionally considered to be dual purpose. Although their use as meat animals dropped significantly with the arrival of the Boer breed in Canada - Nubians can still hold their own where meat production is concerned. Coupled with high butterfat milk, which is ideal for cheesemaking - some producers still select the breed for their practical aspects.

Heritage Livestock Canada supports the continued efforts of breeders to maintain the large, strong boned, traditional Nubian.

Saanens were first bred in the Saanen Valley, Switzerland. The first imports of Saanen were made primarily from the United States to Canada in the early 1900's. Breeders also shipped Saanens directly from Switzerland - early records in the Canadian Goat Society herd book - show offspring having been purchased "in dam". Saanens at the time, although not as numerous in number as Toggenburg, enjoyed a wider distribution across Canada.

Known for their stature, graceful appearance and characterized as the Holstein of the goat world, Saanens are a true dairy goat.

Toggenburgs or Toggs as they are affectionately known have the distinction of being the world's first recognized dairy goat breed. Registries stretch back as far as the 1600's in their native Switzerland.

When the first Canadian Goat Society herd book was published in the early 1900's Toggs were by far the most populus dairy goat breed. Today they enjoy being in high quality herds stretched from coast to coast. Toggenburgs could benefit from a rise in the number of registered animals. Especially given their long and distinctive history.

Toggs are a medium sized dairy goat. Mature does average 120lbs and bucks 150lb. They are also productive in terms of milk production.

Oberhasli first came to North America in the 1900's - but weren't entered into a herd book until the 1930's. Complicating their history in terms of pinpointing exact origins, Obers were combined into the Alpine herd book. In the 1970's, the breed was recognized as being distinct in its own right and has had a separate registry ever since - under the breed name Oberhasli. Oberhasli are one of the few breeds to still maintain an open herd book with the Canadian Goat Society.

Oberhasli are a rich distinct mahogany in colouring. Does are permitted to be black in colouration to be registered - but bucks are not. Averaging from 100-150lbs when mature and being 34" inches at the withers (for bucks) - Obers are a medium sized dairy breed. Their temperament is also a trait that breeders take pride in, being calm overall.

Huge strides in breed improvement have taken place in recent years, due to the consolidated efforts of breeders. Demonstrating that with dedication and a collective mentality, breeds can be preserved and remain viable.

The Canadian Goat Society is responsible for the registration of heritage goat breeds in Canada, through the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation. CGS also offers milk test and classification services.

Goat milk is ideal for cheesemaking. Chevre is one of the most commonly made goat cheeses.

A cottage industry exist for handmade goat milk soap. There is a growing appreciation for goat milk soap and its benefits.

Mohair is the high quality fibre sheared from Angora goats. Used for generations for multiple uses (including as part of car tops in the 1930’s), mohair still holds great value in current times.

Goats can be marketed as breeding stock, as meat animals. There is a growing appreciation for goat meat, meat animals can be marketed directly or through conventional methods.

Goat meat is unqiue in that it contains iron at a similar ratio to other red meats, but has the same cholestrol value as chicken. Making it a healthy choice!

Whether you have goats for the homestead or to sell as breeding stock, it is equally important to ensure you are breeding goats with good conformation. Conformation is essential for longevity. Besides being fun trying to improve each generation!

Whilst goats are naturally browsers, in order for them to thrive, produce milk and meet their genetic potential, their nutritional needs must be met.

CAE is a goat specific virus which is incurable. Although affected goats can live symptom free, this is not commonly the case and their offpsring no matter whether symptomatic or not, will be infected through untreated colostrum (dam raising).

To learn more about CAE, prevention practices and testing, the Washington State lab is an excellent resource.

Please ask your personal veterinarian where to test in Canada. The same labs often also test for Johne’s.

Do you have questions about raising goats or the breeds designated as heritage? Please reach out to HLC Goat Representative Joe Hogenmiller Lafond.