Oberhasli Goats: Breed Profile
A red-bay Swiss dairy goat with a calm nature.
Oberhasli goats come from the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland and are a red bay color with black markings. They were imported to the United States in the early twentieth century and developed into a distinct breed.
Purpose
Oberhaslis are raised for milk and valued for good production, calm temperament and hardiness.
Where the breed stands today
The breed is kept in smaller numbers, with an association and shows.
What to look for in a Oberhasli project animal
Look for the red bay coat with black markings, a medium frame, a well-attached udder and sound legs. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Oberhasli at 4-H and FFA
Dairy goats are judged on dairy character, udder, structure and milk-related traits, plus showmanship. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- Calm, friendly temperament
- Good milk production
- Distinctive color
- Dairy goat shows have junior classes, showmanship and milking contests, and goats are small enough for younger exhibitors.
- A doe can be bred and milked, which teaches records, dairy handling and product skills.
Cons
- Smaller numbers and fewer classes
- Fewer breeders
- Moderate fencing needs
- Does must be milked daily once they freshen, so there is a long-term commitment.
- Goats are climbers and escape artists, and they need strong fencing and shelter.
Caring for your project
Plan for daily feeding, fresh water, hoof trimming and parasite monitoring. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Oberhasli. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- Are the animal and her parents registered, and can I see the papers?
- How old is she, and what has she been fed?
- Has she been handled, milked and trained to stand on a stand?
- What are the herd’s health, parasite and CAE/CL testing practices?
- Will she be eligible for the classes at my show?
Bottom line
Oberhaslis are a gentle, attractive dairy goat.
To see how the contests work, read How Breeding Classes and Market Classes Work. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Goat Elected Mayor After Promising “No More Lawn Mowing, Just Grazing”, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.