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Toggenburg
breed of goat
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Toggenburg, breed of dairy goat originating in the Toggenburg valley of Switzerland. The oldest breed of dairy goat in the United States, the Toggenburg has proved widely adaptable. It is characterized by a comparatively small, solid-coloured body of any shade of brown, white ears with a dark central spot, two white stripes down the face, and predominantly white legs. As is that of other goats, milk of the Toggenburg is whiter and more easily digestible than cow’s milk.
See the Table of Selected Breeds of Goats for further information.
| name | use | distribution | characteristics | comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Angora | wool | originally Turkey, now also South Africa, United States | small body; thick, flat fleece | thrives in temperate regions |
 |
Boer | meat | originally South Africa | horned; lop ears | extended breeding season |
 |
Cashmere | wool, milk, and meat | originally China, now Asia and Middle East | small body; large ears; small horns | wool obtained from its undercoat |
 |
LaMancha | milk | originally United States | distinct ear types: “gopher ears” (up to one inch in length but preferably nonexistent) or “elf ears” (maximum length 2 inches) | hardy |
 |
Nubian | milk | originally North Africa, now also India, Middle East, United Kingdom, United States | long legs; long ears; large nose | several varieties |
 |
Oberhasli | milk | originally Switzerland | medium-sized; chamois in colour with two black stripes on face | alert in appearance |
 |
Saanen | milk | originally Saanen Valley, Switzerland | white or cream-coloured; short hair | consistent milk producer |
 |
Toggenburg | milk | originally Toggenburg valley, Switzerland, now also United Kingdom, United States | light to dark brown | important dairy goat |