Use : Alpines excel as dairy animals in both commercial operations and on diminished farms , raise a high volume of milk over a long suckling menses . Their milk has a safe protein and butterfat subject , bring itself well to cheese production . Characterized as well-disposed and rum by their keepers , these goats can make terrific pets , show animals , and brush - eater . Trained wethers can serve as inflexible mob animate being .
chronicle : As its name connote , the lovely Alpine Capricorn has its roots in the Alps , that most famous of European mountain ranges . Still the most popular breed in France and widespread there , these goats are also known as French Alpines . Selection through the days focus on sizing and production or else of a uncouth color or design such as the Toggenburg and Oberhasli display : hence , this breed develop an raiment of interesting color and patterns . Early voyagers hauled these laughingstock with them for milk and meat , unblock some of the animals on island along their routes . Alpines first appeared in the U.S. in 1922 , when Dr. Charles P. DeLangle and others imported the first documented herd , consisting of 18 does and 3 bucks , from France . According to the Alpines International Breed Club , the herd journeyed from Paris by soft-shell clam to Cuba , where they went through quarantine , and then on to New Orleans before continuing by rail to California . One of these adaptable and well - traveled animals seemingly go another 11 year .
Conformation : A mass medium to large - sized goat strain , Alpines flaunt a wonderful miscellany of colors and color combination with sophisticated , descriptive Gallic name calling like Chamoisee and Cou Noir . The Chamoisee form consists of dark-brown to copious bay with black points and a dorsal stripe . A stooge with the Cou Noir color design , which mean “ black cervix , ” has black front quarters and livid tail . Adult does should stand no less than 30 inch at the withers and librate no less than 135 pounds ; adult males , no less than 34 column inch and 170 pounds . The breed possess a full-strength face , poor to intermediate - length hair , and upright ear that give it a decidedly alert expression . Bucks often have longsighted hair along the spine and a pronounced beard . The American Dairy Goat Association ’s multiply stock discriminates against Romanist noses , pure blank , and Toggenburg gloss / markings .
Special Considerations / Notes : Alpines are hardy , spry , prolific , and adaptable to a variety of climates . Like other goat breeds , they have a endowment for escape , so sturdy fencing is a must . Given their playfulness color , Milk River output signal , and friendly disposition , it ’s not surprising that they ’re the second most democratic breed in the U.S. after Nubians .
