The Oberhasli (also known as the Swiss Alpine) is a dairy [[Goats|goat]] breed originating in the Oberhasli district of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland. The breed is distinguished by its rich red-brown color with black markings, including a black dorsal stripe, black belly, and black lower legs. Oberhaslis are medium-sized, productive dairy goats known for their calm temperament and strong milk production with moderate butterfat content.
The Oberhasli is one of the four Swiss Alpine goat color types that were brought to the United States in the early 20th century. In Switzerland, the breed was known as the Oberhasli-Brienzer, named after the Oberhasli district and the Brunig pass region. The breed was primarily found in the canton of Bern, where it was kept for milk production in the alpine environment.
When the Alpine breed was imported to the United States, all color varieties were registered together as Alpines. The Oberhasli color pattern was recognized as a distinct breed in the United States in 1977, when the Purebred Oberhasli Breeders Association was formed. The breed was recognized by the American Dairy Goat Association in 1978. The Oberhasli remains one of the rarer dairy goat breeds in North America.
Oberhasli goats are medium-sized with a refined dairy conformation. Mature does weigh 120 to 150 pounds (55 to 65 kilograms), and bucks weigh 150 to 200 pounds (70 to 90 kilograms). The coat is short to medium in length and is a rich shade of red-brown known as chamois. The breed's distinctive markings include a black dorsal stripe (the eel stripe), a black belly, black lower legs below the knee, and black stripes on the face. The ears are erect and pointing forward, and the face is straight to slightly dished.
Oberhasli does produce 1,500 to 2,500 pounds (700 to 1,100 liters) of milk per lactation, with butterfat content of 3.5 to 4.0 percent. The breed is known for maintaining body condition well throughout lactation, unlike some breeds that lose weight rapidly while producing. The breed's temperament is calm and friendly, similar to the Saanen but more alert.
Oberhaslis are kept as family milk goats on homesteads, particularly by keepers who prefer the breed's manageable size, rich milk, and calm disposition. The milk is suitable for both fluid consumption and cheesemaking, with a moderate butterfat content that produces a good curd yield.
The breed's short coat and erect ears make it somewhat less cold-hardy than the Nubian but more heat-tolerant than the Saanen. Oberhaslis adapt well to a variety of climates and management systems. Their medium size means they are easier to handle than the larger dairy breeds while still producing a useful volume of milk. The breed's relative rarity means that breeding stock is less available than more common dairy goat breeds.