Saanen

The Saanen is a large Swiss dairy goat from the Saanen Valley and surrounding parts of the canton of Bern. It is one of the main foundation breeds of modern dairy-goat production, recognized by its white to light cream coat, upright ears, straight or slightly dished profile, and long, level dairy frame. Saanens are selected for volume of milk rather than rich butterfat, and many national dairy herds have used them to improve size, udder capacity, and steady lactation.

In human care, the Saanen is a serious milking breed rather than a backyard novelty. The pale skin and short white coat call for shade in strong sun, and high-producing does need balanced rations, clean water, and regular milking routines. They generally handle well when raised with calm, consistent contact, which suits family milk goats and commercial parlors alike. Breed standards in many registries restrict Saanens to white or cream; colored offspring from Saanen lines may be recorded separately as Sables or colored Saanens depending on the registry.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Brown, Brown and White, Buckskin, Chamoisee, Cou Blanc, Cou Clair, Cream, Cream White Only, Fawn, Gold, Moonspotted, Pinto, Pure White, Red, Red and White, Roan, Spotted, Sundgau, Swiss Marked, Tan, White