The Tauernsheck is a very rare breed. It's roots are in the Austrian Landrace, the Pinzgauer and an unknown ancestor that brought the white spots. Austrian farmers started breeding in the late1800s. Since 1967 a herdbook has existed. The breed was mostly bred in the Raurisertal (The valley of Rauris) and in the area around the Grossglockner (mountain). In 1994, the Austrian Government could find 20 breeders with around 200 animals. Since then the number has increased. The goat was bred in black and brown, like the Swiss Oberhasli but it has to have a white line in the face and at least two or more big white spots on the sides, that should not break the line on the back. The legs should be brown and black. At least the animals should be bi-color (black and white).

The Tauernsheck was bred in these colors to make it easier to find. Normally every Austrian goat spends the summertime in the Alps. High up in the mountains they stay in their herd and enoy the grass, the good fresh air and the peace. In the fall they are herded back to the farm houses. Goats sometimes try to hide but with triple colors, the Tauernsheck was and still is easy to find up in the Alps. In the summer and fall they are easy to identify by their white spots and in late fall or winter through the black or brown color. The Tauernsheck is a very healthy breed and is known for it's long life.

Both genders have horns and normally do not get de-horned. The does kid once a year with either a single or more usually twins. Tauernshecks are very good mothers and have very high quality milk and the milk production level is very high too. Adult bucks are known for their fighting.

bucks: 75-90 cm to the shoulder.

60-80 kilograms

does: 70-77 cm to the shoulder

50-70 kilograms


Marina Caldwell-Schaffer, Austria


Marina Caldwell-Schaffer, Austria


added February 25, 2002