Danish Landrace

The Danish Landrace Goat, also known as Dansk Landrace, is derived from Danish goats of ancient times. At the beginning of the 20th century, some crossing with goats from the German Harz region and Saanen took place. After the Second World War, the number of goats declined rapidly and a group of enthusiastic breeders collected some of the remaining animals. Unfortunately in the following years, many animals were crossbred with Angoras or with Boer goats for meat production. In 1999, only 17 males and 30 females were registered. About 100 males and 800 females currently exist. Most breeders keep small non-commercial herds for home consumption of milk, cheese and meat or for hobby, with the exception of a few commercial milk producers. It is a rare, but hardy and productive breed.

The Danish Landrace is a medium to large milking goat with an average annual milk production of 800 liters. The animals are short to long-haired and develop a thick hair coat during winter, which protects them well against unfavorable weather. Most animals are horned but polled individuals also exist. There is a wide variation in coloring, with the following colors the most common:


 * Bezoar (brownish with white belly and black and white markings on face and legs)
 * Black bezoar (black with white belly and white markings on face and legs)
 * Harz color (chamois, brownish with black belly and black markings on face and legs)
 * Black
 * Blue (bluish gray)
 * Pied (black and white or brown and white)
 * White