Peacock goat

Capra aegagrus hircus

The peacock goat is an old, hardy domestic goat breed from Switzerland. Only very little is known about the origin of this breed. However, characteristics such as coat, horns and build are similar to those of the Prättigau and Engadin goats, which were first mentioned in 1887.

Red List

Not Evaluated

The peacock goat is medium-sized, has horns, a medium-length coat and a muscular, hardy build. It has a calm, undemanding temperament and is particularly sure-footed – ideal characteristics for life in alpine terrain. Thanks to these characteristics, it is used, amongst other things, for grazing on hard-to-reach terrain. However, it is also used in meat and milk production or as an attractive companion animal on goat treks.

As part of a nationwide breed consolidation programme in 1938, the federal government withdrew funding for the peacock goat – a decision that effectively condemned it to extinction. Without state support, traditional breeds found it difficult to continue to be bred.

Thanks to the efforts of a number of dedicated breeders in Graubünden and collaboration with the ProSpecieRara Foundation, awareness of the breed has risen once again. Demand has grown and the population has slowly recovered. Nevertheless, the peacock goat is still considered a vulnerable breed of farm animal today.