Also Known By: Nederlandse Landgeit

 

The Dutch Landrace is original goat race of the Netherlands and shows great similarity with other northwest European landraces as found in Scandinavia or the feral goats in Great Britain. The Dutch Landrace is a medium sized, horned breed preferably with long hair. All colors are allowed except for the typical Toggenburg coloration.

 

In 1958 the original population was nearly extinct and had decreased to only two animals. These two animals in combination with highly similar goats found in rural areas were used to create a successful breeding program. Today (1999) the population has increased up to more than a thousand animals kept by 400 members of the L.F.N.L., the Dutch Breeders Association of the Dutch Landrace. Based on an inbreeding calculation program, breeders receive annual advice concerning the best fit ensuring the lowest level of inbreeding possible. Presently the Dutch Landrace are not used commercially, apart from the herds of 60 to 120 goats kept in kept in national reserves and used to keep naturally open areas such as moors free of trees.

 

 

References

Edgar de Poel, Netherlands, e-mail: eadepoel@hetnet.nl