Golden-coloured goats have been known in Guernsey for some two hundred years;Шаблон:R the first documented reference is in a guide book published in 1826.Шаблон:R In the nineteenth century these goats were known as "Golden Gessenay", Gessenay being the French name for the Swiss Saanen breed.Шаблон:R
During the Second World War when Guernsey was occupied, Miriam Milbourne saved a small herd of Golden Guernsey goats by hiding them for several years.[1]
In 1965 the Golden Guernsey was exported to Great Britain and the English Golden Guernsey Club, later to become the Golden Guernsey Goat Society, was formed.[2]
The Golden Guernsey is an endangered breed: it was listed by the FAO as "endangered-maintained" in 2007.Шаблон:R In 2019 the population numbers reported to DAD-IS were 1381 for the Golden Guernsey and 171 for the British Guernsey; both were listed as "at risk".Шаблон:R In 2020 the Golden Guernsey was listed as "minority" on the goat watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.Шаблон:R
Characteristics
As its name suggests, the goat is golden in colour, with hues ranging from pale blond to deep bronze. They are smaller and more fine-boned than other British milking goats, and there is great variety in coat length.Шаблон:Cn The males are usually horned, with very splendid horns, very few do not have horns.Шаблон:Cn The goats are easy to handle.[3]
