Dala goats are not traditional symbols of Sweden; horses are the original, commanding the vast majority of the attention, though pigs and roosters are next most popular dala animals. But while they are not commonly carved and painted like a dalahäst, goats do have a traditional place in Swedish art—usually formed of straw and red ribbon, and set out at Christmastime as the Yule Goat.

The Oberhasli is a Swiss breed of dairy goat, loved for their sweet milk (much less “goaty” than many other varieties of goats milk) and sweet dispositions. Because they are so calm, hikers use wethers as pack animals.