There are large numbers in Australia, and its conservation status world-wide is not at risk; in the United Kingdom it is an endangered breed, with fewer than five hundred head.

The British Alpine was bred in the early twentieth century, principally from goats originating in continental Europe, particularly from Switzerland.

The foundation animal was a nanny named Sedgemere Faith, black with white Swiss markings, acquired from the Jardin Zoologique d'Acclimatation of Paris in 1903.

[6]: 366  It was officially recognised for showing in 1921, and in 1925 a section was opened for it in the herd-book of the British Goat Society.

Average daily milk yield in the United Kingdom was calculated from measurements in about 2004 at 4.09 kg with 3.77% fat and 2.74% protein.