It is among the most productive breeds of dairy goat and is distributed world-wide, in about fifty countries in all five inhabited continents.

The typical mouse-grey colour with white facial markings was fixed by selective breeding in the twentieth century.

[5] In 2023 the total population in the country was estimated to be in the range 3235–7273, with just over 3000 breeding females and 196 active males registered in the herd-book.

[6]: 414  The British Toggenburg was recognised as a breed in 1921; it is somewhat larger and heavier than the original Swiss goat, and has a higher milk yield.

Coat colour ranges from light brown to mouse grey, with white Swiss markings to the face, lower legs and tail area.