The Saanen goat is the most productive milk goat breed of Switzerland, which has the most productive milking goats in the world. The average milk yield is 838 kg in lactation of 264 days. The milk should have a minimum of 3.2% fat and 2.7% protein.

The Saanen is the largest breed of Swiss goat. Billies stand 90cm at the withers and weigh around 85kg. It has white skin and a short white coat. They may be horned or hornless, and tassels may be present. Their ears are erect and point upwards and forwards.