The Steinbacher is the most
recent goose breed added to the UK domestic waterfowl Standards. It was probably first
introduced from Germany in the 1980s.
It originated in former
East Germany as a cross-breed of the local geese with the Asiatic
Chinese. It may also have been bred from a cross with the Tula - the
Russian fighting goose. The Tula itself was bred as a cross
between the western greylag types from Europe and the eastern birds
developed from the swan goose. Either way, the Steinbacher is a fusion
of eastern and western blood, but is a truly unique breed. The best thing about
this breed is the temperament. Supposedly bred as a fighting goose (Kampfganse), these
are the tamest, most amenable geese we have ever kept. Brothers brought up
together can be kept in the same flock without fighting, and birds which
are brought up to be tame stay confident with people for life.
It is not a big breed.
The standard weights are 11-15 lbs. The plumage, in pure specimens, is a
beautiful pale lavender blue. The breed also occurs in darker grey, and
buff, but lavender is the most popular.
Photos of lavender and grey
Steinbacher, and Tula below.
A Tula: photograph in Holland
A grey Steinbacher
goose
