by Angie Pollock

Created on: June 25, 2009

Originating in Southern France, the Toulouse goose is one of the oldest breeds known. Coming from Western Greylag in France (near the town of Toulouse), this breed was imported into England during the late 1900s and later into the United States during the mid 19th century. In 1874, the Toulouse was accepted by the American Poultry Association (APA). After their exportation out of France, the breed underwent a major face-lift. The original French Toulouse did not exhibit a dewlap (fold of skin under the chin) but for exhibition purposes, the Toulouse was developed to display a large dewlap. This exhibition type Toulouse was the version first exported into the US.

In France, the Toulouse is a popular farmyard bird that is generally selected for foie gras production (liver pate). The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) has come to recognize the Toulouse in three different types: Production, Standard Dewlap, and Exhibition. The Standard Dewlap Toulouse has been developed to be more profoundly boned and is preferred for foie gras production in the United States.

The Production Toulouse has a typical goose form, breeds naturally, and is considered a "utility" bird. The Exhibition Toulouse has an overstated dewlap and keel which is the preferred look for show. The Standard Dewlap and Exhibition birds are both known to have natural breeding problems and are better choices for confinement as they are not good foragers like the Production Toulouse. Some breeders have better results with Exhibition birds when they are allowed exercise, space, and plenty of food to forage.

All types of Toulouse geese have loose, downy feathers on their rump and the lower portion of the body. The most common color seen is the original gray color. Buff is not as common but can be seen in the Standard and Exhibition Toulouse goose. The buff Toulouse will have a light orange bill as well as shanks and feet while the eyes are dark hazel. The tail on the buff Toulouse is a mixture of white and buff. Gray Toulouse geese have an orange bill with a light toned horn bean. The shanks and feet are reddish-orange and the eyes are hazel or dark brown. The tail is white and gray.

Due to the fluffy plumage, the Toulouse is more susceptible to fly strike than some other breeds. The Exhibition Toulouse is one of the larger goose breeds and is not uncommon to weigh over 20 pounds at adulthood. Breeders reflect that this goose breed has a passive temperament and is quite attractive to keep as a backyard bird. Due to problems with infertility, a generous amount of US and Canada Toulouse geese have been exported back to Great Britain to further breeding production. The Toulouse is on the "watch" list of the conservation status.

References:

STOREY'S ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO POULTRY BREEDS, by Carol Ekarius, copyright 2007.

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