After studying the Total Doe program for a few years, we have decided to modify the program. We have adjusted the scoring for the categories of milk, linear appraisal and show to make it equally possible for a doe to excel in all of the categories. Our previous scoring system gave only the milk category the ability to earn many extra points. We have added scope to the linear appraisal section by giving points for the final score. We have added scope to the show section by giving points for show wins any time in a doe's lifetime rather than just counting those first three wins that makes her a Permanent Champion. We have added points for protein to the milk category to acknowledge the importance of components. Overall, we have raised the milk requirements and lowered the linear appraisal requirements to make these categories more equivalent.

We've tried to simplify the entry process by adding an application to help guide you with gathering the necessary data for your entry. We've also given a list of acceptable documentation for the data to help you organize your entry (see rule #3). Also, if you have entered your doe in previous years, you may reenter with our new scoring system.

The biggest change is that we have added many opportunities for does to earn points for their progeny. The Total Doe Program points Saanen breeders in the direction of strong genetics that are well-rounded and sound. The "Total Doe" is defined as "A doe who can do it all - Milk, Appraise and Show". We are taking it a step further in that a doe's true merit is in her ability to pass her greatness to her offspring. When her offspring are proven to be as good as (or even better than!) she is, a "great doe" can turn into an "exceptional doe line".

One thing I've noticed is that breeders will wait to enter a doe until she is older. That is a mistake. Since a doe may reenter anytime she achieves a higher score in any category, a young doe can enter the program early in her life. She can attain the notoriety of achieving "Total Doe" status as a two or three year old, and then come back later in life and show us what she has achieved as a mature doe and as a brood doe.

The main purpose of this program is to guide Saanen breeders to the best doe lines in the country. Whether your doe has already proven her greatness through her progeny or whether she is on the horizon of greatness, let us showcase her and give her the recognition she deserves!