South German Coldblood
The South German Coldblood, or Süddeutsches Kaltblut, is a draft horse from southern Germany, mainly Bavaria. It is the most common of Germany’s four major draught breeds. In 2007 the FAO listed it as not at risk, but in 2025 the DAD-IS lists it as at risk or endangered in some sources. The coat is usually flaxen chestnut, but individuals may be bay, black, grey, or leopard-spotted. Adults typically weigh about 500 kg; males average around 164 cm in height and females about 160 cm. The breed has also been known as Noriker, Pinzgauer, or Oberländer in the past, but those names are now obsolete. It is registered with the Pferdezuchtverband Baden-Württemberg e.V.
The breed shares origins with the Austrian Noriker and can show leopard-like spotting. However, genetic studies show it is distinct from other German draught breeds and may have Thoroughbred or warmblood influences. A Noriker-type stud-book began in 1906 in the Bavarian Oberland, with breeding coming under Bavarian state control in 1920 at Schwaiganger; the stud-book was closed and the edelweiss brand used. Lighter and heavier Noriker types were once called Oberländer and Pinzgauer; those terms were dropped in 1939, and the current name appeared in 1948. The population has remained fairly stable since 1997 (about 2,100 animals). In 2013 the total was 2,050 (1,921 mares and 129 stallions). The Süddeutsches Kaltblut is prone to bone diseases such as osteochondrosis and osteochondritis dissecans; a study of 167 foals around 14 months old found many with joint lesions and bone fragments, with fillies more affected than colts.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 08:01 (CET).