Alpine breed question

[fols]

OK, stupid question time, but I can't seem to find the answer... Is there or what is the difference between a French Alpine and an American Alpine? Is an American Alpine register-able with ADGA?
I've looked at some goats locally and I'm getting the impression that what some call an American Alpine is a grade doe and is Alpine and something mixed?
I know someone out there knows!

Thanks!
Diane

[Alice In TX/MO]

Here's an article that explains it.

http://www.dairygoatjournal.com/goats/alpine.html

[billooo2]

French Alpines means that they are purebred. If you have a grade goat that looks like an Alpine, then you can "register" it as a "recorded grade." If you then breed that animal and its offspring to registered bucks for, I believe, 3 generations, then those can eventually registered as "American" Alpines. According tothe 2008 ADGA Annual Report, in 2008, there were 4562 Americans, 375 grades, and 1432 French Alpines registered with ADGA.
So, I guess that puts me in the minority since all of my Alpines (at the moment) are French.

[fols]

Thanks for your help!

Diane