The chamois is chestnut brown to black in winter and pale brown in summer. In winter, the Pyrenean chamois has two large whitish shoulder patches and a large pale rump patch; it is reddish brown in summer. A thick underfur develops in cold weather. Chamois live in small herds.

A fully grown chamois reaches a height of 70–80 cm (28–31 in) and measures 107–137 cm (42–54 in). Males, which weigh 30–60 kg (66–132 lb), are slightly larger than females, which weigh 25–45 kg (55–99 lb).

Rocky areas and alpine meadows in Europe [especially the Alps, Carpathians] and in Asia minor. As a species, the chamois is still common and not threatened. However, several subspecies are on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Animals (1996).

Sundgau goats have a black body with tan facial stripes, tan underbelly. The legs are tan below the knee with black barring on the front. The tan markings can range from pale cream to dark brown. The bezoar pattern is distinguished by a tan body with lighter coloured facial stripes, underbelly and legs.