1. Angus
Description
The Angus cattle are primarily raised for beef production and are known for their high-quality meat.
3 Facts
- Originated in Scotland.
- Known for excellent marbling in their meat.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,800-2,500 lbs, Females: 1,200-1,600 lbs
- Color Patterns: Solid black or red
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Australia
- United Kingdom
2. Hereford
Description
The Hereford cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their docile temperament.
3 Facts
- Originated in England.
- Excellent foragers and grazers.
- Highly resistant to diseases.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.3 feet, Females: 4.8 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,000-2,500 lbs, Females: 1,200-1,800 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red body with white face, legs, and underbelly
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
3. Holstein
Description
The Holstein cattle are primarily raised for dairy production and are known for their high milk yield.
3 Facts
- Originated in the Netherlands.
- Produce the highest volume of milk among all cattle breeds.
- Generally have a calm temperament.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.8 feet, Females: 5.2 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,200-2,800 lbs, Females: 1,400-1,800 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black and white spots
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Canada
- Netherlands
4. Jersey
Description
The Jersey cattle are primarily raised for dairy and are known for the high butterfat content in their milk.
3 Facts
- Originated on the Island of Jersey in the English Channel.
- Milk is excellent for cheese and butter production.
- Smaller in size compared to other dairy breeds.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,200-1,800 lbs, Females: 800-1,200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Fawn with white face and dark eyes
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- United Kingdom
- New Zealand
5. Charolais
Description
The Charolais cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their rapid growth and muscling.
3 Facts
- Originated in France.
- Known for excellent feed conversion rates.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.5 feet, Females: 5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,500-3,000 lbs, Females: 1,500-2,000 lbs
- Color Patterns: Creamy white to straw color
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- France
- United States
- Australia
6. Simmental
Description
The Simmental cattle are primarily raised for beef but are also good for milk production.
3 Facts
- Originated in Switzerland.
- Known for their high milk production among beef breeds.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.5 feet, Females: 5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,200-2,800 lbs, Females: 1,400-2,000 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red and white or solid red
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Canada
- Switzerland
7. Limousin
Description
The Limousin cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their lean meat.
3 Facts
- Originated in France.
- Known for excellent muscling.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.3 feet, Females: 4.9 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,200-2,600 lbs, Females: 1,400-1,800 lbs
- Color Patterns: Light wheat to darker golden-red
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- France
- United States
- Australia
8. Brahman
Description
The Brahman cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their resistance to heat and insects.
3 Facts
- Originated in India.
- Highly resistant to diseases.
- Excellent foragers and grazers.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.3 feet, Females: 4.8 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,600-2,200 lbs, Females: 1,000-1,400 lbs
- Color Patterns: Light gray to black
- Horns: Usually have upward-curving horns
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- Australia
- Brazil
9. Ayrshire
Description
The Ayrshire cattle are primarily raised for dairy and are known for their high-quality milk.
3 Facts
- Originated in Scotland.
- Milk is excellent for cheese production.
- Generally have a calm temperament.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.2 feet, Females: 4.8 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,800-2,200 lbs, Females: 1,100-1,300 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red and white
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
10. Guernsey
Description
The Guernsey cattle are primarily raised for dairy and are known for the high butterfat and protein content in their milk.
3 Facts
- Originated on the Island of Guernsey in the English Channel.
- Milk is excellent for butter and cheese production.
- Smaller in size compared to other dairy breeds.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,400-1,800 lbs, Females: 1,000-1,200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red or fawn with white spots
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Australia
11. Belgian Blue
Description
The Belgian Blue cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their extreme muscling.
3 Facts
- Originated in Belgium.
- Known for “double muscling” due to a genetic trait.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.5 feet, Females: 5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,500-3,000 lbs, Females: 1,800-2,200 lbs
- Color Patterns: Blue, blue-roan, or sometimes black
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Belgium
- United States
- United Kingdom
12. Galloway
Description
The Galloway cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their hardiness.
3 Facts
- Originated in Scotland.
- Excellent foragers and grazers.
- Highly resistant to diseases.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,800-2,300 lbs, Females: 1,200-1,600 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black, red, or dun
- Horns: Polled (hornless)
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Australia
13. Texas Longhorn
Description
The Texas Longhorn is primarily raised for beef and is known for its distinctive long horns.
3 Facts
- Developed in the United States.
- Known for excellent drought resistance.
- Highly adaptable to different terrains.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,500-2,200 lbs, Females: 1,000-1,400 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including speckled, spotted, and solid
- Horns: Long, upward-curving horns
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United States
14. Devon
Description
The Devon cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their high-quality meat.
3 Facts
- Originated in England.
- Known for excellent marbling in their meat.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,800-2,200 lbs, Females: 1,200-1,600 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red or dark red
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Australia
15. Chianina
Description
The Chianina cattle are primarily raised for beef and are one of the oldest cattle breeds in the world.
3 Facts
- Originated in Italy.
- Known for their large size and rapid growth.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 6 feet, Females: 5.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,800-3,500 lbs, Females: 2,000-2,600 lbs
- Color Patterns: White with black eyes
- Horns: Usually have upward-curving horns
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Italy
- United States
16. Gelbvieh
Description
The Gelbvieh cattle are primarily raised for beef but are also good for milk production.
3 Facts
- Originated in Germany.
- Known for their high milk production among beef breeds.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.5 feet, Females: 5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,200-2,800 lbs, Females: 1,400-2,000 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red and white or solid red
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Germany
- United States
- Canada
17. Highland
Description
The Highland cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for their long, wavy coats.
3 Facts
- Originated in Scotland.
- Excellent foragers and grazers.
- Highly resistant to diseases.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,800-2,200 lbs, Females: 1,100-1,500 lbs
- Color Patterns: Various, including red, black, and brindle
- Horns: Long, upward-curving horns
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Australia
18. Dexter
Description
The Dexter cattle are one of the smallest cattle breeds and are raised for both beef and milk.
3 Facts
- Originated in Ireland.
- Known for their small size and efficiency.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 4 feet, Females: 3.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,000-1,200 lbs, Females: 700-900 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black, red, or dun
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Ireland
- United States
- United Kingdom
19. Normande
Description
The Normande cattle are primarily raised for dairy but are also good for beef production.
3 Facts
- Originated in France.
- Known for the high butterfat content in their milk.
- Highly adaptable to different climates.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5.2 feet, Females: 4.8 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 2,200-2,600 lbs, Females: 1,400-1,800 lbs
- Color Patterns: Red and white or black and white
- Horns: Usually dehorned at a young age
- Average Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Countries Most Popular In
- France
- United States
- Canada
20. Wagyu
Description
The Wagyu cattle are primarily raised for beef and are known for the high marbling in their meat.
3 Facts
- Originated in Japan.
- Known for producing some of the most expensive beef in the world.
- Highly adaptable to different farming systems.
Distinguishable Features
- Average Height: Males: 5 feet, Females: 4.5 feet
- Average Weight: Males: 1,800-2,200 lbs, Females: 1,200-1,600 lbs
- Color Patterns: Black or red
- Horns: Both horned and polled varieties exist
- Average Life Expectancy: 15-20 years
Countries Most Popular In
- Japan
- United States
- Australia