Cow spotting

The Red Ruby/Devon

Sometimes referred to as the North Devon (to distinguish from its Southern yellow toned counterpart), the Red Ruby is one of the oldest breeds in existence today; some even considering its origins to be pre-historic. Prized for its good temperament, ability to finish off grass and its marbled, succulent beef; this ancient breed red in colour, varying in shade from a rich deep red to a light red or chestnut colour.

A bright ruby red colour is preferred and accounts for their nickname, the "Red Ruby". The hair is of medium thickness and is often long and curly during the winter, but short and sleek in summer. The switch of the tail is creamy white.

South Devon Cattle/Orange Elephants

Affectionately known as Orange Elephants, they are the largest of the British native breeds. Descended from the large red cattle of Normandy, which were imported during the Norman invasion of England, the South Devon of today originates from the beautiful South Hams. Known for its strong maternal qualities, this breed is medium red with copper tints and can even appear slightly mottled.

The Shorthorn

A breed that originated from the North East of England in the 18th century, the Shorthorn is quite a common breed throughout the country. Suitable for both dairy and beef production, there are always certain blood lines within the Shorthorn breed which emphasizes either one quality or the other.

All Shorthorn cattle are either red, white or roan (which is a mixture of white and pigmented hairs) and are sometimes deemed quite small and stocky.

Aberdeen Angus

A fairly easiest cattle breed to spot, as the Aberdeen Angus is widely used in beef production throughout the UK and were developed from cattle native to Aberdeenshire and Angus in Scotland.

The Aberdeen Angus are naturally polled (they do not have horns) and are solid black or red, although in some cases, the udder may be white. There have always been both red and black individuals in the population.

The British White

One of the oldest breeds in Britain and famed for its mothering instincts, the British white originated from Lancashire.They are large, naturally polled (no horns) dual-purpose cattle. White in colour with black points to their nose, muzzle, ears, eyelids, hooves and tongue, their skin is either pink and blue, or dark pigmented.

This type of pigmentation and their black points protect the British Whites from eye cancer and sunburn. Some British White are red pointed but this colouration is now quite rare.

Holstein/Friesian

A very common breed, the Holstein is perhaps the most popular breed in the UK and the ones you’re most likely to see if you choose to play a game of cow spotting! A lot of dairy farmers use this breed for milk production as they are very big cows. A mature Holstein cow stands around 58 inches tall and weighs 1500 pounds, with its productive life spanning between 3 and 6 years.

Holstein cows each have a unique, black and white patched hide and no two cow hides are ever the same.