7 Common Breeds Hereford This British breed, from the County of Herefordshire, first came to Canada in 1860. It is the most popular breed in Canada with an estimated 70 percent of the Canadian beef herd having some Hereford ancestry. The cattle are primarily red with white faces and can be horned or polled (hornless).
Aberdeen Angus This breed originated in Scotland and is one of the few bovines that is born without horns. The more common strain is all black, but there is also an all red Angus.
Shorthorn The oldest recorded beef breed in Canada, Shorthorns first arrived in Canada in 1825. This breed has roan (red and white) colouring and short horns. It is an adaptable breed with a quiet temperament. There are also milking Shorthorns.
Limousin This breed originated in France's Aquitaine region. The cattle are red-tan in colour but can also be black if they have been cross-bred with another breed. Like many other beef breeds, Limousin can be polled or horned. The first of the breed came to Canada in 1968. It is considered the fastest growing purebred breed in Canada.
Charolais Originating in the province of Charolles in France, it is all white and was introduced in North America via Mexico. It is a very large cow producing large calves and is known for its draft power.
Simmental Simmentals were first imported to Canada in 1967. They originate from the Simme Valley in Switzerland (tal means valley in German). Ranging in colour from red to white to almost black, this muscular breed is known for its good temperament and large size. It has also been used as a dairy and draft animal.
Blonde d'Aquitaine Derived from three different breeds of cattle dating back to the middle ages in the south-west part of France, the Blonde D'Aquitaine was first imported into Canada in 1971. Recognized by its solid wheat colour, this long-bodied breed is exceptionally strong.