Canadian
(most common name)

(local/other name):
• Black Canadian
• Black Jersey
• Canadien
• French Canadian
• Quebec Jersey
local/other name (French):
• Canadienne
• La race bovine Canadienne

The Canadian, along with the Texas Longhorn, is one of the oldest breeds found on the North American Continent.

The Canadian originated from imports arriving from France (Normandy and Brittany) during the 16th and 17th centuries and is the only dairy breed to have evolved in North America. Starting in 1969, introgression by Brown Swiss was encouraged by the government. By the 1980s the genetic makeup showed up to (1/8) Brown Swiss blood.

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-15

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® Canada and read about other Canadian cattle breeds.

The Cow Wall® A-Z Cattle Breed Picture Reference to see other breeds of cattle in the world.