Breed Facts

Brown Swiss cattle can be grey, dark brown, tan or even almost white in color. Their hooves, muzzle and switch are usually black. They are often noted for their docile temperament.

Perhaps the oldest of all dairy breeds, Brown Swiss originated in the valleys and mountain slopes of Switzerland around 4000 B.C., according to some historians.

Today, the beautiful Brown Cattle can still be found across the globe, including in the United States, where the largest concentration is in Wisconsin, Iowa and Ohio. The world population of Brown Swiss is reported to be about 7 million, which ranks either first or second in world-wide population of dairy cattle. The Brown Swiss you see grazing across the United States countryside descend from initial importations of 25 bulls and 140 females from Switzerland.

Brown Swiss are known for their docile, friendly disposition.  
A Wisconsin youth leads his heifers from pasture.  If you lead one, usually the rest will follow.

On average, Brown Swiss cows weigh about 1300-1400 pounds, while bulls weigh almost 2000 pounds! This Ohio bull weighs in at 2100 lbs.