Dishley
(historical breed name)

The Dishley is a historical breed name used for an improved Longhorn that was developed through careful selection and inbreeding under the direction of Robert Bakewell of Leicestershire in the mid-1700s.

His objectives were:
• early maturing
• deep-fleshed (fat)
• fine-boned
• thin-skinned
• shorter legs
• heavy hindquarters

The Dishley rapidly became a success and dominant in England. After Bakewell’s death, the Dishley then just as rapidly declined — possibly due to inbreeding, but more likely from the extreme focus on fleshing and early maturity (thus sacrificing fertility, hardiness and milking ability).

Today, the modern Longhorn bears little resemblance to the Dishley (apart from color and horns).

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-16

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