Dølafe
(most common name)

(local/other name):
• Doelafe
• Doele
• Døle
• Døle Cattle

The Dølafe is an old breed that originated in southeast Norway in the counties of Oppland and Hedmark. Developed from the local varieties Gudbrandsdal and Osterdal (Østerdal), the Dølafe was then upgraded using Telemark and imported Ayrshire bulls. Official breed recognition occurred in 1880.

The Dølafe is horned and its coat varies considerably in color and markings; colors include:
• black
• brindle
• brown
• fawn
• red
All with or without white markings that give the coat an appearance of being saddled, spotted or colorsided.

A small dual-purpose breed, the Dølafe is used for milk and beef. The present Dølafe population mostly derives from a single herd due to a genetic bottleneck which had caused a decline in numbers. Conservation work began in 1989; a herdbook and state support were started in 2000. Today, most Dølafe (now a rare breed) can be found in the valleys of Gudbransdalen and Østerdalen.

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

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® Norway and read about other Norwegian cattle breeds.

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