Longhorn
(most common name)
(transboundary/brand name)

(local/other name):
• English Longhorn
(historical breed name):
• Dishley
• Lancashire
• Leicestershire
• Warwickshire

The Longhorn was originally found in northern England, northern Lancashire, southern Westmorland and especially the Craven district of Yorkshire.

They started out as coarse lumbering animals that were flat-sided and cat-hammed with unusual long horns. Though slow-maturing, they were good for draught and gave rich milk in limited quantities. Eventually, during the 17th and 18th centuries, they evolved and spread into neighboring areas — through the English Midlands and also into the central plain of Ireland.

The Dishley was the first significant beef strain developed and after its decline, the Longhorn mostly reverted to the original draught type mainly due to their long horns which were a problem for drovers and slaughterers. So, the Longhorn was overtaken by the Shorthorn as the dominant British breed early in the 19th century.

The Longhorn has fine horns that are free of black coloration. Many times they grow backwards from a convex forehead and then sweep around in a variety of styles. Other times they grow to the side and then forwards and upwards in a more conventional style.

The Longhorn coat varies from a dark plum brindle to a light red roan. All Longhorns have finching (a white stripe along the back) that continues down the tail and on the underside; many have a white thigh patch. Yellow or black coloration is not desirable, although black coloration has become more common.

The Longhorn has had many obscure names dating back to the 18th century, including:
• Lancashire
• Leicestershire
• Warwickshire

This page was last updated on: 2023-06-11

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® England and read about other English cattle breeds.

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