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Edited by Confusionist, Teresa, Karin

You may be wanting a dairy cow for your own use, such as a family milk cow, or a breed for a dairy farm you are starting up. Whatever you are doing, there are several dairy breeds out there that are available for you to choose from, from the most well-known breed (like the Holstein) to the rare heritage breed (like the Dutch Belted). Find out below on how to choose a good dairy cow breed for you.



  1. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 1.jpg
    Determine the size of cow you want to have. Breed is a big influence on cow size, and size is a big determinate as to how much feed you want to spend to give to the animal. The bigger the cow is, the more you have to feed her. And the more you feed her, the more money you have to spend on feed. In other words, the bigger the cow, the bigger the feed bill.
    • Holsteins are one of the largest breed of dairy cows, and the ones that can be absolute monsters when it comes to feed. Jerseys are the smallest dairy cow breed, and may be a little easier on the pocket book.
  2. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 2.jpg
    Decide what temperament you want your cows to have. Can you handle nervous, flighty cows or would rather have the very docile cow that gives you next to no problems? By comparison, Brown Swiss cows are probably the most docile-nature dairy cow that any dairy farmer or hobby farmer could ever have. Holsteins tend to be a bit nervous, and Jerseys can be notorious kickers.
  3. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 3.jpg
    Determine how much milk you need or want from that cow. If you're looking to maximize milk production, Holsteins are the way to go. If you're only wanting milk for you and your family, you may want to consider a cow that doesn't give as much milk. Breeds that are dual-purpose (produce both milk and meat) may be ideal, but it's possible they may not produce enough. Dexters produce less milk, as do Ayrshires and Guernseys. You may also want a dairy cow for butter and cheese making. Jerseys and Brown Swiss produce milk higher in butterfat and protein content, making them ideal for cheese and butter making. Ayrshire and Guernsey are no different.
  4. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 4.jpg
    Choose how much you are willing to spend on a dairy cow. Dairy cows that have been culled from conventional dairy operations for various reasons are cheaper, but may be less productive due to mastitis that may have destroyed one or more quarters, lameness, or inability to breed back. If you are a dairy farmer just starting out, avoid these cull animals. But as a hobby farmer you may not mind the time, money and feed invested in rescuing and caring for one or two cull dairy cows.
    • Breeds that are more popular are going to be cheaper, generally, than those that are rarer or considered heritage breeds. For instance, a Dutch Belted or Canadienne cow (both dairy breeds) may be more expensive than a good Holstein heifer that is freshening.
  5. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 5.jpg
    Consider what dairy breeds are available in your area. You may not be in an area where Holsteins, Jerseys or Brown Swiss are prevalent, but totally different breeds will be, depending where you're located. What may be considered rare, nonexistent or extinct in one part of the world may be popular or more common in another.
  6. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 6.jpg
    Do your research on the breed you've chosen. It doesn't hurt to know more about the breed or breeds you've decided on to help either change your mind or confirm your decisions. Look at things like health, breeding ability, longevity, conformation, fertility, etc. Even briefly looking at the history of the breed may give you some idea what they'll be like when you finally make your purchase.
  7. Choose a Good Dairy Cow Breed Step 7.jpg
    Find and purchase the cattle. Once you have located a seller or a place where you can buy some good dairy cattle, then you're all set. Good luck and welcome to the world of raising cattle!

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  • Check out the article How to Start a Dairy Farm for info on starting up a dairy farm.
  • All breeds have their merits and demerits. There is no such thing as a "best breed" no matter where you're from or where you live. This is why you must choose wisely and find what you want in a cow rather than picking out a cow breed based on looks or what your peers have talked you into getting.
  • Choose your animals based on farm size, milk production and amount of feed your willing to spend on. Remember, large cows = more feed, which may not necessarily mean more milk, though this can be argued.

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Categories: Cattle | Cattle Breeds

Recent edits by: Teresa, Confusionist


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