The Devon is a traditional British breed of beef cattle. It originated in, and is named for, the county of Devon in the West Country of England. It is a deep rich red in colour, and so may be known as the Devon Ruby, Ruby red or Red Ruby; it may also be called the North Devon to distinguish it from the South Devon.

History

The Devon is a traditional breed of the county of Devon in the West Country of England. A herdbook was started by John Tanner Davy in 1850. A breed society, the Devon Cattle Breeders' Society, was formed in 1884, and took over management of the herd-book. By the early twentieth century the Devon was widespread. A census in 1908 found a population of close to 500,000, outnumbered only by the Shorthorn – of which there were about ten times that number.

In the United States

In Australia

Devons were popular for use in bullock teams for hauling cedar and other logs from the forests, which was pit sawn and then transported by bullock drawn wagons and timber junkers to towns and seaports for cabinet making or export. These cattle were among the earliest breeds in Australia and Devons were noted for their docility, early maturing, hardiness and strength which were important attributes to have in a team.

Characteristics