It seems that the oldest cattle breed in the world still in existence is the rare Kerry Cattle, which is native to Ireland and is always black. It is a small, short-legged breed, but not a "miniature" breed. The Kerry Cattle breed are integrally tied to the Dexter Cattle breed (each breed can produce the other breed under certain breeding conditions). The Dexter Cattle breed is also native to Ireland, but is not always black (although they all are "dubh", i.e., dark).
Apparently the Kerry Cattle breed is descended from the extinct Celtic Shorthorn, which originated in the Mediterranean region and was moved across Europe as the Celts migrated. It is believed the Kerry Cattle has existed in Ireland since around 2000B.C.! Until very recently there were less than 200 Kerry Cattle cows (females) in the world!
Could a black/dark calf have been given as a gift to the parents of the original Dowling at the time of his birth...hence the name?
Kindest Regards,
Jim Dowling 15 August 2001 - JDowling@trendway.com
