Which cattle breed is the world's most numerous dairy breed?

The Holstein Friesian is the world’s most numerous dairy cattle breed.

Holsteins are recognized for their usually black-and-white coats, although red-and-white animals also occur. The breed developed from cattle associated with the Netherlands and northern Germany, especially the historic regions of Holland and Friesland.

Holsteins are valued primarily for high milk volume. Their milk generally contains less butterfat than Jersey milk, but their exceptional production makes them central to large-scale dairy farming. Breed associations and national populations may use the names Holstein, Friesian, or Holstein Friesian differently.

The breed became internationally important through organized breeding, herd books, artificial insemination, and the distribution of high-performing bulls. Individual production varies with genetics, feed, health, and management.