Biggest Bulls in the World

Bulls are among the largest and strongest animals that humans have domesticated. There are many breeds of cattle, each with its own scale-tipping bulls. Humans created larger, stronger cattle breeds to pull carts and plows. These animals are called draft cattle. As time passed, these animals were replaced by gasoline-powered vehicles. Since large bulls are no longer commonly used for draft purposes, their primary role has shifted toward beef production. How large are present-day bulls? Continue reading to discover 10 of the largest modern bull breeds.

Bull Size

Bulls are usually larger than cows of the same breed. This is because they have more muscle mass. An average bull weighs from 1,100 to 2,200 pounds.

The heaviest bull in the world was a Maine-Anjou bull named Fetard. He was officially weighed at the Paris International Agriculture Show in 2016 and topped the scales at 4,299 pounds.

Other mega heavy-weight bulls include a Chianina bull, Donetto, who weighed 3,920 pounds and stood 6 feet 1 inch tall. Belino, also a Chianina, stood 6 feet 6 inches and weighed 3,500 pounds.

10. Limousin

Limousin cattle originate from the Limousin and Marche regions of France. Bulls measure under 5 feet tall, but they are stocky, weighing as much as 2,800 pounds! They were indispensable draft cattle to 19th-century French market towns, especially bulls capable of hauling heavy loads.

This breed is easy to recognize. They have ginger-brown coats with cream undersides and muzzle markings. Limousin bulls are commercially popular across Europe, often fetching $10,000-plus at auction.

9. Brahman

Brahman bulls are instantly recognizable by the large hump on their necks. They vary in color from gray to almost black. Their coats are so shiny that they reflect heat. They are native to India and have adapted to deal with harsh environmental conditions. Their extra sweat glands and long floppy ears protect them from the heat. Brahman bulls can weigh up to 2,300 pounds.

American Brahmans were bred in the U.S. from Indian Brahman bulls imported by settlers for their hardy characteristics. They can weigh over 2,000 pounds.

8. Montbéliarde

Montbéliarde bulls are a French breed. The breed was developed by crossbreeding the Simmental cow with local breeds such as the Fémeline and Tourangelle in the 1800s. The breed was developed for both beef and dairy production. Montbéliarde bulls can weigh 2,200 pounds and stand over 5 feet tall at the shoulder. Female Montbéliardes are prized for their excellent milk, which is used for making cheese.

7. German Angus

German Angus bulls are impressive animals with incredible shoulder strength. They can weigh up to 2,200 pounds and have sleek, shiny black coats.

The breed was created in the 1950s by crossing Aberdeen Angus cattle from the U.K. with German cattle to develop a productive beef breed. Their spectacular appearance makes German Angus cattle a show-stopping sight at exhibitions.

6. Belgian Blue

Belgian blues were bred by crossing Belgian cattle and British shorthorn breeds in the 1800s. They look different from other bull breeds because they are extremely muscular and well-sculpted. Their physique comes from an increased amount of muscle fiber, a condition known as double muscling.

A Belgian blue bull can weigh 2,600 pounds and stand over 5 feet tall at the shoulder. However, the genetic traits of this breed make it more difficult for cows to give birth, so Caesarean sections are often necessary. This issue renders the Belgian blue a less popular breed.

5. South Devon

The South Devon is the largest U.K. cattle breed. They hold their own on the world stage, too. Among the largest in the world, South Devon bulls are 5 feet tall at the shoulder and routinely weigh 2,500 pounds. These curly-coated redheads originated in the 18th century in South England’s Devon and Cornwall counties. They are fast-growing cattle that were originally bred for meat and draft work.

4. Parthenais Bull

Parthenais bulls are an ancient breed originating in Parthenay, France. The largest specimens of this breed weigh more than 2,700 pounds and are over 5 feet tall. While originally bred as draft cattle, Parthenais cattle are commercially raised for beef. This breed is a common sight in the French countryside.

3. Maine Anjou de Pres

The Maine-Anjou De Pres, a French breed, is among the largest bulls. Its name is from the French town of Anjou. Maine-Anjou De Pres bulls are over five feet tall at the shoulder and routinely weigh 1,500 pounds. This breed was developed in the 19th century by crossbreeding French Mancelle cattle with British Durham cattle. Initially bred for both meat and dairy, the breed is presently raised for its meat.

2. Chianina

Chianina bulls are giants that can weigh over 3,000 pounds and stand six feet tall at the shoulder. Native to Tuscany, Italy, Chianina cattle have been bred for thousands of years. They are one of the world’s oldest cattle breeds. They are recognized by their pure white coats. These massive bulls are born with dark coats that gradually turn gray and then white as they mature. Calves are often born weighing as much as 110 pounds.

Experts, however, debate whether Chianina bulls are actually larger than Sibi Bhagnari bulls.

1. Sibi Bhagnari

Sibi Bhagnari bulls belong to one of the largest cattle breeds in the world. They are native to Pakistan and known for their epic proportions. These massive bulls have white or grey bodies and a hump on the back of the neck that stores water and fat. The biggest bulls reach heights of 6 feet tall and 7 feet long and can routinely weigh between 2,000 and 2,500 pounds. The largest bulls weigh over 3,000 pounds.