The Limousin breed originated in south-central France in the regions of Limousin and Marche. The first Limousin Herd Book was established in 1886 when it became apparent that it was necessary to record the bloodlines of outstanding Limousin bulls and cows. The medium size of the breed compared to other breeds was and still is an outstanding breed trait. The deep chest, strong top-line and well-placed tail head and strongly muscled hindquarter was emphasized.
The first Limousin was imported to Canada because France was a hoof-and-mouth disease affected area. It was imported into Canada where it had to successfully complete a strict quarantine program. Once they passed the quarantine semen could then be shipped through-out North America. The first Limousin was a bull by the name of Prince Pompadour, a son of Baron bred at the Pompadour Estate in France. The first Limousin shipped into the United States did not arrive until 1971. Kansas Colonel was this bull's name and he was bred in Canada and imported by Bob Haag of Topeka, Kansas for a group of Kansas Limousin breeders.
Cattlemen in the United States that were interested in the breed joined together and formed the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) in 1968. The NALF has grown from it's original 99 founder members to nearly 12,000 active life-time members.
