The Swedish Red originated in Sweden during the early 1900's from crossbreeding Shorthorns and Ayrshires. Some blood from other breeds was later introduced including a small amount of Brown Swiss, but no Holstein blood has ever been used. Swedish Reds are robust and healthy, with excellent fertility and calving ease. Swedish Reds can compete with Holsteins with regard to production and their milk also has a higher protein content. The Swedish Red is one of the best breeds in the World when it comes to calving ease and they have low somatic cell counts and a high resistance to mastitis. Swedish reds are being used in crossbreeding to enhance herd health and fertility.

The Danish Red, which is bred from similar bloodlines to the Swedish Red, is already very popular in the US and is now ready to make a big impact in the UK. There are 47,000 registered Danish Red cows in Denmark and 55 bulls are progeny tested in AI each year. The 2005 production figures for the breed are impressive: 47,000 cows average 8,380kg milk 4.25% fat 3.53% protein.

The Danish Red breed is noted for high components, good female fertility, easy calvings, the best udders amongst the Red breeds and dark hoofs.