Dala cows are not traditional symbols of Sweden; horses are the original, commanding most of the attention, though pigs and roosters are next most popular dala animals. But while they are not commonly carved and painted like a dalahäst, milk cows have long had a place on Swedish farms.

Holsteins, with their bold black and white coloring, are basically the face of the dairy industry—what they may lack in butterfat and protein, they make up for in sheer volume of milk, making them one of the most popular breeds among dairy producers. It’s the breed I grew up with on our family’s multi-generational dairy farm in central Minnesota, so to me, it will always be the classic dairy breed.

Enjoy the unusual dala cow? Purchase cards and prints here!