or Durham Blocky, short-horned breed of beef cattle developed in the late 18th century by crossbreeding of local cattle in the county of Durham, Eng. Colour can be white, solid or white-marked red, or roan. The Shorthorn is the only roan-coloured modern cattle breed. It is popular throughout the world. Special strains include the Milking, or Dairy, Shorthorn, raised for milk and beef, and the Polled Shorthorn, a hornless variety