How many recognized breeds of cows are there?

There is more to cows then just Meat, Dairy and Draught! Cows have always been a show of stature and wealth. There are over 1000 breeds of cattle are recognized worldwide, Cows fall into two main species, which are regarded as either two closely related species, or two subspecies of one species. Bos indicus (or Bos taurus indicus) cattle, commonly called zebu, found in warm or hot climates and Bos taurus (or Bos taurus taurus), typically referred to as "taurine" cattle, found in cooler climates. That include almost all cattle breeds originating from Europe and northern Asia.

Over 10,500 years ago, in central Anatolia, Western Iran and Levant, cattle were domesticated from as few as 80 wild aurochs' progenitors. Aurochs are considered to be the wild ancestor of modern domestic cattle. With a shoulder height of up to 180 cm (71 in) in bulls and 155 cm (61 in) in cows, it was one of the largest herbivores. We also breed for size and strength and looks. It all depends on what we're using them for!