These cattle originated in central and upper Belgium and they, at one time, accounted for nearly half of the cattle in the national herd. Local red-pied and black-pied cattle were crossed with Shorthorn cattle imported from England from 1850 through 1890. Some sources also cite the introduction of Charolais breeding throughout the 19th century. A true breeding policy was established in the early 20th century when the breed was established. At one time the breed was divided into two strains, one primarily for milk production and the other a beef animal. Selection is now primarily for beef.