Holstein Friesians (often shortened as Friesians in Europe, and Holsteins in North America) are a breed of dairy cattle of northern Dutch origin, more precisely the province of Friesland. Their black and white, sharply delineated spotting and large size are the most distinctive features. They are believed to have been selected for their qualities as dairy cattle as far back as two millennia. Nowadays they are employed over all fertile lands of continental Europe, northern America and on many other continents, outnumbering all other breeds of dairy cattle worldwide.