It originates in the Frisia region, which includes parts of both northern Holland and north-western Germany.

The group includes related dairy breeds taking their names from, and probably largely originating in, West Friesland and Zeeland.

[9] In physical appearance, East Friesians have pink noses and their heads and legs are clear of wool.

Elsewhere on their bodies they have white wool which is about 35-37 microns, with a staple length of 120–160 mm and their fleece ranges from 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb).

Another attraction of the breed is a relatively high average number of lambs born per ewe.