It originated in Central Europe in the 19th century from cross-breeding of local stock with Simmental cattle imported from Switzerland.

The Fleckvieh originated in the Austrian Empire and the Kingdom of Bavaria from cross-breeding of local stock with Simmental cattle imported from Switzerland from about 1830.

[3] It is reported from several European countries, including Austria,[2] Belgium,[4] Germany,[5][6] the Netherlands,[7] and Spain,[8] and also, since 2009, from Switzerland;[9] in Hungary, the Fleckvieh is present on many small farms and its importance is growing steadily.

[10] It is also reported from other countries of the world, including Australia, Paraguay,[11] Peru,[12] and Uruguay.

The Fleckvieh bulls had faster growth rates, the carcasses had a smaller proportion of fat, especially abdominal fat, and the animals could be slaughtered at an earlier date on similar diets.