[3]: 182  It was originally bred in the French Pyrenees, where the harsh climate and limited resources led to the adaptations found in this breed.

Because of these adaptations, Gascon cattle can survive and work hard in basically any condition.

[5] Because they spend their winters in the low lands and their summers high on the Pyrenees, they are used to huge changes in the climate.

For example, their hard coat enables the Gascon to tolerate cold weather better than other cows; it is also very thick and sheds water well.

Another characteristic of the Gascon is that their calves get stronger and gain more weight faster than other types of cows.