The Devon is a traditional British breed of beef cattle.

It originated in, and is named for, the county of Devon in the West Country of England.

A census in 1908 found a population of close to 500,000, outnumbered only by the Shorthorn – of which there were about ten times that number.

[5]: 168 [6]: 25 Devons were popular for use in bullock teams for hauling cedar and other logs from the forests, which was pit sawn and then transported by bullock drawn wagons and timber junkers to towns and seaports for cabinet making or export.

These cattle were among the earliest breeds in Australia and Devons were noted for their docility, early maturing, hardiness and strength which were important attributes to have in a team.