Registered as a pure breed since 1889, the Montbeliarde comes originally from the Franche-Comte region, a mountain area located in eastern France . For centuries, Montbeliarde breeders have also been cheese makers. Therefore, they have selected through times not only a very good dairy breed, producing high quality milk, but also a breed of healthy, hardy cows, able to adapt to a strong climate and to make the best of available feed.

Today, no less than 9 AOC cheeses quote the Montbeliarde breed in their list of requirements (Comté, Morbier , Mont d'Or, Bleu de Gex, Reblochon, Abondance, Tome des Bauges, Bleu du Vercors Sassenage, Cantal). This confirms how much the quality of Montbeliarde milk is desired for cheese making.

Beef production is not to be forgotten either. Consumers associations, through "Que Choisir" magazine, awarded Montbeliarde meat their best mark in a comparative test in november 2003. This high quality was in any case already certified by such labels as Montbeliarde Qualité and Filière Qualité Carrefour (Carrefour Stores Quality Selection)..