Horse breed
Gentle British draft giant

The Shire Horse, Britain's Heavy Draught Coldblood

At risk, RBST 2016
Origin
England
Height
163–185 cm
Colours
Gray, Black, seal brown
Best for
Draught, show
Studbook since
1878
Population
~242 globally
Risk status
Gefährdet (RBST, 2016)
Reach
Registered in Germany and United Kingdom

What is Shire Horse?

The Shire is a large British draft horse standing 163–185 cm, with a cold-blooded temperament and coat colours in gray, black, and seal brown. Bred for heavy draught, traction, logging, and show, it remains a capable working horse across these disciplines. The breed originated in England and was established as distinct in the mid-18th century, with its studbook founded in 1878. Today only about 242 Shires remain, and the breed is listed as at risk by the RBST since 2016.

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Profile: Shire Horse

All figures are editorial reference values.
Origin
England
Colours
Gray, Black, seal brown
Best for
draught, show
Studbook since
1878
Population
~242
Height
163–185 cm
Risk status
Gefährdet (RBST, 2016)

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