They were Spanish longhorned cattle, which became known and named Texas Longhorn cattle, and were recognized as a breed.
The first breed developed in Texas were the Texas Longhorns. But they weren't the only breed that was developed in Texas. Santa Gertrudis and Barzonas (I believe) were also developed in Texas.
Texas Longhorn cattle were a popular breed of cattle in Western Texas because they are the only cattle truly adapted to the environment of Texas. Their ancestors were brought to the United States over 500 years ago. Through a process of natural selection, they became the best adapted cattle for a harsh environment.
The breed known as the Texas Longhorn.
Santa Gertudis and the new breed Santa Cruz
Cattle after the Texas Revolution were set free to roam by themselves due to massive changes in government. This helped the cattle breed and multiply so that their numbers rose into the millions.
Texas Longhorns
Cattle after the Texas Revolution were set free to roam by themselves due to massive changes in government. This helped the cattle breed and multiply so that their numbers rose into the millions.
From what I know, Brahman and Brahman-crosses like Brangus are more commonly found in Texas than any other breed including Texas Longhorns.
The first American-created breed of beef cattle would be the Texas Longhorn and also the Florida Cracker/Pineywoods cattle. Both breeds descended from the Spanish cattle that were imported from Spain in the late 1400's.
The Texas Longhorn and the Florida Cracker, both "derived" from the early Spanish cattle that were imported from Spain to Mexico and America.
Texas Longhorns were the foundation of the Cattle Kingdom in the USA. Herefords soon followed popularity when they were imported to the USA a couple hundred years after the Spanish brought over their cattle.