Salers are generally horned and dark red, though there are a very small number of black animals. Polled animals in the full blood herd are very rare. However, a growing number of polled and black Salers are becoming available in the pure bred herd. The skin and pigmented membranes are brown and consenquently few eye or udder problems occur. A good hair coat which becomes thick and curly in winter gives hardiness and adaptability to cold and heat.

Having roamed the mountains for centuries, and been draught animals they have developed strong legs and good feet with black hooves. Consequently the cattle can travel long distances over rough ground without developing foot problems.

They are equally able to tolerate long periods inside on slats etc. Being one of the oldest and genetically most pure of the European breeds, the Salers produces a positive effect on the predictability in crossbreeding programmes in a consistent increase in hybrid vigour.