This often looks like it is styled to grow over their eyes. Some of their most outstanding features include: Head Hairīoth the bulls and cows are known for having hair at the top of their head. As one of the oldest cattle breeds recorded, they have had a long history of crossbreeding and changes throughout their lifespan. With their long hair, many people find Highland Scottish cattle appearance to be adorable. Meaning if cross breeding continues, we might see an even more diverse population of cattle in the future. It will bring the benefits of the Scottish Highlander cattle’s evolution and allow others to share the same benefits as they crossbreed.Īnother is diversity. This can make other cattle breeds stronger over time and allow their females to give birth easier. This is passed to whatever breed they are crossbred with, which makes them more resistant to diseases. They have evolved to deal with tougher conditions and to fight off sickness. The genetic makeup of the Scottish Highland breed is tough and has become even stronger over time. One of these is that other breeds now have the genetic makeup of this breed of cattle. They are very protective of their calves though, so take caution if you spot a mother and her young.There have been some benefits that have come from crossbreeding with this strong breed of cattle. The aforementioned social hierarchy reduces any conflict or aggression in the fold, and they’re partial photobombing the odd selfie. Are Highland Cattle Dangerous?ĭespite their fearsome stature, Highland Cattle are known to have a good temperament both towards humans and each other. Young Highlands are called calves, similar to other breeds. Like other breeds of cattle, male Highlands are called bulls while the females are called cows. They are not aggressive, but are very protective of their young.Highland Cattle have a social hierarchy, with grown cattle dominant to younger cattle, and males dominant to females.A group of Highland Cattle is called a fold instead of a herd.Bulls can grow up to roughly 4 foot high and around 800 kilograms, while cows grow to about 3 and a half foot and 500 kilograms.Their long horns are put to use in the snowy winter months – they can use the horns to forage through the snow to get at the grass.Their coat is made is of two layers: the undercoat a downy fluff to protect from cold weather and an overcoat of recognisable long, straggly hair.The stereotypical colour of a highland cow’s coat is orange, however black, red, yellow and white are not uncommon.This make it useful for foraging through snow to reach grass underneath for grazing. The horns of a Highland Cow tend to grow out of the head parallel to the ground and then curve slightly upwards. You may spot them on your West Highland Way, Great Glen Way, Rob Roy Way or Speyside Way Whisky Trail hike! Do Highland Cows Have Horns? While most groups of cattle are called ‘herds’, groups of Highland Cattle are actually called a ‘fold’. Highland Cattle are very adaptable in that they can live in extreme cold, heavy rainfall, powerful winds and on poor-quality land. There are also ongoing efforts to introduce the breed to New Zealand due to its hardiness. Today they can be found in the aforementioned countries of Scotland, Canada, Norway, North America, South America, Finland and Australia. It is thought that they were brought there around 2,000 B.C.
Where Do You Find Highland Cattle?Īs the name suggests, Highland Cows originated from the Highlands of Scotland. These breeds have since been cross-bed so there is no longer any distinction between the two. There were two similar breeds of these cows recognised at first – a smaller Highland Cow and a larger Mainland Cow. As a result, these cows can be found in Scotland, Canada, Norway, North America, South America and Finland, as well as Australia. They are more suited to countries with a harsher winter climate due to their hardy nature. Since then, these fluffy beasts have been exported all of the world. In 1885, the registry for Highland Cattle was established meaning that Highland Cows are officially the oldest breed of cattle in the world. Its incredibly trendy fringe and powerful-looking horns make Highland Cattle unmistakable, and a photo opportunity not to be missed. All of these are icons of the hiking trails in Scotland, but one stands out above the rest: the Highland Cow.
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