The Highland Cow

A breed of cattle that almost everyone recognizes today is none other than the Highland cow. Highlands are one of the oldest known cattle breeds, dating back as far as the sixth century, with written records appearing in the 18th century.

Originally from the rugged Scottish Highlands, they were bred for their tender, flavorful meat. Thanks to their naturally slow growth rate (up to 3 years!), Highland beef is known for being lower in fat and cholesterol while still being incredibly rich in taste.

You can use Highlands for milk too — their milk has a high butterfat content, though they don’t produce large quantities like commercial dairy breeds. However, it’s perfect for a small household or homestead.

🧡 The Highland Everyone Knows Today

Nowadays, most people recognize Highlands for their adorable fluffy faces and sweet personalities. They’re well-loved as homestead cattle, pets, and photography favorites.

Highlands are known for being:

• Docile and calm

• Easy to handle

• Great mothers

• Very hardy in harsh weather

• Known for calving ease

They also come in a surprising variety of colors: red, yellow, black, white, brindle, silver, and dun.

❄️ Built for the Elements

That fluffy hair everyone loves? It’s actually a double coat! The long outer hair keeps them dry and the soft undercoat keeps them warm in winter. And they naturally shed shorter in the summer. Their signature bangs — called a dossan — help keep flies and other pests out of their eyes.

And here's a fun fact:

Those gorgeous horns aren’t just for looks. Highlands use them to dig through snow to uncover food underneath.

💕 Why I Love This Breed

Highlands are gentle, intelligent, hardy, and incredibly endearing. Between their sweet nature, their history, and their iconic fluffy faces… what’s not to love?

They truly are such a cool breed — and they’re the reason I fell in love with cattle in the first place. 🩶