Highland Cattle

The Highland is a breed of cattle (or Bos taurus) from Scotland. The name of the breed references the Scottish Highlands, where the breed originated. Highland cattle are best known for their unique, long coats. Their fur is made up of a wavy outer layer of long guard hairs, which protects the animals from the elements, and a downy undercoat keeping them warm. Most Highlands have rusty red fur, though they may also be blonde, brown, or black in colour. The Highland’s head sports a characteristic ‘fringe’ over the forehead and two long, angular horns. It is a rather small breed of cattle: bulls stand 1.05m to 1.2m tall and weigh 600kg to 850kg, while cows are slightly smaller at a height of 0.9m to 1.05m and a weight of 400kg to 500kg.