Scottish Highland Cows
“Hairy Coo’s”
The Highland cattle breed that originated on the Scottish Highlands and Outer Hebrides islands of Scotland. This is reported to be the first breed on record to form a herd book in 1885. These furry horned creatures are quite docile animals when handled correctly and love attention, to be brushed and treat time! Highland mothers have strong maternal instinct, caution should be taken around cows with calves as well as all bulls. Mature bulls can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and heifers can weigh up to 1000 pounds. Cows typically have a height of 3–3.5 ft, and bulls are typically in the range of 3.5–4 ft. Highland cattle have a longer expected lifespan than many other other breeds of cattle, and many living over 20 years. The make remarkable mothers. It is not unheard of for highlands to breed beyond the age of 18 and having more than 15 calves. The hardy nature of the Highland and its adaptability make it and excellent choice for farmers. These animals are suited for 5 to 50,000 acres. Mainly raised for beef and some are raised for the high buttermilk content of dairy. (however, they don’t produce a lot of dairy) More recently becoming popular as fancy yard ornaments and family pets. Highlands are adorable and it is easy to see why they have become so popular. The “fluffy” cow is hardy and has horns. Making them one of the most photographed breed of cows. The horns differ between the male and female. In bulls the horns are ticker and curve forward and have an upward rise near the end, in cows the horns tend to be slenderer and curve upwards and are longer than bull’s horns. The AHCA (American Highland Cattle Association) recognizes seven colors of highlands: Red, Black, Brindle, Yellow, Dun, White & Silver Meet Elle 05/26/2020This sweet little Red Heifer loves to cuddle and give me kisses 
Hairy Coo Fun Facts
1. Nobody is quite sure if these cows can see where they are going! But whether they have super-vision or heightened other senses they certainly manage to find what they are looking for, even with that long fringe, known as a ‘dossan’ blocking the way!
2. Queen Victoria is said to have commented on a trip to the Highlands that she preferred the red colored cattle and, in an effort, to please the Queen, this resulted in selective breeding of the reddish color that we see most often today and the black color gradually declining over time. Originally, the breed was divided into two classes, the West Highlands or Kyloe, and the Highlander.
3. If you are seeking the Highland Cow whilst visiting their country of origin, you may find yourself with more success if you ask the locals to point you in the direction of the “Hairy Coos”, as they are locally and affectionately known.
4. The Queen has a herd of Highland Cattle and it is rumored to be the only kind of beef she will eat!
5. The collective name for a group of cows is usually a herd. However, a group of Highland cattle is known as a ‘fold’ – named after the open shelters they can be kept in over winter.
Nothing beats calf snuggles! Check out the ferocious dog in the bottle left! He doesn’t phase sweet Elle