Highland Cow Facts: 6 Myths About the Shaggy Scottish Breed, Debunked
A Highland cow is a shaggy, long-horned breed of cattle from the Scottish Highlands and the islands off Scotland's west coast. It has a double coat, with the longest outer hair of any cattle breed and a soft, downy layer beneath it. Both cows and bulls grow horns. Most Highland cows are reddish brown, but they also come in yellow, black, dun, brindle, and white. They are calm, hardy, and built for cold, wet, windy weather. They often live up to 20 years, which is longer than most cattle. The breed is also old: its breed society began in 1884, and its first herd book came out in 1885. Below, we clear up 6 common Highland cow myths and share the real facts behind each one.
In this article
- Highland cow facts at a glance
- Myth 1: Are Highland cows always ginger?
- Myth 2: Are Highland cows small?
- Myth 3: Is the fringe just for looks?
- Myth 4: Can a Highland cow live anywhere?
- Myth 5: Are Highland cows cuddly pets, or dangerous?
- Myth 6: Is a group of Highland cows called a herd?
- FAQ
Highland cow facts at a glance
Here are the basics in one place. Sizes are rough averages, since each animal is a bit different.
| Trait | Highland cow |
|---|---|
| Home | Scottish Highlands and Western Isles |
| Old name | Kyloe (in Scots, a Highland cow is a "Heilan coo") |
| Weight | Cows about 1,000 to 1,100 lb; bulls up to about 1,800 lb |
| Height at the shoulder | Cows about 35 to 42 inches; bulls about 42 to 47 inches |
| Lifespan | Up to about 20 years, longer than most cattle |
| Coat | Double coat: long, oily outer hair over a soft undercoat |
| Colors | Red, yellow, black, dun, brindle, white |
| Horns | Yes, on both cows and bulls |
| Group name | A fold |
Myth 1: Are Highland cows always ginger?
The truth: No. Red is the most common color, but it is far from the only one.
Breed records show that about 60% of Highland cattle are reddish brown. About 22% are yellow. The rest are black, dun, brindle, or a pale silver-white. The Highland Cattle Society in Scotland, which keeps the breed's records, accepts all of these colors.
Black was once very common. In the past there were two kinds of Highland cattle. The island type was smaller and often black. The mainland type was bigger and often red or dun. When the first herd book came out in 1885, both kinds were listed as one breed.
Myth 2: Are Highland cows small?
The truth: No. Those fluffy photos fool a lot of people. A grown Highland is a full-size cow.
A Highland cow often weighs around 1,000 pounds. A bull can reach about 1,800 pounds. Their thick coat can make them look rounder, but under all that hair is a big, strong animal.
So where does the "small" idea come from? Partly from calves, which look like teddy bears. Partly from "mini" Highland cattle. These are bred to be smaller, and they are not the same as the standard Scottish breed. Even a "mini" is still a farm animal that needs a pasture, not a backyard.
Myth 3: Is the Highland cow's fringe just for looks?
The truth: No. That famous fringe has a job.
The long hair over a Highland cow's eyes is called a dossan. It helps keep flies away from the eyes. That lowers the risk of pinkeye, an eye infection that flies can spread. It also helps shield the eyes from wind, rain, and snow.
Can they see through it? Yes. The hair is long, but it moves as they walk and shake their heads, and they find their way just fine.
Myth 4: Can a Highland cow live anywhere?
The truth: They are made for cold, not heat.
Highland cattle handle cold very well. Animal science writers rank them close to caribou and reindeer for how well they handle cold. Their outer hair sheds rain and snow, and the soft undercoat keeps them warm. They do well in places with harsh winters, such as Canada and Norway.
Heat is harder on them. In a 1979 study, researchers kept Highland and zebu cattle at about 88°F. Zebu cattle come from hot parts of South Asia. The Highlands coped with the heat much less well. That is why Highland cows in warm places need:
- Shade all day, from trees or a shelter.
- Lots of clean, cool water.
- Help shedding, like brushing out the winter coat in spring.
A soft, warm crewneck for chilly fall days and cow people who run cold.
Myth 5: Are Highland cows cuddly pets, or are they dangerous?
The truth: Neither one, really. Highland cows are known for being calm and gentle. But they are big animals with big horns, and they deserve respect.
Scientists have watched how they get along. In a four-year study of a semi-wild group of Highland cattle, researchers found a clear pecking order. Older animals ranked above younger ones. That order helped keep fights down. The cattle also showed friendly behavior, like licking each other and play-fighting.
Here is how to read their mood, and how to stay safe:
| What people think | What is true |
|---|---|
| "They're like big, fluffy dogs." | Many are calm and friendly, but a playful head swing with horns can still hurt you. |
| "Horns mean they're mean." | Horns are normal for both sexes. They are not a sign of a bad temper. |
| "Moms don't mind if you pet the calf." | Mother cows can be very protective. Give a cow with a calf lots of room. |
| "It's fine to hand-feed them over the fence." | Only feed them if the owner says it is OK. Many farms and sanctuaries ask visitors not to. |
Like all cows, Highlands are social. They form bonds and do best with company. Many also bond with the people who care for them. Read more in our posts on whether farm animals have best friends and signs cows bond with humans.
Myth 6: Is a group of Highland cows called a herd?
The truth: Most groups of cattle are called herds, but a group of Highland cattle is called a fold.
The name comes from history. In winter, Highland farmers kept their cattle at night in open stone shelters called folds. The shelters kept out the worst of the wind and weather, and the name stuck to the cattle.
Today, Highland folds live far beyond Scotland. You can find them in the US, Canada, Australia, and much of Europe. Queen Elizabeth II started a fold at Balmoral Castle in 1954. The town of Borlänge in Sweden keeps a fold for "conservation grazing." The cows eat back tall grass and brush so wild meadows stay open for plants, birds, and insects.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Highland cows live?
Highland cows often live up to about 20 years. That is longer than most other cattle breeds. Good food, shade, clean water, and regular vet and hoof care all help.
How big do Highland cows get?
A grown Highland cow often weighs about 1,000 to 1,100 pounds and stands around 3 to 3.5 feet tall at the shoulder. Bulls are bigger and can weigh up to about 1,800 pounds.
Are Highland cows good pets?
They are calm, but they are not house pets. A Highland cow needs good pasture, shelter, shade, fresh water, a vet who treats cattle, and at least one other cow for company. They also live a long time, so it is a big promise.
Why do Highland cows have so much hair?
Their double coat kept them warm and dry in the cold, wet, windy Highlands. The long outer hair sheds rain and snow. The soft undercoat holds in heat.
Do Highland cows need to be brushed?
They don't need daily brushing, but many owners brush them in spring to help them shed the thick winter coat. This matters most in warm places.
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