The Ultimate Guide to the Mini Highland Cow (2024)

Mini Highland cows are some of our favorite homestead companions! When most people think of Highland cows, they think of the unkempt (and beastly) creatures often used as tourist attractions or featured in commercials. However, we know about a newer and smaller version of this Scottish cow gaining popularity –miniature Highland cattle!

As their name suggests, miniature Highland cows are much smaller than their traditional counterparts. And they make great pets or farmyard animals for small-scale homesteaders.

We’re about to analyze these magnificently mini cattle creatures in detail!

Sound good?

Let’s continue!

The Ultimate Guide to the Mini Highland Cow

If you’re considering adding a mini Highland cow to your farm or homestead, read on for everything you need to know about this exquisite mixed breed of cattle.

Do Mini Highland Cows Exist? Or Not?!

Many homesteaders and farmers swear that miniature Highland cattle don’t exist. We’d go as far as to saythere’s a profusion of confusion regarding Highland cattleand the nature of miniature cow breeds.

Yes, for the record,we believe that mini Highland cows exist! And – we’ve spent the last few monthsresearching the validity of miniature Highland cattle.

Here’s what we found.

According to aMiniature Cattle Faculty Reportpublished via the University of Nebraska Lincoln Digital Commons,miniature Highlands existwithin the official International Miniature Cattle Breeders Society and Registry (AKAIMCBSR, founded in 1989.)

We didn’t just take their word for it. We checked theMini Cattle Databaseourselves. We found that the IMCBSR website lists many reputable Highland breeders – including reviews, their websites, and social media contact information.

(Some breeders sell full-sized Highlands, and others cater to mixed miniature varieties.)

We discovered many real-world (and healthy) instances of mini Highland cattle! (And each specimen appears more adorable than the last.)

We found reputable Highland breeders in other locations, too. There are a small handful of micro and miniature breeders within the official Highland Cattle AssociationHighland Breeder Directory.

After additional research, it looks like many independent ranchers are also breeding and selling miniature Highland cattle. As of 2023 – they’re everywhere.

Here are a few of the most well-documented miniature Highland breeders we could find after researching.

• Cyrus Ridge Farm
• Grass Puppies
• Rolling 7 Mini Highlands
• Rocking Ranch Miniature Cattle
• Iowa Mini Highlands

The list above is just scratching the surface. It seems like the popularity of miniature Highland cows is skyrocketing.

We expect more mini cow breeders to continue the trend.

Are Mini Highland Cows Good for Anything?

Yes. Absolutely! The full-bred Highland cow is a friendly and docile cattle from the Scottish Highlands. Since Scottish Highland cows areinsanely adorableandtremendously hardy, many homesteaders now seek miniature versions –miniature Highlands.

These cows are smaller than their full-grown counterparts, making them easier to care for and handle.

Mini Highland cows are also known for theirthick fur coats, which protect them from the cold weather in their native homeland. In recent years, mini Highland cows have become increasingly popular as pets and farmyard companions due to their easygoing nature and gentle dispositions.

How Big Do Mini Highland Cows Get?

Miniature Highland cattle typically weigh between500 and 1,000 pounds– or227 to 453 kg. They are also relatively short, with a typical adult height of36 to 42 inches(91 to 107 cm). The bulls are generally slightly larger than the cows.

Although they are much smaller than their full-size cousins, miniature Highland cattle still possess many similarly distinctive features, including long curved horns, shaggy coats, and wavy eyelashes. Miniature Highland cows make excellent pets – due partly to their docile nature and compact size.

How Much Do Highland Cattle Weigh Compared to Mini Highland Cattle?

Here’s what you can expect your adult, full-bred Highland cattle to weigh.

• Full-sized adult (male) Highland bulls can weigh around 1,800 pounds.
• Full-sized adult (female) Highland cows can weigh approximately 1,000 pounds.

We also read a fascinating report from the Highland Association that says the average Highland birth weight is approximatelysixty-five to seventy pounds.

But what about miniature Highland cattle?

Since various mixed miniature cows can weigh anywhere fromone-half to one-thirdof their full-sized counterparts, you can expect a mini Highland cow to weigh anywhere from400 to 1,000 poundsdepending on sex, size, and genetics.

What’s the Difference Between Mini Highland Cattle and Full Bred Highland Cattle?

There is so much confusion regarding Highland cattle!

There aretwo Highland cow nuancesall homesteaders should know. They are as follows.

• Highland cows aremedium-sized cows from Scotland. They’re one of the oldest-known cattle breeds. They’re famous for being expert foragers and surviving in all weather – especially the snow. And they have horns, plus adorable shaggy hair.
• Miniature Highland cows usually refer to Highland cowsmixed with smaller cow breedsto create a much tinier version of the full-sized Highland cow.

Full-bred Highland cattle are tremendously shaggy-haired and adorable – especially the calves. The calves look unlike many other cows – they look like Ewoks!

To add to the confusion – many farmers and cow ranchers love to raise and marketmixed Highland cattleand invent evensmaller Highland varieties!

For example – we’ve seen Highland cows mixed with the following:

• Dexter cows
• British White cows
• Hereford cows
• Panda cows

For that reason – many adorable miniature Highland mixes exist, and each has varying height, weight, and size. (And we agree that it’s confusing!)

Are Miniature Highland Cows Friendly?

Yes. Absolutely! If you’re looking for a friendly pet, you might consider a miniature Highland cow. These cows are known for their sweet dispositions and love of being around people. And they look like giant teddy bears. Ultra fuzzy teddy bears!

They are markedly curious creatures, so they’ll often follow you around and try to investigate anything that catches their eye. Highland cows are also relatively easy to care for and raise. They even make excellent lawnmowers! Many people get mini cows specifically for this purpose.

Read More!

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How Much Does a Mini Highland Cow Eat Per Day?

Cows usually eat around2% of their body weight daily. A full-grown miniature Highland cow weighs approximately 500 to 1,000 pounds. So – expect your mini Highland cow to eat roughly 10 to 20 pounds of hay daily. (500 pounds * .02 = 10 pounds.) or (1,000 pounds * .02 = 20 pounds.)

This number is just an estimate! Your mini Highland cow could certainly eat more than 10 pounds per day. But we’d be surprised if the total amount exceeded 30 pounds of hay daily.

This amount may seem like a lot for such a little fellow! But it’sfar lessthan what many other types of cattle consume. For example, Angus cattle can eat up to 35 pounds of hay daily. And we’ve heard of some hungry Holstein cows eating as much as 50 pounds of hay!

Of course, the amount a miniature Highland cow eats will also depend on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. Younger cows tend to eat more than older cows, and cows used for breeding or milking need more food than those kept as pets.

How Much Land Does a Mini Highland Cow Need?

A mini Highland cow can live comfortably on as little as one acre of pasture. Most reliable cattle-raising sources agree that you requiretwo acres of forage spaceper cow. But mini Highland cows are half the size of regular cattle. Sometimes, even smaller!

So – one acre per mini Highland cow should be sufficient – as long as you have decent forage crops. (We also advise supplementing your mini Highland cattle’s diet during the winter!)

Highlands are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. They’re also relatively low-maintenance, making them a good choice for homesteaders seeking to raise livestock while minimizing fuss. (Of course – raising cows is always a challenge. But Highland cows are famously less fussy than others.)

Can Mini Highland Cows Live Alone?

Mini Highland cows are social creatures that enjoy the company of other miniature bovines! When they getkept alone, they can become stressed and even depressed. Isolating mini Highland cows can also lead to health problems such as poor appetite and weight loss.

Therefore, mini Highland cows should always have at least one other mini Highland cow for companionship. While they can get along with other animals, such as sheep or goats, mini Highland cows do best when they are with a herd.

Read More –How Long Do Cows Live? Beef and Dairy 101!

How Fast Do Highland Cows Grow?

We’ve noticed that Highland cows are slow-growing. Their slow growth means they take longer to reach full size than other breeds. However, once reaching adulthood, they are larger than most other cattle breeds.

Adult Highland cows (not the miniature versions) typically weigh between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds. The average bull can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. While the exact growth rate varies depending on the individual cow, most Highland cows will reach full size by four or five years old.

After that point, they will continue to put on weight until they reach their peak at around seven or eight years old. Thanks to their slow growth rate and hearty appetites, Highland cows have a reputation for being very efficient grazers.

What Age Do Highland Cows Grow Horns?

While male and female Highland cows have horns, their horn buds don’t start maturing until they reach adulthood. Most Highland cows don’t start growing their horns until they’re between one and two years old.

Once their horns start to grow, they’ll continue to grow throughout the cow’s life – typically reaching full size after about five years. Highland cows can live to be 15 or even 20 years old! That means their horns can keep growing for a significant portion of their lives.

How Long Does a Mini Highland Cow Live?

In general, miniature Highland cattle have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. However, some mini Highland cows purportedly live up to 20 years, while others may only live for ten years or less. Factors that affect a miniature Highland cow’s lifespan include diet, genetics, and environment.

For example, cows that are well-fed and living in a clean and spacious environment are likely to live longer than those that are neglected or living in cramped conditions.

(Since many Highland mixes exist – it’s impossible to say how long yours will live. Ask your breeder for a better idea of what to expect.)

Read More –How Fast Can Cows Run? The Answer Might Surprise You!

Where Can I Find a Reputable Highland Breeder In the USA?

There are two places to check.

First, visit theIMCBSR Highland Breeder’s Database. Their website neatly lists a variety of Highland breeders and their contact information. You can also find other miniature cow breeds in their breed database. They list lovely miniature breeds like High Park, Panda, Mini Belts, Mini Cookies, and more.

You can also find a few miniature cattle breeders on the Highland Cattle Association website and theirHighland Breeder Directory. However, we had better luck searching the IMCBSR, as they have far more listed breeders.

How Much Do Mini Highland Cows Cost?

The price of miniature Highland cows varies. Big time! Expect to pay anywhere from$3,000 to over $20,000in 2023.

The cost depends on factors such as gender, hair length, color, size, and genetics, as well as the breeder. For example, a calf is typically less expensive than an adult cow. Similarly, a female cow will generally be more expensive than a male cow.

There’s also asurprisingly high demandfor Highland cattle. For that reason – the price may not decrease anytime soon.

Do Miniature Highland Cows Have Bulldog Dwarfism?

Some miniature Highland cattle mixes may be at risk for dwarfism, yes. (AKA Chondrodysplasia, or bulldog dwarfism.)

We read a fascinating document from UC Davis about cow dwarfism and Dexter cows. It suggested that Dexters, Dexter crosses, and miniature Highland cowsshould get tested for dwarfism.

Overall, their report suggested testing the following breeds for dwarfism:

• Dexter
• Dexter crosses
• Miniature Jersey
• Miniature Zebu
• Miniature Scottish Highland

Since bulldog dwarfism is a lethal disease, we advise all homesteaders to source their cattle from reputable breeders who respect their animal’s health, viability, and integrity.

(We think there’s nothing wrong with mixing cow breeds. It’s healthy, organic, and natural. But – cow breeders should do so responsibly, in a way that minimizes the risk of bulldog dwarfism and other lethal anomalies!)

What’s the Difference Between Micro, Miniature, Mid-Size, and Standard Cows?

You may see homesteaders and ranchers using the wordsminiature and microcows. But what do these terms mean, exactly?

According to IMCBSR, theminiature cattle sizing chart, and terminology should be as follows.

• Standard-Size Cattle = Over 48-inches
• Mid-Size Cattle = 42.25-inches to 48-inches
• Miniature Cattle = 36.35-inchs to 42-inches
• Micro Cattle = Under 36-inches

Fascinatingly, and coincidentally, you may find that full-bred Highland cows fall in the miniature or micro cattle category since Wikipedia lists female Highland cow height as anywhere from35 to 42 inches.

(That’s another reasonthere is a ton of confusion regarding miniature Highland cows. Even full-bred and full-sized Highland cows are indeed relatively short!)

Read More –Raising Mini LaMancha Goats!

Conclusion

Miniature Highland cows are becoming increasingly popular on small farms and homesteads across the country. And worldwide! They’re versatile animals that can provide milk, meat, or fiber. And they’re a great way to teach kids about agriculture and animal husbandry.

But – if you’re interested in adding miniature Highland cattle to your farm, conduct your research first! Make sure you have enough space for them to roam and consider their needs before making a final decision.

What about you? Have you ever considered raising miniature Highland cattle?

Or – maybe there are other miniature cattle breed you love more than Highlands?

Let us know your thoughts!

And – thanks so much for reading.

Have a great day!

More Highland Cattle References:

• Highland Cattle Breed Discovery
• Scottish Highland Cattle
• Off the Beaten Path – Scottish Highland Cows
• Scottish Cattle Breed Tested In Southwest Wisconsin!