Miniature Scottish Highland Cows:

The Perfect Addition to Your Farm

Our Delightful Miniature Scottish Highland Cows

Are you looking for a lovable, sturdy, and low-maintenance addition to your farm? Look no further! Let me introduce you to the adorable miniature Scottish Highland cows at Black Horse Farm. These little wonders are descendants of the resilient and spirited Scottish Highland cattle, one of the most ancient cattle breeds in the world. I'd love to share more about my own "mini-fold" of pint-sized highlands, the unique characteristics of this breed, and why they're the perfect fit for smaller farms.

Meet The Herdsire

Our farm is home to one micro-mini bull and two cows, allowing us to offer two exceptional mini Highland calves each year. Let me introduce you to our beloved trio:

Licorice: The Micro-Mini Marvel

Licorice was born in August 2020 and came to our family farm from a petting zoo in Missouri. He was born on a farm with various exotic animals, including giraffes, kangaroos, camels, and many other animals. What makes Licorice so special is that he is a micro-mini, which means he is shorter than even what is considered to be a mini Highland. We had his DNA tested at UC Davis Vet School to confirm that he carries the BD1 Dwarfism gene. This gene keeps his legs short and allows him to produce smaller offspring, which is super desirable in the miniature cattle world. It's essential not to breed two cows with this gene together, as doing so can produce a "bulldog" calf with a low survival rate.

Blossom: The Silver Beauty

Blossom was our first heifer who traveled to us with Licorice and was picked up in Illinois. She is a Silver Dun Highland, which is a fairly rare and desirable color. The genetics of Highland cows are such that anytime Blossom and Licorice have a calf it will be a Dun color, which I find fascinating. Now that Blossom has had her first calf, she is no longer a "heifer" but a cow. A fun fact you might not know!

Maple: The Ginger Darling

Maple is our second heifer, and we purchased her and picked her up from a farm in Oregon called Croaker's Crossing Farm, which breeds a few different types of mini cattle. Maple is the most recognizable color of Highland, called Red or "Ginger." Her first calf was born 6/8/23 and is a perfect ginger bull calf standing 23” top of hip at birth. She has been a model mother and absolutely adores her new baby.

Inviting One of Our Miniature Scottish Highland Cows into Your Life

We let the dams raise their calves, so they'll be available at six months of age after weaning. These friendly calves are well-socialized and will have been introduced to the halter when they join their new families. To reserve a calf, we require a 20% deposit. Buyers can pick up their new calf at our Woodinville, WA farm or arrange transportation. If you need help finding a transport service, we're more than happy to provide recommendations.

2023 Calves

Chondro Positive Miniature Dun Highland Bull

“Brooks”
Born 2/16/23
23” at top of hip at birth

Sired by Licorice, our Micro Mini (Chondro positive) herdsire, this small framed Dun bull calf is absolutely perfect and will be ready for a new farm once he is weaned in mid-August. This handsome little guy’s dam is our Silver Dun Blossom. Both sire and dame were raised on our farm since they were calves themselves and are both super friendly and easy to handle. We have decided to retain Brooks as he is just too special. Looks for Brooks and Maple calves in the next couple years.

Nelson born 6/8/23

The first calf from Maple, our perfect red mini heifer, and Sired by Licorice, our Micro Mini (Chondro positive) herdsire, hit the ground 6/8/23 We are so happy with this little “ginger” bull calf that was 23” top of hip at birth. He Chondro positive like his brother Brooks. Congratulations to Julie Platt on the purchase of Nelson.

The Joy of Raising Miniature Scottish Highland Cows

Let me tell you why miniature Scottish Highland cows are simply amazing additions to any farm or homestead. They're low-maintenance, easy to raise, and perfect for small properties. With their endearing personalities and captivating looks, they're bound to win the hearts of any farmer or homesteader seeking a distinctive and durable new companion. Lovingly called "Coos" and "grass puppies," mini Highlands sometimes act just like dogs. They are very playful and form strong bonds within their family unit (also called a fold).

The Stunning Looks of Scottish Highland Cattle

The Scottish Highland cow has several striking features that set it apart from other cattle breeds. The most noticeable is the abundant, shaggy fringe of hair covering their faces and eyes, called the "dossan." This fluffy curtain not only protects the cows from harsh weather but also keeps pesky flies at bay during the summer months. As the seasons change, so does their hair, thinning out in warmer weather and regaining its thickness and length as the temperature drops.

The Multifaceted and Handy Role of the Highland Cow's Horns

The Highland cow's long, coiled horns are both beautiful and functional. These versatile horns serve many purposes, such as moving brush aside while foraging, scratching hard-to-reach itches, and defending their young. Additionally, the horns play a crucial role in temperature regulation. Much like a car radiator, the blood flowing through the horns cools down before circulating throughout the cow's body, ensuring its digestive system operates at peak efficiency during warm months. People are fascinated when I tell them to feel how warm the horns are. They had no idea the blood circulated through the horns.

The Creation of Miniature Scottish Highland Cows

Decades of selective breeding have given rise to the miniature Highland cattle we know and love today. These compact cows need significantly less feed and land to thrive than their full-sized counterparts. Their friendly nature, small stature, and other appealing qualities make them an excellent choice for small farms. A micro or miniature Highland can comfortably graze on a half-acre pasture or smaller, as long as you supplement their diet with hay or grain. Keep in mind that these cows are happiest with a companion, so a fellow bovine buddy will keep them content.

As you have hopefully now come to realize, miniature Scottish Highland cows are an absolute delight to raise and care for. Their unique appearance, playful nature, and suitability for small farms make them a wonderful addition to any homestead. If you're considering adding one of these charming creatures to your life, you won't be disappointed!