Miniature Scottish Highland Cattle
What is a Miniature
Highland Cow?
The Scottish Highland cow is a hardy, smaller breed of cattle known for its resilience in extreme weather. These adaptable animals thrive in both harsh winter cold and summer heat, provided they have access to water and shade.
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Beyond their striking appearance, Highlands are cherished for their gentle and affectionate nature, making them a wonderful addition to any hobby farm. Their docile temperament and friendly personalities have also made them increasingly popular as companion animals and a favorite at petting zoos.
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Our Highlands are exceptionally social, enjoying the company of both people and other animals. Whether as a farm companion or a beloved pet, they bring warmth, charm, and a peaceful presence wherever they go.
Where did the Miniature Highland Cow Originate?
The Miniature Highland cow is not a naturally occurring breed but rather a selectively bred version of the traditional Scottish Highland cow, which originates from the rugged Scottish Highlands.
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The Highland breed itself dates back over 1,200 years, originally developed by Scottish farmers to withstand the harsh, cold climates of the region. They were bred for their thick double-layered coat, strong build, and ability to thrive on sparse vegetation.
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The miniature version was created through selective breeding over multiple generations, prioritizing smaller genetics while maintaining the breed’s signature hardiness and friendly temperament. Breeders selectively paired smaller Highland cattle to naturally produce a downsized version without altering their physical traits or adaptability.
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Today, Miniature Highland cows are gaining popularity as farm pets and homestead animals due to their manageable size, adorable appearance, and affectionate nature.
What Are Their Pysical Characteristics?
Miniature Scottish Highland cows possess the same charming and rugged features as their full-sized counterparts but in a smaller, more manageable frame. Standing between 36 to 42 inches at the shoulder and weighing between 500 to 1,000 pounds, they have a stocky, muscular build with a broad chest and sturdy legs, making them both hardy and resilient. Their thick, double-layered coat—comprised of a soft undercoat for insulation and a long, coarse outer coat for protection—allows them to thrive in both cold and warm climates. These coats come in a variety of colors, including red, black, dun, yellow, silver, brindle, and white.
A Medium Miniature Scottish Highland is a size classification within the Miniature Highland cattle breed, falling between full-sized Highlands and true miniatures. These cattle retain the breed’s iconic hardy build, shaggy double coat, and majestic long horns but are bred to be slightly smaller, making them ideal for small farms and homesteads. Typically standing between 42 to 46 inches at the shoulder and weighing 700 to 1,200 pounds, they are larger than Micro-Mini Highlands (under 42 inches) but smaller than full-sized Highlands, which can reach 48 inches or more.
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Medium Miniature Highlands are a popular choice for those seeking a manageable yet substantial breed. They require less space and feed than full-sized cattle while still maintaining the breed’s classic Highland look and adaptability. Their thick double coat allows them to thrive in various climates, and their gentle, affectionate temperament makes them excellent farm companions. Whether raised for companionship, breeding, or small-scale beef production, these cattle offer the perfect balance between size, hardiness, and charm.
​​One of their most striking features is their long, curved horns, which are present in both males and females. Their large, dark eyes, often partially hidden beneath their signature long bangs (called a "dossan"), add to their endearing and expressive appearance while also serving as protection against insects and harsh weather. With short but strong legs and durable, dark hooves, they navigate various terrains with ease. Despite their small stature, Miniature Highlands are incredibly hardy, requiring little maintenance and thriving on simple diets of grass and hay.
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Miniature Highland
Care and Needs
Scottish Highland cattle are known for their hardiness, adaptability, and gentle nature, making them an excellent choice for small farms, homesteads, and hobby farms. While they are low-maintenance compared to some other breeds, they still require proper care to ensure their health and well-being. These cattle need at least two acres per cow for grazing and movement, along with a three-sided shelter or barn for protection from extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or excessive heat. Although they are naturally resilient, providing shade in the summer is essential to prevent overheating.
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Their diet primarily consists of grass and hay, with hay supplementation needed during winter or droughts. They require constant access to fresh, clean water and benefit from mineral supplements, such as salt blocks with trace minerals, to maintain proper nutrition. Highlands typically do not require rich grains or high-energy feeds unless recommended by a veterinarian for specific needs. Their overall health is easy to maintain with regular deworming, hoof trimming, and vaccinations, as well as occasional grooming to keep their long coats free of debris.
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Fencing should be sturdy, to prevent escapes, as Highlands can push through weak fencing if motivated by food or curiosity. Being highly social animals, they thrive with companionship and do best when kept with other cattle. They are gentle and intelligent, making them easy to train and handle, especially when they are interacted with regularly. Their thick double coat provides excellent insulation against cold weather, meaning they rarely require additional bedding or blankets in winter. However, in hotter climates, shade and water are crucial to prevent overheating, and some owners choose to clip their coats slightly in extreme heat.
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For those considering breeding, Highland cattle are known for easy calving with minimal intervention. The gestation period is approximately nine months, and Highland cows are excellent mothers. A clean, dry, and safe calving area should be provided to ensure the well-being of both the mother and calf. With proper care, these majestic animals can live 15 to 20 years, making them a rewarding addition to any farm or homestead. Their low-maintenance nature, resilience, and affectionate temperament make them an increasingly popular choice for both new and experienced cattle owners.
What's The Next Step?
​Our Miniature Scottish Highland calves are bred for their adorable appearance, hardy nature, and affectionate temperament, making them a wonderful addition to any farm, homestead, or family setting. Raised with hands-on care and socialization, our calves are well-adjusted and comfortable with human interaction, ensuring a smooth transition to their new home.
Pricing varies based on size, color, and gender, with most calves ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Rare color variations or exceptionally small calves may be priced higher. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your calf, with remaining payment due upon pick-up. If you’re interested in adding one of these beautiful, affectionate calves to your farm or family, please contact us at Bluebird Family Farm for availability and current pricing details. We are happy to answer any questions and help match you with the perfect calf!
A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a calf, and payment plans are available for approved buyers. If you’re interested in adding one of these gentle, fluffy companions to your farm or family, please contact us at Bluebird Family Farm for current availability and pricing. We are happy to assist you in finding the perfect fit for your needs!
