The highland cows are not just pretty animals that resemble teddy bears. The breed is quite resilient and remarkable, boasting of several admirable qualities. An integral part of the Scottish history, the Highland cattle are found greatly in the Cairngorms and in all other parts of Scotland. An iconic symbol of Scottish history, the rugged animal is highly adaptive; capable of thriving in harsh situations.

The highland cattle have much more to offer than just its looks. A hairy cow experience or a close encounter with the breed will help you learn about its admirable qualities. Some of these include:

Well Adapted for Harsh Conditions – The highland cows are one of the few animals that can thrive in extreme living conditions, withstanding strong winds and severe cold and snow. Their coat is thicker than normal cattle, with long hair to fight the extreme cold. A thick undercoat helps in keeping them warm in extreme cold. The long hairy coat protects them from rain and snow, preventing it from settling on their body. This helps in keeping away the cold and maintaining sound body temperature. Highland cows – both males and females – have horns on their heads. These horns help them to dig through the snow and find food during the cold, snowy days.

The highland cows are one of the few animals that can thrive in extreme living conditions, withstanding strong winds and severe cold and snow. Their coat is thicker than normal cattle, with long hair to fight the extreme cold. A thick undercoat helps in keeping them warm in extreme cold. The long hairy coat protects them from rain and snow, preventing it from settling on their body. This helps in keeping away the cold and maintaining sound body temperature. Highland cows – both males and females – have horns on their heads. These horns help them to dig through the snow and find food during the cold, snowy days. Making the Most of What is Available – One unique and key quality of highland cattle in the Cairngorms is that they make the most of what is available to them. Unlike other cattle breeds, highland cows do not need fresh vegetation to feed on. They can consume almost any vegetation that they can find and live well. This enables them to live on steep slopes and cold winters where normal plants and grass cannot be found easily.

One unique and key quality of highland cattle in the Cairngorms is that they make the most of what is available to them. Unlike other cattle breeds, highland cows do not need fresh vegetation to feed on. They can consume almost any vegetation that they can find and live well. This enables them to live on steep slopes and cold winters where normal plants and grass cannot be found easily. Having a Friendly Nature – A hairy cow experience is an integral part of a trip to the Highlands. There are two main reasons for this. First, the iconic hairy cows attract a lot of attention due to their looks. Secondly, they have a friendly temperament and love to be around tourists. Their friendly nature encourages tourists to interact with the cows, play with them and click pictures too. There are many farm stays and croft houses in Scotland that allow people to mix with the cows, walk them and even brush their hair.

A hairy cow experience is an integral part of a trip to the Highlands. There are two main reasons for this. First, the iconic hairy cows attract a lot of attention due to their looks. Secondly, they have a friendly temperament and love to be around tourists. Their friendly nature encourages tourists to interact with the cows, play with them and click pictures too. There are many farm stays and croft houses in Scotland that allow people to mix with the cows, walk them and even brush their hair. Protective of Their Young Ones – The mother cows are extremely protective of their calves. While the highland breed is gentle at most times, they can become violent if they feel their calves are threatened or spooked. It is also remarkable to note that the highland cows can breed even after the age of 18, giving birth to about 15 calves in a lifetime

These are some remarkable qualities of highland cattle in the Cairngorms. A hairy cow experience will help you learn more about the animal.

