Highland Cross

Highland cross cattle are animals with Scottish Highland breeding mixed with another cattle breed, commonly Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Galloway, Dexter, or a local dairy or beef line. The Highland influence may show as a shaggy coat, heavy forelock, long horns, thriftiness on rough forage, or a calmer hill-cattle type, but calves vary widely. Some crosses are bred for grass-fed beef and maternal hardiness; others are sold as small-acreage or ornamental cattle because they inherit Highland looks without full purebred status.

The practical questions are the same as for any crossbred herd: which breed is on the other side, how large the adults become, whether horns or polled genetics are present, and what the animal was selected to do. Highland crosses can be useful in cold climates and extensive grazing, but thick-coated individuals still need heat relief in summer. Buyers should ask for parent information, calving history, health records, and temperament, since the name alone does not predict size, milk, finish, or handling needs.

Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blue, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Bus Dubh, Dominant Black with Wild Type, Dun, Gray, Grulla, Lineback, Mottled, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, White with Black Points, White with Dun Points, White with Red Points, White with Silver Points, White with Yellow Points, Yellow