Origin of Fluffy Cow in the Scotland
Fluffy cows are famous for their cute looks. They change our public image of other types of cows with their impressive looks and expressive eyes. And there is no wonder why people are so curious to learn about fluffy cows and browse for their pictures on the internet. But we are bringing you today not only the cutest photos of fluffy cows but also some knowledge of them. Even though you have seen pictures and heard stories about fluffy cows, have you ever wanted to know where they come from or where you can see them in person?
Never mind, today we will get answers to everything about Fluffy cows. So let us start learning why they are known as fluffy cows.
What are fluffy cows?
Fluffy cows you get to see on the internet have a behind story of their owners who take care of their looks. They are working on maintaining these furry cows to look their best by washing, combing, and blowing dry their long hair once or twice a day. Unlike other breeds specified for meat and milk production, Fluffy cows are used for shows for entertainment purposes. So these celebrity-type animals get treatments at a salon where they get oil treatments, hair cuts, trims, hair sprays, and hairstyles. After these makeup preparations, a judge evaluates Fluffy cows based on several criteria, including hair presentation, breeding traits for bulls and heifers, and market animals’ carcass quality.
Fluffy Cows and Climate Changes
During the Winter, you may notice these cows with extra fluffiness that helps them to tolerate cold. Their thick fluffy coats keep them warm throughout the Winter rather than stylish hair. They have a double coat of hair, of which the outer layer consists of oil hair, and there is a soft and fluffy undercoat. Farmers or cattle owners ensure their animals are safe from cold and heat.
Emo cows or the Highland Cows
This rustic breed of highland cattle originated in the Outer Hebrides islands and in the Scottish Highlands in the early 6th century. They are easily identifiable because of their cute look, highlighted by long horns and shaggy coats. In 1885, the first herd book recorded two types of highland cattle, namely,
- The smaller island type – usually black, and a more significant mainland type
- The single breed – usually dun
Both types are reared for beef, and they are exported to other countries for the same purpose. Their coat colors include a variety of colors like white, black, dun, and especially red. The Queen expressed her fascination with red-colored highland cattle due to a reported remark by Queen Victoria on a visit to the Scottish Highlands. Since then, people began selective breeding to please the Queen. Even today, herds of Highland cattle in Scotland are not a rare sight. They have a demand from other countries, including Australia, Finland and Denmark, Canada, the United States and all around the world and are often imported too.
(If you are interested in Jersey cows read our articles on Jersey Cows)
Names for Fluffy Highland cattle
Highland cattle have several names regarding their particular traits, place of origin, and other features. The list is as follows.
- Scottish Cattle
- Scottish Highland Cattle
- West Highland Cattle
- Long-haired Highland Cattle
- Long-haired Scottish Cattle
- North Highland Cattle
- Kyloe
Common traits of Highland cattle
| Feature | Details |
| Weight | Male: 650 kg, Female: 450 kg |
| Height | Male : 125 cm, Female : 105 cm |
| Coat color | Red-brown, yellow, pale/silver, dun/brindle, black |
What are they like?
Not only the highlighted cows are fluffy. There are several breeds of fluffy cattle. As much as they overloaded cuteness, they are docile and adorable animals. However, you cannot take their temperament for granted and must be careful with them too.
Types of Fluffy Cows
- Belted Galloway
- Galloway Cattle
- Chillingham Cattle
- South Devon Cattle
Belted Galloway
The Belted Galloway or beltie is another fluffy cow with a distinctive swath of white hair encircling their bodies. This natural belt is the inspiration for their name Belted Galloway. However, the belt is not a compulsory feature of Galloway as there is another breed known as the ‘unbelted’ Galloway without the distinctive belt. This breed also has fluffy coats that shield them during the cold seasons. Around the 17th century, Belted Galloway cows originated in the Galloway region in Scotland.
In 1921, this fluffy cow breed was established as a separate breed. No matter whether both of these fluffy cow breeds originated in Scotland, the Galloway cows are a rare breed and consist of small populations. Today this breed exists in other countries, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil, other than Scotland. (If you are interested in Simmental cattle, read our articles on Simmental Cattle breed)
Galloway Cattle
Similar to Belted Galloway cattle, this breed of Galloway cattle originated in the Galloway region in Scotland during the 17th century. The main distinguishing feature between Belted Galloway and Galloway Cattle is the Belted Galloway’s white belt. Ordinary Galloway cattle come in a brownish tinge closer to black. However, some countries notice this black hue as either red or dun. Another unique feature of Galloways is the long tail and thick hairy coat. Although Galloways live around the world today, they were confined only to Scotland, Australia, and the United States of America until the dawn of the 18th century.
Chillingham Cattle
The origin of Chillingham Cattle is the Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, England, and they were often confined to their native region. This wild cattle breed is occasionally spotted in North East Scotland and Crown Estate land near Fochabers. The Chillingham cattle have small compact bodies, slightly colored ears, eyes, feet, noses, and upright horns. They have a close resemblance with White Park Cattle. The Chillingham is a purely wild fluffy cow breed. They are smaller in number and not tamed and domesticated at all.
South Devon Cattle
South Devon’s fluffy cattle breed is considered the largest and oldest British native breed evolved in 1800. Their place of origin in Devon, southwest England, gifted them the name South Devon Cattle. This fluffy cow breed has a thick coat that comes from medium or rich red with copper tints which appears as a brown breed of cows. These muscular and large-framed animals can be polled or horned too,