Highland Cow Gifts for Fans of the Shaggy Coat
Few farm animals have charmed as many people as the highland cow. Its long fringe and its calm way of standing in the rain have made it a favorite on kitchen walls and coffee mugs far from any pasture. Some fans have never met one in person, while others keep a small fold of their own on a hobby farm.
This guide covers highland cow gifts for both kinds of fan. It begins with a little about the breed and with ideas that have nothing to do with leather, then ends with the personalized highland keychain from The Almanac, our farm world.
Why Everyone Loves a Highland
Highland cattle come from the Scottish Highlands and the islands off Scotland's west coast, where they grazed rough hill land in wind and rain for centuries. Their double coat is the secret: a long outer layer that sheds water over a soft, dense undercoat that holds warmth. That coat lets them winter outdoors in weather that would trouble many other breeds.
The long fringe that falls over the eyes is often called a dossan, and it helps keep off flies and weather. Both cows and bulls carry horns. Highlands come in several colors, from black to pale yellow, though the familiar red coat is the one most people picture. A group of highland cattle is traditionally called a fold, a word that delights fans almost as much as the cows themselves.
Highlands also have a reputation for a gentle temperament, which is part of why small farms and families choose them. Owners still treat the horns with respect, since a friendly swing of the head can leave a bruise. Most fans fall for the calves first, with their round faces and fluffy coats, and stay for the grown cattle.
Gifts for the Home
Highland cows suit a cozy house, and the most popular gifts lean into that:
- A soft throw blanket with a highland print, ideal for the person who wishes she lived on a croft
- A framed print or photograph of a highland in the mist, which looks right in a farmhouse kitchen or a city apartment
- A good plush highland calf for a child or for the adult who keeps one on the bed anyway
- A highland mug or set of coasters for the morning coffee
Look for prints from photographers who work with real farms, since many highland breeders sell calendars and photos of their own herds. Buying from them supports the people who keep the breed going.
Personal pieces carry extra weight for owners. A portrait of their own cow, commissioned from a local artist with a few good photos, will mean more than any poster from a shop, and it usually ends up in the most visible spot in the house.
Gifts That Meet a Real Highland
The best gift for a highland lover may be an afternoon with the real thing. Hobby farms across the country now raise highlands, and some welcome visitors for tours or photo sessions. A visit with a calf in spring tends to be the highlight of a fan's year. Call ahead, because farms that allow visits often set specific days and limit group sizes.
Some sanctuaries and farms run sponsorship programs, where a gift pays toward the care of a particular animal and the recipient receives photos and updates. Check that the organization is well established and explains clearly where the money goes. A trip to Scotland to see highlands on their home ground is a grand gesture, and a good travel book about the Highlands makes a smaller one.
Gifts for Highland Owners
People who keep highlands have practical needs, and a gift that helps with daily care will be appreciated. A sturdy halter and lead in the right size helps with handling, and a quality brush or curry comb keeps a show animal looking its best. A gift card to the local farm supply store lets the owner choose mineral or fencing supplies for themselves.
A membership in a highland cattle breed association can be a thoughtful present for a new owner, since associations offer registration and a network of experienced breeders. Ask first whether the animals are registered, because the right association depends on the herd. For an owner who loves to show off the fold, a sign for the pasture gate with the farm's name brings a smile from everyone who drives past.
A Highland in Leather, With Its Own Name
Our farm world includes a highland cow keychain built for exactly this kind of fan. The shaggy coat is drawn as a scalloped outline with two blunt horns, pressed into arizona leather, a warm sandy tan. Under it, your cow's name runs in brush script above "THE HIGHLAND" in engraved capitals. The sample in our photos reads "Clover / THE HIGHLAND," and the name you type takes its place on the front.
It sits in our cow gifts collection beside a dairy cow design for early risers and a blue ribbon show steer. It also appears among our personalized farm gifts, which hold every design that takes a name, and the full world lives in our farm gifts collection.
Each keychain is die-pressed on the front into full-grain leather and made by hand to order. Any of our 17 leathers can be requested, and shipping is free in the US. Gold foil can be added at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do highland cows come from?
Highland cattle come from the Scottish Highlands and the islands of western Scotland. Their long double coat suits the cold, wet weather of that region, and they now live on farms in many countries, including the United States.
What is a group of highland cows called?
A group of highland cattle is traditionally called a fold. Fans use the word for any small herd of highlands, whether it grazes a Scottish hillside or a few acres of American pasture.
Can the highland cow keychain carry my cow's name?
Yes. Type your cow's name, up to ten characters, and it is stamped on the front in brush script above "THE HIGHLAND" in place of the sample name Clover.
