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-The first type emerges directly from the top of the head directed horizontally in the opposite direction from the head, to curve vertically and once again curving horizontally, shaped a little like the neck of a swan. -The second type of horns, much the same as the first, is directed horizontally in the opposite direction of the head to curve vertically, but the curve is then oriented towards the back of the cow. -The second type of horns, much the same as the first, is directed horizontally in the opposite direction of the head to curve vertically, but the curve is then oriented towards the back of the cow. -The third type is very different than the two others. As soon as the horn emerges from the head, it is oriented horizontally, not in the opposite direction but towards the front of the head. Then the horns curve slowly in a vertical direction or they sometimes arch frontward. -All other forms are included in the fourth type : the asymmetrical horns, they have irregular form that can be a deformation resulting from some sort of impact on the horn at a young age.
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The horns can be of a cream, caramel, waxed yellow, white or light brown colour. The tips are generally tinted with red, but they can also be white, yellow, black or brown. The extremity of the horn is either pointed or rounded. The head of the Highland is typical, with it's large forehead concealed under a mane constituted of long locks of hair. The foreface (the front part of the animal's head, from the base of the forehead to the nose) is short and thin and ends in a large snout with wide open nostrils. The mature Highland bull in Canada may reach a weight of 750 to 950 kilos (1600 to 2100 pounds). The mature Highland cow reaches a weight of 430 to 600 kilos (950 to 1300 pounds).
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The conformation of the Highland breed was specified at the time of the publication of the first Herd Book published in 1885. Since then the Highland Cattle Society (Scotland) as well as the Canadian Society of Highland Bovine Breeders publish this original description in their publications : Ç The neck should be altogether clear and without dewlap. It should form a straight line from the head to the shoulder of the cow, but the adult bulls should have the distinctive crest common to all animals of the bovine species. This crest should come gracefully down to the roots of the horns, and be well coated with soft, wavy hair, the masculine appearance of the animal is then fully defined. The shoulder should be thick and solid as it descends from the tip to the lower extremity of the forearm. From behind the shoulder the back should be fully formed and beautifully rounded. Any slight sinking or hollow area is most decidedly objectionable. As in the Ayrshire, the back should also be straight and the ribs should be well distinguished, well rounded and deep. When measured across the hips the breadth should be very great and the areas should be well developed from the hips backward. The thighs should also be well developed and show great fullness. Viewed in a general manner the rear area should be square between the thighs and the tail and from the tail to between the hind feet. The legs, both front and back must be of reasonable length and strong, solid bones, broad and straight, the hooves well set and without defect, the legs well covered with hair. The animal should have a great width between the forelegs and should move with great dignity and style also considered to be proof of careful and true breeding È. |
In
the most popular image, the Highland breed may be distinguished from
others of the same species notably by it's horns. The horns are an outgrowth,
a living vascular bone structure, that grows throughout their whole
life. Top record horns have been established from one extremity to the
other at 1,50 metres (five feet). Regarding the females, we can find
four types of horns. 
As
for the males, they are dressed with only one type of horns. Emerging
powerfully from their heads, the horns curve slowly towards the front
of the head. In certain cases, the tips will be facing the sky while
other bulls, have tips facing the ground. 