The Highland cow, or “Hairy Coo,” is a distinctive breed originating in the rugged Scottish Highlands and Outer Hebrides. Characterized by long, sweeping horns and a thick, shaggy double coat, these cattle are built for harsh weather. While the most familiar image is a deep reddish-brown, the breed exhibits a variety of recognized colors. These colors are accepted as purebred by major cattle associations and result from specific genetic interactions preserved throughout the breed’s history.
The Standard Color Palette
The Highland cattle breed displays a spectrum of colors beyond the common red shade. The seven main colors officially recognized by breed registries are Red, Black, Dun, Yellow, Brindle, Silver, and White. Red is the most prevalent color, ranging from dark mahogany to bright copper, and is the shade most people associate with the breed.
Black was historically one of the original and common colors. Dilutions of black produce the shades of Dun and Silver. Dun appears as a muted, smokey-brown or mouse-gray, while Silver is the lightest dilution, presenting as a pale, silvery-gray color.
The red base color can also be diluted, resulting in Yellow and White shades. Yellow ranges from deep gold to a pale, buttery cream color. White is the lightest color in the breed, often appearing almost pure white or a very pale cream, which is the result of maximum color dilution on a red base coat.
Brindle is the final recognized color, displaying a coat patterned with subtle tiger-like stripes. This pattern is a mix of a darker and lighter shade, which can be challenging to spot due to the animal’s long, thick hair.
Understanding Coat Color Genetics
The diversity of Highland coat colors is primarily controlled by the interaction of two main gene groups: the Extension gene and the Dilution gene. The Extension gene, also known as MC1R, dictates the base color by controlling the production of two types of melanin pigments. Eumelanin is responsible for black and brown shades, while pheomelanin creates red and yellow shades.
The dominant allele at the Extension locus codes for the black base color, meaning only one copy is needed for the animal to be black. Conversely, the recessive allele results in a red base color, requiring two copies to appear red. A “wild-type” allele must also be present at the Extension gene for the unique striped pattern of a Brindle coat to be expressed.
The second major factor is the Dilution gene, or PMEL, which acts to lighten the base color. This gene introduces a dilution factor that reduces the intensity of the pigment produced by the Extension gene. A single copy of the dilution allele on a black base creates the Dun color, while two copies result in the pale Silver shade. Similarly, a single dilution allele on a red base produces a Yellow coat, and two copies of the dilution allele result in the near-White or cream coloration.
Color and Breed Registry Standards
Breed societies, such as the American Highland Cattle Association, maintain official standards that accept all seven primary color variations for registration. These colors are recognized as equally valid for purebred status. No single color is genetically dominant or preferred when judging an animal’s overall conformation and quality.
While these seven colors are the standard, non-standard patterns can occasionally appear. For instance, a “Parti-color” animal displays excessive spotting or patches of white on a colored background. These animals are generally not registered or accepted for showing in the United States.
The breed’s original colors were historically documented as Black and Red, with the other colors arising through dilution. The continued acceptance of the full color spectrum celebrates the breed’s heritage and genetic robustness. These standards ensure that breeding focuses on the overall health and structure of the animal, not just a single cosmetic trait.