Written by Jesse Rohloff
One of the most striking features of Scottish Highland cattle is their long, shaggy double coat. Beyond its beauty and texture, the coat comes in a surprising variety of colors, making each animal unique and often giving them their own personality before you even learn their name.
When most people picture a Highland, they imagine a rich, reddish-brown coat. Red is the most common color in the breed today, and for good reason — it’s bold, eye-catching, and instantly recognizable. Many of our visitors are surprised to learn that the classic red Highland is just one of several color variations.
Black Highlands have a sleek, dramatic appearance. They stand out against green pastures and often photograph beautifully. Brindle coats, which blend stripes of red, black, and brown, are rarer and often admired for their unique, almost tiger-like patterning.
"Dun" is a soft, earthy brown that can range from light chocolate to a cooler, silvery shade. Silver dun Highlands, in particular, turn heads with their lighter, almost gray coats that seem to shimmer in the sun.
Yellow Highlands have a golden warmth, while white Highlands carry a timeless, almost mythical look — especially when their sweeping horns and long hair catch the light. These lighter coats often make for stunning photos, especially in contrast with dark pastures or evening skies.
The range of Scottish Highland coat colors is the result of genetics and centuries of selective breeding in Scotland’s rugged highlands and islands. Today, the American Highland Cattle Association recognizes all these colors, celebrating the diversity that makes the breed so beloved.
The Highland coat isn't just for looks. Their double layer — a soft insulating undercoat and a long, protective outer coat — allows them to thrive in harsh climates. This natural adaptation is part of what makes Highlands hardy, low-maintenance cattle with a unique appeal to farmers and families alike.
Takeaway for Visitors: Whether fiery red, golden yellow, deep black, or rare white, every Highland at Rohloff Ranch carries a story in its coat. When you come visit, you'll see the full spectrum — and maybe even find a favorite color of your own.
Published: October 19, 2025