Facts About Longhorns

Longhorns are a breed of cattle primarily found in the United States. The most common variety is the Texas longhorn. It has a long American history and is now a profitable breed with strong symbolism.

  1. History of the Longhorn

    • Longhorns naturally developed when Spanish and English cattle mixed in the early 1800s. By the end of the Civil War, they had emerged as a separate variety. Longhorns were taken by trails to markets in New Orleans and California, but unfortunately they carried with them Texas fever. This sickness, to which they were immune, wiped out numerous other herds with which they came in contact. Efforts to fight the illness caused a near extinction of the breed. In the 1920s there was an effort to revive the longhorn population. The Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America even tracks purebreds through a registry.

    Appearance of Longhorn Cattle

    • Longhorn cattle live up to their name as they have extremely long horns protruding from their heads. The Texas longhorn's tips point upward. These can span three to seven feet from tip to tip. They have thick hooves that are good for walking trails. Traditional images show them as brown in color, but actual color patterns can vary between individual steers. Size also varies.

    Location of Herds

    • The official longhorn herd of Texas can be found at the Fort Griffin Historic Site. They can also be found in other parks throughout the state. Herds are also common in Oklahoma. They can survive in climates from the hot and damp southern coastal regions to the frigid winters in Canada.

    Advantages of the Longhorn

    • Longhorn cattle are a good breed to raise. They produce a lean type of beef, which appeals to the health-conscious meat market. They tend to be resistant to disease and can survive in both hot and cold climates. Females are quite fertile and have an easy time calving. They do so well into their teens, which is longer than other breeds. Some are even trained as steers for riding as they have a docile personality. Their longevity is also noteworthy.

    Longhorns as Symbols

    • Numerous schools throughout Texas use the longhorn as their school mascot, including the University of Texas. The silhouette also evokes the frontier spirit of the Old West. Southwestern decor often uses cattle horns and skulls.