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Miniature Texas Longhorns are a fairly new idea. They are purebred, registered Texas Longhorns that have been downsized by breeding the smallest Texas Longhorns together over time. Just like the "full-sized" Texas Longhorns, the miniature version comes in many different colors, coat patterns, and horn sizes and styles. While Miniature Texas Longhorns are very small, the goal is to retain the characteristics and proportions of the "full-sized." Currently there is no registries specifically for Miniature Texas Longhorns, technically they are just tiny Longhorns and not a separate breed. All Miniature Texas Longhorns that are registered are almost always registered with the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America. Miniature Texas Longhorns are a fairly new idea so only a handful of farms and ranches in the country raise them. Miniature Texas Longhorns are increasingly growing in popularity as word spreads about them.

History
How Miniature Texas Longhorns Got Started

Texas Longhorns are living legends of the American West. They are one of the toughest breeds of cattle, and the only breed to be molded by nature without any human interference. The history of the Texas Longhorn is as old as the history of the New World dating back to 1493. They are known for their characteristic horns and vast range of colors. Longhorns have been ranched for centuries for their lean meat, easy breeding, low maintenance qualities, and flashy style. At one point the Longhorn breed almost went extinct, but today, thanks to registries aimed to preserve the breed, Texas Longhorns flourish in both the meat and show industry.

Miniature cattle started in the late 1960s when a Mexican rancher started breeding a small cattle breed called Zebu. The original goal was to produce Miniature cattle for the rich to own as house pets. Later he began working with a veterinary researcher and the focus changed for the efficiency and high production of cattle and less land. The idea took off from there! Hereford, Angus, Dexter and many other breeds of cows soon became downsized as the miniature cattle craze took over.

Miniature Texas Longhorns began as a dream for John Fore of Foresite Farm. Just over 10 years ago he started downsizing purebred, registered Texas Longhorns by using A.I. and embryo transfers to breed the smallest Texas Longhorns he could find.

Standards
The standards for Miniature Texas Longhorns are pretty much the same as the guidelines for the big guys. Their general conformation should have good length with moderate depth and thickness. The tops of the hips should be higher than the tops of the shoulders. They should have squarely set legs with sound feet and joint, that have strength, but allow free movement. Bulls should be slightly thicker and heavier than cows showing masculinity. Texas Longhorns should have a mild, tractable disposition, not showing aggressiveness or nervousness. What about the horns though? According to the TLBAA, Texas Longhorn bulls should have horns with a longitudinal length and total horn equally more than 70 inches at maturity. Since there is no official height limit for the Miniature Texas Longhorns, there is no minimum horn length either.

Height
According to the International Miniature Cattle Breeders Society of Registry (who do not recognize Miniature Texas Longhorns) miniature cattle should not exceed the height of 42 inches measured at the hip, or hook bone. Cattle between the sizes of 42 to 48 inches should be considered mid-sized miniatures. However, since Texas Longhorns are a large breed in general and the miniatures are still a new concept, it is believed that the height limits should reflect that. Miniature Texas Longhorns should stay under the height of 48 inches when measured at the hook bone. Their horns should be longitudinal with a forward and upward sweep and the total horn measurement should be longer than the height of the animal.

Purpose
Miniature cattle, including the Miniature Texas Longhorn are great for small-acreage farms and require less feed. "Full-sized" Texas Longhorn cattle are known for their lean beef, which is lower in fat, cholesterol and calories than most beef. The miniature version could potentially be used for beef farms with a smaller output of meat. Currently, however, they are more of a novelty item, and are not being bred for meat production. Most farms breed them as pets or "yard ordainment" as tiny replicas of the "full-sized" Texas Longhorns of the Old West. Longhorns are bred for the calm and friendly disposition, and the miniatures are no exception! They make great companions and even bulls can be friendly enough to be ridden or walked around by small children.