Miniature Highland and HighPark Cattle
Find Your Perfect Companion at Grizzly Mountain Minis
Get to know Grizzly Mountain Minis
Grizzly Mountain Minis is a small, family-owned ranch nestled in Grizzly Flats, California, in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in El Dorado County. Founded by Nikki Johnson, Grizzly Mountain Minis began with her dream of owning miniature cattle. After realizing that finding reputable breeders was a challenge, Nikki set out on a journey to find the right breeders who could help make her dream a reality. After much searching, she connected with a select group of trusted breeders, and that’s where it all began.
Our passion is to raise exceptional miniature cattle, focusing on the best genetics, conformation, and temperaments. Grizzly Mountain Minis is committed to breeding happy, healthy miniature cattle. All our cows are treated as pets and receive love and individual care, which helps ensure their offspring are well-socialized, affectionate, and make excellent pets. We believe it is essential that calves remain with their mother until the time of weaning, during which they learn vital behaviors which is crucial for their development and well-being. After weaning, the calves are then worked with on halter training before leaving for their new homes.
As a small family ranch, our calves are limited, ensuring each one receives the attention and care it deserves. Grizzly Mountain Minis is passionate about educating others and helping them achieve their dream of owning a miniature cow. If you would like more information on miniature cattle or would like to be added to our waitlist, please contact us.
Our Herd
At Grizzly Mountain Minis, we are dedicated to breeding and raising high-quality Miniature Highland, Highland Cross, and HighPark cattle. Our herd has been carefully selected from reputable breeders across the country, chosen for specific genetics, traits, and temperament. All of our cattle are registered with the International Miniature Cattle Breed Registry (IMCBR), ensuring their lineage is documented and tracked.
Our Sire
Moonshine
Chondo + Micro Miniature White Park
DOB: 6/5/2023
22280-IMCBR
Sire: “Spud” The Stud Muffin
Miniature Highland, Highland Cross & Standard Highland Facts
Standard Highland Cows: These are the original and traditional breed. They are primarily bred for their hardiness, ability to graze on rough terrain, and their gentle nature. In fact, some Highland cows naturally fall into the "mid-mini" range, standing slightly shorter than the standard breed.
Miniature Highland Cows: These cows are a smaller version. The term "miniature" is often used loosely. Interestingly, the majority of cows sold as "miniature" Highland cows, smaller than a mid-mini are not pure Highland cattle. Most miniature Highland cattle are crossbred with other smaller breeds to achieve the reduced size. These crossbreeds are generally bred to have the Highland's characteristic look and temperament but at smaller size.
Discover HighPark Cattle
Unique and Stunningly Beautiful
A HighPark cow is a designer breed that results from the crossbreeding of Highland and White Park cattle. This hybrid is a unique cow that is visually striking. HighPark cows inherit the Highland's long coat, combining the beauty and ruggedness of both breeds. The long, shaggy coat and distinct color points is one of the breed's signature features, adding to its charm and appeal. HighPark cows often display a distinctive color pattern, typically a mix of white and black or white and red, similar to their White Park cattle parent. The contrast between their light-colored bodies and darker patches, especially on the face and around the eyes, gives them a striking appearance. While the Highland's coat can range from red to black, the White Park cattle influence results in a more defined color contrast, often resulting in cows with unique, eye-catching patterns that stand out in any herd.
Why Miniature Highland Cows
The Adorable, Gentle Companions Perfect for Small Homesteads
Miniature Highland cows are a charming breed that captures the hearts of animal lovers and homesteaders. They are smaller versions of the standard size Scottish Highland cattle, with the same hardy, gentle nature. Their long, shaggy coats make them irresistibly cute. Known for being docile, affectionate, and easy to handle, they make great pets for those with limited farming experience. Their smaller size makes them perfect for small homesteads, requiring less space and care than larger cattle. Hardy and adaptable, they thrive in various climates and are excellent grazers. These cows bring warmth, charm, and a playful spirit to any property, making them a beloved choice for families.
Beware of Scams in the Miniature Cattle Industry
Miniature cattle scams have become a major issue online. Scammers often create fake Facebook miniature cattle groups, breeder profiles and even build fraudulent websites, falsely claiming to be breeders of miniature cows.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Use of words like ‘adoption,’ as miniature cattle are not typically available for adoption due to their high demand.
- Claims that the cattle are older than they actually are, which can deceive people into thinking the cows are smaller than they really are.
- Unusually low prices that seem too good to be true.
- Photos taken from other websites. A red flag is if the scenery doesn’t match, or if the scenery doesn’t match the geographic location of the breeder.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always ask questions. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the breeder’s practices, history, and their cattle.
- Schedule a FaceTime or video call to view the cattle in real-time.
- Give the breeder a call to speak directly and get a feel for their knowledge and professionalism.