Miniature Longhorn FAQs
Are Miniature Texas Longhorns really Texas Longhorns?
Yes, Miniature Texas Longhorns were created by selectively breeding TLBAA registered Texas Longhorns for size.
Who originally developed the Miniature Texas Longhorn?
Two breeders pioneered the Miniature Texas Longhorn. Bill Buck with the Indian Mountain Ranch in Krum, Texas and John Fore with Foresight Miniature Longhorns in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Both breeders set out on the quest to develop Miniature Texas Longhorns independently and did not find out about each other until they had each successfully created their own version of the Miniature Texas Longhorn.
How big are Miniature Texas Longhorns?
Miniature Texas Longhorns are less than 45" tall to the hooks (top of the hip).
Cows weigh between 350-450 lbs.
Bulls weigh between 450-600 lbs.
To put these statistics in terms that most people can relate to: Miniature Texas Longhorns mature to a height that is equivalent to that of a 10 week old standard-sized Texas Longhorn calf.
We purchased V3C Champ's Lighthaus (a standard size Texas Longhorn) so that people can easily see the size difference between the miniature and the standard size Texas Longhorns.
The photo below shows V3C Champ's Lighthaus (10 weeks old) standing next to a 5 month old Miniature Texas Longhorn (V3C Red Boots Kosmos) and across the fence from our 15 month old Miniature Texas Longhorn bull (V3C Roseberry Smokehaus).
Is there a separate classification within the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America for Miniature Texas Longhorns?
Yes, the TLBAA has a new classification within their registry for Miniature Texas Longhorns. Breeders wishing to reclassify their animals as miniatures must apply for the change and be in compliance with the new breed standards set by the TLBAA for Miniature Texas Longhorns.
When purchasing a Miniature Texas Longhorn, does it matter which registry they are registered with?
YES, the TLBAA has the only registry that is dedicated to Miniature Texas Longhorns. If an animal is registered with either the ITLA or within the standard TLBAA registry, it is not eligible to compete in TLBAA sanctioned Miniature Texas Longhorn events (shows, competitions or sales).
Animals not currently registered as Miniatures within the TLBAA registry can be reclassified but in order to do so, the animal must pass review. In the event the animal fails review it will be struck from the registry.
Why take the chance that your new purchase will be struck from the registry - make sure that when you purchase a Miniature Texas Longhorn that it is registered as a TLBAA Miniature Texas Longhorn!!
When I look on various Miniature Texas Longhorn breeder websites I see wild fluctuations in price from one animal to the next. Why are prices so variable within this breed?
Many things are taken into account when setting the sale price for TLBAA registered Miniature Texas Longhorns. Primarily breeders are looking at the quality of the sire and dam (blood lines), the height of the animal, the size of the horns, horn shape, body confirmation, disposition, training, coat and color. Exceptional quality animals command a much higher price than animals that do not 100% fit the breed standard. This is the same situation with dog breeders. Show quality dogs command a much higher price than pet quality dogs. Additionally, some breeders are simply more proud of their stock than others.
A common mistake that people make is to start their herd by purchasing economically priced stock. Poor quality stock will likely produce poor quality calves. We strongly believe that you get what you pay for (but not in all cases). If you are interested in purchasing a Miniature Texas Longhorn, feel free to email us photos and as much information as possible about the animal and we will give you our thoughts. We can even run the information past a TLBAA show judge/ judge trainer to have them give you their opinion about the animal(s).
Should I halter train my Miniature Texas Longhorn?
Animals that are halter trained are much more enjoyable to own as pasture pets and show animals. These animals crave attention and are much easier to handle. Some halter trained animals can be vaccinated and have their hooves trimmed wothout the need for expensive chutes and alleys. So, for small land owners that do not want to invest in expensive working equipment and want gentle animals that they can enjoy as pasture pets -- spending a little time to halter train your Miniature Texas Longhorn is a very good idea.
Why would a ranch be interested in raising Miniature Texas Longhorns?
Miniature Texas Longhorns (MTLs) are "easy keepers," meaning that their feed conversion ratios are much higher than full-sized cattle (e.g. it takes less food for them to put on weight).
Due to their size, they require much less food than full-sized cattle (e.g. 8 lbs per day for a 400 lb miniature Texas Longhorn cow versus 22 lbs per day for a full-sized 1100 lb cow). As a result, small acreage landowners can maintain a respectable size herd of Miniature Texas Longhorns without running the risk of over grazing their range.
MTLs are excellent wildlife management tools that are easy on the eye. These little cows do a fine job of reducing standing biomass to improve quail habitat.
Miniature Texas Longhorns bring much higher prices than their full-sized counterparts and cost less to produce.
Due to the small size and unique qualities of these animals, they are a heck of a lot more fun to raise than full-sized cattle.
Are there any additional costs associated with Miniature Texas Longhorns that are above and beyond those that would be incurred when raising other types of miniature cattle?
Miniature Texas Longhorns should have very large horns for their physical body size. As a result, special chutes and alleys are a good idea in the working pens. These animals (when > 1 year old) may not be able to get their horns through a standard alley and standard squeeze chute.
We use standard Priefert equipment to work our cattle but this will only work with gentle animals. Our cattle are very "horn aware" meaning that they know exactly where the tips of their horns are and can slowly maneuver their horns down the alley and chute. With most cattle this is dangerous because you run the risk of breaking horns, etc.
There are many good chutes that are made specifically for big horned cattle:
