Miniature Texas Longhorn - History

History

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 Miniature Longhorns. Just over 16 years ago he started downsizing purebred, registered Texas Longhorns by selectively breeding the smallest Texas Longhorns he could find. In 2010 TLBAA dedicated a separate registry for Miniature Texas Longhorns. In 2011 The Miniature Texas Longhorn Breeders Group was formed to help promote and educate the public about TLBAA Registered Miniature Texas Longhorns and bring breeders of these unique animals together from across the country. The Miniature Texas Longhorn Breeders Group can be found online through http://www.mtlbg.com or accessed through the TLBAA Miniature Texas Longhorn webpage http://www.tlbaa.org/breed/miniature.html