I really like cattle breeds. Even before I started a ‘synoptic’ collection, I liked toys and replicas of different cattle breeds. While the non-arthropod section of my collection is generally synoptic, I plan on investing in various cattle breeds. I do not want to get overwhelmed by going back and buying all the breeds I missed; instead, I will buy new ones as they are released or as opportunity comes along (findings at stores, museums, zoos). Three cattle were released in 2020, an Ankole-Watusi by Safari Ltd., a Tyrol grey cow by CollectA, and this one, a Highland, by Papo. I plan on getting CollectA’s Tyrol grey, but will pass on Safari’s Ankole-Watusi, since I already have the magnificent model by CollectA.
I initially had mixed feelings about this Papo model. When comparing promotional pics with online photos of the animal, it looked good, but there mixed reviews on the STS forum, and a lot of those were by European forum members that are familiar with the breed. I finally decided on getting it after positive feedback from Advicot, who has them on his farm (I figure, must be trustworthy advice from someone who lives with the breed!).
The Highland cattle originates from, as its name suggests, the Scottish Highlands. It is known for its long horns and shaggy coat, the latter of which allows it to tolerate the harsh climate from which it came. It is bred primarily for beef, and Highland meat is imported worldwide. Today, the breed itself is bred worldwide, but most common in Scotland and the United States.
The figure stands 6.3 cm at shoulder, making it roughly 1:14 – 1:17 in scale. The figure is a cow (female) as indicated by its udders on the underside. The fur, while not as long in the face as typically seen with this breed, is very well sculpted over the entire figure. It is also a rather lean figure, with its pelvic bones visible under its coat. The tail is thick and shaggy.
If you are a fan of cattle figures, I can recommend this one. Chatter on the forums leads me to believe the older Schleich models are the best, but I guess they are retired and hard to come by. People seem less enthusiastic about the CollectA and Safari figures (although if CollectA updated theirs, I am sure it would be top-notch). So, for a good figure that is new and therefore readily available, this seems like a good option. If anyone out there is personally familiar with the breed, I would love to hear your take on it!
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When I was a kid I had an aunt up in the Adirondack Mountains that raised highland cattle. I also grew up on a dairy farm and then worked on a beef cattle farm for 10 years. As a result, I also have an affinity for cattle and cattle breeds although I don’t have any figures of any.
I don’t see anything technically wrong with this one but the shaggy brown hair makes it look like it’s coated in mud, I think. Not sure how to combat that with a plastic toy but it’s also why hairy mammal toys are not a preference of mine.