History:        Harz cows in present

The 'Harzer Red mountain cattle', as it is called correctly, probably belongs to the oldest and most original animal races. Its typical character was developed by breeding the Celtic cattle, imported in the late 19th century from France and England, with Bernese, Tiroler and Zillertaler cattle. It became most suitable for living in this climatically and geographically difficult region and thus was a valuable working animal for the miners residing in this region.

These animal were useful in three aspects: they supplied milk, meat and working power for the miners. Due to its robust constitution, longevity and unpretentiousness this race is today still suitable for living in the Harz as in former times.

For the miners the attitude and maintenance of this animals was necessary for survival, because they furnished half of their family income.

Later then, when food supply was much easier to get, the competition with high performance races was growing and the standard of living of the Harz people increased, the use of the cattle decreased drastically so that the race was threatened to become extinct. Therefore, in 1997 the 'Harzer red mountain cattle' was officially declared as 'endanger working animal race of the year'.