Longhorns are a very hearty breed, they tolerate heat and cold better than other cattle and are more disease resistant. Longhorns are extremely intelligent and loving, they forge bonds, establish a hierarchy and watch out for each other. They breed earlier than other cattle and with greater ease. For this reason a lot of different cattle breeders will use a longhorn bull on their first time heifers, easier calving, and lower mortality. A lot of cattle breeders changed to Longhorns for this reason, they got tired of losing cows and calves. Longhorns calves are generally quite small at birth, making the birthing easier on the cow. But they quickly put on weight and size once they are up and running! Longhorns also have greater longevity and breeding than most other cattle, it is quite common to see cows still calving in their mid-twenties. We ourselves own a twenty-nine year old cow we call "Granny." As for predators, we don't worry at all about the cows, we have seen them form a circle around newborn calves, butts in, horns out protecting them and each other. Every now and then one or two cows would attack the dogs while the others closed ranks. Frankly we worry more about dogs than we do coyotes, either way the cows have won. Coyotes, bobcats, dogs, etc. seldom venture through our place, and when they do, quickly or the cows will chase them.
Otherwise longhorns are quite docile, friendly, and inquisitive creatures. They love attention, petting, and cubes! They are easy to work with and handle, making them an excellent choice for people, especially children to show. Not only will they teach your child patience and responsibility, but the Longhorn Associations (Both TLBAA & ITLA) offer more shows and scholarships than any other cattle group.
So if you're not inclined to be a "basketball star" maybe showing longhorns is right up your alley! Longhorns are fairly low maintenance. Ours get their shots once a year, calves start out with 2 sets of shots for immunity just like kittens and puppies. We worming the fall and spring, and put our salt and mineral blocks all year round. We also like to put out protein tubs in the winter too, just in case they need it. Otherwise they have grass and hay to eat and get cubs as a treat.
When calving time comes, sit back and watch the show! No matter how you breed or to whom, you never know what colors you might get. It's a lot like Easter egg hunting and part of the fun of owing a longhorn!
A few things to remember, never take your longhorn and their horns for granted! It is always possible for you to get hurt, like when you're petting them and they turn their head after a fly!