Hinterwald
Small Breed - Big Potential
The Hinterwald, today the smallest cattle breed of central Europe, was able to survive in the southern part of the Black Forest, Germany.
They are a dual purpose animal being used for both milk and meat production. They are claimed to have many excellent qualities such as hardiness, easy calving, and good utilization of available foodstuffs, all of which lead to easy management.
This fine-featured mountain cow are: good health, undemanding, fertility, easy calving, sure-footed in mountains, longevity and a good roughage utilization. In comparison to the high milkfat breeds, many fewer foot injuries are suffered in the back woods and mountainous regions. The animals are pale-yellow to red speckled, variegated or solid; the head is white, frequently with eye spots. The height of the withers of the cow is approx. 118 cm, and of the bull 125 cm.
There are still very few in this country that can be considered purebred.
They are well adapted to almost all climates, especially to the Alpine climate. They have been bred to cope with extreme conditions such as cold winters, steep pastures and a frugal diet.