Highland cattle are shaggy because they have evolved to live in the Scottish Highlands without access to barns. The animals have developed thick, shaggy coats, and horns that can be used to fight off other cattle when foraging heavy snow.
These cattle have very low fat content, especially compared to the improved breeds, like the Aberdeen-Angus (“Black Angus” and “Red Angus” in the US). That shaggy hair acts as insulation, which allows the cattle to develop less fatty meat.
Of course, shaggy little Highland calves are cute, but all calves are. I have watched the neighbors’ black Angus calves play on the adjacent ridge. They play as hard as any dogs.
What great-looking beasties.