Meet record-breaking cows whose short and tall statures earned a place in history

By Vicki Newman
Published
tall and short cows split image

Having towered over her proud owner, Blosom the cow continues to live on in the record books.

Eight years after her tragic death following an irreparable leg injury, the big bovine remains the tallest cow ever.

Blosom, who lived in Orangeville, Illinois, USA, with her owner Patricia Meads-Hanson, stood at a staggering 190 cm (74.8 in; 6 ft 2 in) tall.

blosom the cow with her owner

The measurement, taken from the hoof to the withers, saw Blosom claim the title in 2014, and no other cow has matched her since.

Blosom, a Holstein Friesian, may have gained worldwide recognition in the final year of her life, but her owner said it never went to her head.

“The funny thing about Blosom was how unaffected she was by all the attention that seemed to surround her,” Patty said.

“As long as she had her oats, and daily chin rubs and ear scratches, life was good.”

Patty decided to contact us about Blosom’s impressive stature on the recommendation of her father, who sadly passed away before seeing his beloved cow get to enjoy her 15 minutes of fame.

Blosom’s incredible height didn’t appear to be inherited from her parents, who were both regular sized.

blosom the tallest cow ever

And she was always treated as a household pet by her loving owners, who enjoyed spending time outside with her in the field.

“I will cherish our memories forever,” Patty added.

Blosom, who died aged 13, was 2 cm taller than the previous holder of her record, Mount Katahdin, a Holstein-Durham cross from Maine, USA.

blaze the shortest cow ever

At the other end of the scale, and proving that good things come in small packages, is Blaze, the shortest cow ever.

The cute cattle, owned by Steve DeMoor, stood at just 69.07 cm (27.19 in; 2 ft 3.19 in) from the hoof to the withers, when measured in Sanford, Florida, USA, in 2013.

blaze the shortest cow with her owner

Two Blazes could be stacked on top of one another and they still wouldn’t be as tall as one Blosom.

Blaze, a miniature Zebu cow, was eight years old when the record was claimed.

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