Cow Stuffed Animal Toys & Facts

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Cows are one farm animal that children most easily recognize

. It's one of the first animals they both learn to identify on sight as well as how to make its signature moo sound. Is it no surprise then, that a cow stuffed animal (or two) is among some of their most cherished plush toys?

The beauty of a cow stuffed animal is that it is such a non-threatening plush toy, much like the teddy bear. It does not bring with it the fear that a dragon or dinosaur plush might. With its large doe eyes and pleasing expression, a cow stuffed animal is about as tame as you can get when it comes to plush toys for children, especially very young ones.

It is estimated that there are about 920 cow breeds in the world. Domesticated cows today, are likely descendants of wild ox-like animals called aurochs, that once roamed areas in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The majority of scientists have agreed that aurochs' became domesticated around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Based on archeological records, it has been shown that a major domestication center was located in the Near East. The question remains, however, if cattle were only domesticated in the Near East prior to their expansion into Europe and Africa or were they domesticated in different locations independently?

It is believed that the cows that were found in Africa, Europe, and India, were descendants of the domesticated aurochs of the Near East. Two types of cattle evolved from these species the humped Zebu and the humpless European Highland. Based on further data, it is believed that not all breeds of cow were descendants of the Near Eastern cattle, nor was there a single place where all of them were first domesticated. Instead, it is likely that cattle were actually independently domesticated in what we now know as India and Pakistan and perhaps Africa as well.

By the time 3000 B.C.E. Had rolled around, domestic cattle were already very well established in ancient Egypt. They were used for farming and played an integral role in both their religion and culture. Paintings found in ancient Egyptian tombs show that cows were a source of meat and milk and worked in the fields. In addition, the cow goddess Hathor, was a very powerful deity who represented creation, motherhood, and love.

As a child gets a little older, they might find it very interesting to learn about where their cow stuffed animal finds its origins in the real animal it represents. While still quite young, however, their main concern with their beloved plush cow is how much they love to snuggle up with it. And, as a result, all the history can come later.

by: Angeline Hope

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