It is a rare breed of Zebu that is critically endangered.

[4] The Miniature Zebu was established as a breed in the United States with the formation of the International Miniature Zebu Association, a breed registry, in 1991.

[1]: 245  At that time, there were small zebuine cattle in twenty-three American zoos, and others were held by some fifty private owners.

The parent stock had originally been imported from Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Sweden.

[1]: 245 The maximum withers height permitted for registration is 107 cm (42 in).