The relationship between facial hair whorls and temperament was investigated. The height and position of the whorl and the temperament while in the auction ring was recorded for 1636 cattle. Cattle with a high whorl position or no whorl had higher temperament scores (highly agitated and used its head to hit the ring fence, walls, partitions or people). Greater lateral displacement of whorls was more likely in cattle with low whorls than in cattle with middle or high whorls. Cattle with low whorls and those located off the centerline were more likely to have abnormally shaped whorls. More variable temperament scores came from cattle with whorls on the centerline. Abnormal whorls were more common in beef cattle than Holsteins. Holsteins had lower temperament scores (were calmer) than beef cattle. Reactions to novel environments may be predicted by using facial hair whorls in cattle.