In Lorch, the cow calf is said to have lived in the dark gateway of the building since the Hilchenhaus was built. Adulterers, usurious wine merchants and ruffians in particular were haunted by the cow calf.

Around 1550, the cow calf is said to have saved the town from bankruptcy by chasing the clerks of the Elector of Mainz out of the town, who wanted to collect war debts amounting to 5,000 guilders.