Although the origin of Dexter cattle is somewhat obscure, it is agreed that the original home of this breed was in the southern part of Ireland. There they were bred by small stockholders and were kept on the rugged mountainous regions of that country.

One common thought is that the breed was derived from the Kerry breed with additions of genetics from some other breed(s). Some say that a "Mr. Dexter" is responsible for the development of the breed. This theory of the origin holds merit in that, even today, some of the cattle tend to resemble the long legged Kerry type, while others take on the appearance of the shorter, thicker, Dexter.

The importation of Dexter cattle to America is thought to have occurred long ago, but the first recorded importations arrived between 1905 and 1915 and numbered over two hundred head. A complete history of early herds, their owners and the transfer of cattle between owners is well documented in the ADCA Herd Book. Although the Dexter was an ideal homestead cow, providing meat, milk and power and found a good deal of popularity in that arena, as milk and meat production became specialized, the Dexter numbers decreased. At one time there were thought to be less than 5,000 in the world, but today, with renewed interest in small holdings, the numbers have risen to approximately 15,000 head worldwide. There are some 6,000 in North America at this time. The ADCA has nearly 650 members and registered 852 cattle in 2000.

TRIPLE-PURPOSE CATTLE for Milk, Draft & Beef

Dexter cattle for Milk

There are many accounts of Dexter milk production reported over the years and those can be found in the books available from the ADCA. It is evident from the literature that Dexter cattle produce plenty of milk for most families. In herds which have been selected for milk production, yields of 3,600 liters per lactation have been reported. To convert that to gallons, divide by 3.79 which results in 950 gallons. If the lactation lasted for 305 days as it does on most dairies in the U.S., the cows would be producing about 3 gallons per day. The milk in that report had 4.1% butterfat content.

Reports from individuals who milk a cow for family use suggest that the production level varies with breeding and feed, but is 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per day. In a survey done by the ADCA Science Committee, some owners shared milk with a calf, while others took all of the milk for family use, so it was difficult to get an exact amount of milk produced. However, in each case the owners were pleased with the quantity and quality of the milk from Dexters.

• Dexter cattle for Draft

• An ox is merely a steer with a good education, and Dexters do educate well. They are smart, which means that they can pick up a bad habit as quickly as a good one, but this is not generally a problem as long as the ox teamster is always smarter than the oxen. Consistency, fairness, and patience are important with training cattle. It is advisable to begin handling and training the calves within days of their birth. Halter breaking, voice commands, and learning to wear a yoke usually begin early. Then it's time and practice, and there is no substitute for spending hours with your cattle, and no greater pleasure than spending time with your Dexters.
• Dexters are agile, trainable, sturdy, little oxen. The larger ones are able to pull a walking plow, logs, and wagons. For the smaller steers, loads certainly have to scaled down. Dexters are intelligent and willing to learn. Their spunk makes them want to pull and do the work asked of them. Putting lots of time into training a yoke of oxen makes any teamster want the pair to last for years. Dexters do generally tend to be blessed with longevity, so this is another plus for them as oxen.
• For the serious ox puller, Dexters can stay competitive in the lower weight classes for their entire lives and thus have an advantage over younger, less experienced yokes of cattle.

The Dexter is both a milk-producing and a beef-making breed.

Description of the Dexter Bull

Color

Whole black, red or dun, the three colors being of equal merit. A little white on the organs of generation is permissible.

Head

Broad forehead, tapering gracefully toward the muzzle which should be broad with wide, distended nostrils. Strong lower jaw with the jaws meeting properly. Eyes should be bright and prominent.

Neck

Well set into the shoulders which, when viewed in front, should be wide.

Horns

These should be moderately thick, springing well from the head, with an inward and slightly upward curve. Removal of horns is allowed without penalization.

Body

Well-proportioned regarding height to length. Shoulders of medium thickness, full and well filled in behind which, when viewed from the front, show thickness through the heart, the breast coming well forward, the chest with a wide floor resulting in ample width between the legs. Hips wide; quarters thick and deep and well sprung, wide across the loins. Legs short to moderate but not excessively long, and well placed under the body; forelegs straight, wide apart and squarely placed; hind legs nearly perpendicular from hock to pastern when viewed from the side, and straight and wide apart when viewed from the rear. Feet short, well rounded with deep heel, level sole and toes properly spaced. Tail well set and level with the back.

Skin

Skin should be soft and mellow, and handle well; hair fine, plentiful and silky.

Weight

Bulls at three years old and over should not exceed 1,000 lbs. live weight.

Height

Bulls should not exceed more than 44 inches in height nor stand less than 38 inches at the shoulder at three years of age.