Dexter Cattle: Breed Profile

Dexter cattle are among the smallest breeds of cattle in the world. Mature cows are often under about forty-two inches at the shoulder, so they look like miniatures beside a typical beef animal. Most are black, though red and dun animals exist. The breed is dual-purpose, meaning it is used for both milk and beef.

History

Dexters come from Ireland, where small farmers kept hardy cattle on rough land, and the breed takes its name from a man named Dexter who is credited with early work on it. They were exported to England and North America in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Breeders in the United States formed registries to keep the breed pure, and today the American Dexter Cattle Association handles registration.

Purpose

A Dexter can give a small family milk, produce beef from a small frame and live on modest pasture. Their size makes them easier to handle than a full-sized cow, and many owners keep them on small acreage. The beef is often described as finely grained, and the cows produce milk with a good butterfat percentage, though quantities are small compared with dairy breeds.

Where the breed stands today

The Livestock Conservancy has included Dexter cattle on its conservation lists in the past, and the breed has grown in popularity with small farmers. Because conservation categories change over time, check the Conservancy's current list for the latest status. The breed carries a known genetic trait, chondrodysplasia, that can cause a stillborn "bulldog" calf when two carriers are bred, so reputable breeders test and plan matings.

Showing Dexters at 4-H and FFA

Pros

• Manageable size. A smaller animal can be easier for a younger or smaller exhibitor to handle.
• Gentle nature. Dexters are generally calm and friendly.
• A great story. The breed's history and dual purpose make for strong record books and presentations.
• Lower feed needs. Smaller animals eat less, which can reduce costs.
• Conservation value. Raising a heritage breed supports genetic diversity.

Cons

• Few dedicated classes. Many shows do not have Dexter classes, so you may enter an Other Breeds class.
• Judging mismatch. Market and breeding classes are often judged against larger frames, and a Dexter may look small beside them.
• Market limits. Steers may not reach minimum market weights.
• Genetic testing. Buyers need to understand the chondrodysplasia carrier status of breeding stock.
• Fewer breeders. You may have to travel to find a good animal.

What to look for in a Dexter project animal

Dexters come in two body types: the shorter-legged type and the longer-legged type, and both are accepted in the breed. Look for a compact, well-balanced body, sound legs and a calm eye. For a breeding project, a cow with a well-shaped udder and good teat placement is valuable. Ask whether the animal has been tested for the chondrodysplasia trait, because the result affects breeding decisions and the health of calves.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Is the animal registered, and with which association?
• What is her carrier status for the known genetic traits?
• Has she been used for milk, and if so, how much does she give?
• What size are her parents, and how tall is she at the hip?
• Would the breeder help me explain the breed to the judge?

Dexter breeders are usually enthusiastic and glad to share what they know.

Bottom line

Dexters are best for showmanship, breeding classes that welcome small breeds, and educational projects. They are a poor fit if your goal is a market steer at the premium sale.

See our guide to Showmanship for a class where size does not matter. agriculture.directory can help you find a breeder or supplier, and farm.fm has a humorous look at the cattle business in The Great Cattle Escape.