About Dexters

Dexters are a dual-purpose breed, providing both meat and milk.  In fact, they could be called a triple-purpose breed as they are also used as oxen.  They are not a miniature breed of cattle.  Dexters have been used on small farms for over a hundred years, and are still the size that most cattle used to be.  A mature Dexter bull at three years old will be no more than 44 inches at the shoulder and weigh no more than 1,000 lbs.  The mature cow will be about 42 inches and weigh about 750 lbs.  Their smaller size allows for a higher stocking density, as well as easier handling.

As dairy cows, Dexters can produce up to 3 gallons per day, with a butterfat content of around 4%.  The meat is lean and lower in cholesterol than regular beef.  The carcass will typically dress out at about 60%.  It is important to let the meat age at least 14 days, but 21 days would be even better.  The Dexter breed is intelligent and sturdy, with a very calm and gentle temperament.  They are blessed with longevity, mature early, and can be productive for 15 years or even more.  They calve easily and are very good mothers.  Calf-pulling is virtually unheard of with this breed.

There are three colors of Dexters – black, dun, and red.  Black is by far the most common.  It is possible to find polled animals, but horns are more typical.  The horns are short, typically curve up, and are white with black tips.

For more information about this wonderful breed, follow these links to the American Dexter Cattle Association or the Purebred Dexter Cattle Association.