Dexter Cattle are quite renowned for their suitability as house cows and are particularly well suited to small acre farms. Selecting the right cow for your purposes is important. The Frequently Asked Questions page about house cows offers a brief introduction to selection and management of Dexter house cow and some useful links to more information. READ MORE...

One of the most unique facts about Dexter cattle is their extensive history. Of Irish origin, the Dexter was highly valued by peasant farmers of the 1800’s, whose small holdings provided marginal grazing in a tough climate. They found the naturally hardy Dexter to be the perfect provider of meat and milk. READ MORE...

Dexter cattle come in three solid coat colours, black, red and dun.

Being a predominantly black breed, animals with red or dun coats were particularly hard to get. These days purebred animals in colours other than black are more readily available. READ MORE...

The terms “Long-Leg” and “Short-Leg” when applied to Dexter cattle are not a reference to the height of the animal. They are colloquial terms adopted for describing animals carrying the chondrodysplasia dwarfing gene (short-leg) and those animals which do not (long-leg). It is not always easy to tell which is which just by looking at them with a passing glance. READ MORE...

Dexters are a naturally horned breed of cattle. These days most cattle are disbudded as calves to prevent horns from developing. Animals that are not disbudded will develop horns which are quite wide, sweeping forward and upwards. Horns are white with black tips giving them a dramatic appearance.  At some point in the recent past a poll gene appeared in the genetic mix resulting in naturally polled or hornless Dexters.  READ MORE...

In the recent history of Dexter cattle there has been considerable discussion as to whether the Dexter and Kerry breeds are in fact one and the same.

It is known that the British preferred the cattle of shorter stature and heavier muscling and for many years it was assumed they were the “Short-legged” version of the Kerry. READ MORE...

A GUIDE TO BUYING DEXTER CATTLE

Buying cattle for the first time can be a daunting thought and choosing the right stud stock as a foundation for your Dexter stud is an important decision. Dexter cattle have their own unique and specific characteristics. The Dexter Breed Standard developed by Dexter Cattle Australia Inc. is an excellent tool to help you assess Dexter cattle you may be considering for purchase. READ MORE...

The Dexter Cattle Breed ideal was the first guidelines used by the Australian Association to describe what the Dexter Cattle breeders should aspire to in their breeding programs. It was based on the English Breed Ideal, which was the most logical example to use at the time.  Over time it was noted that there was a need to update that Breed Ideal to better reflect and guide the Australian Breeders. This evolution of the breed standard also occurred in other countries as they adjusted the criteria to better suit their respective herds. READ MORE...

If you still have questions about Dexter Cattle please try our Frequently asked questions section or go to FIND IT HERE for a list of all the topics available the Dexter Cattle Australia Inc. Website.

If you have a question and can not find the answer please contact us so we can provide the information for you. READ MORE...

All Dexter Cattle being entered into the DCAI Herdbook are DNA tested and Parent Varified. This requirement has meant the Australian Dexter Cattle Herdbook is the most comprehensive pedigree record in the world. DNA testing is simple and cost effective. To find out how to have your animals tested READ MORE...

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