All About Dexters

One of the most interesting of New Zealand’s minority breeds of cattle is the Dexter; the smallest and also one of the oldest breeds of British cattle.  The Dexter evolved from native Irish cattle, and although the characteristics of the breed were described from the 1700s, they were not recognised as an identifiable breed until the 1870s. 

Dexters are one of the purest remaining lines of British cattle. The ancient Celtic breed from which they descend, is known to have occurred in Ireland at least as early as the Neolithic (New Stone Age), which began in Britain some 5000 years ago. Here’s an article from 2016 which explains more about the ancient origins of Dexter cattle.

The first Dexters were imported into New Zealand in 1904, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that they started to become popular. Today, Dexter cattle are a compelling choice for small block owners in New Zealand.

The Dexter is a dual-purpose breed suited to both meat and milk production.  They are fine milkers, renowned for their productivity, and produce excellent beef providing smaller cuts.

Dexter cattle may be small, but when it comes to milk, meat quality, and disposition, the compact breed is a productive animal.

Weighing between 300 and 350 kg, Dexters are reputed to produce more than 10% more milk per kg of live weight than Friesians, producing up to 10 litres of milk per day. 

The meat is high quality, lean and tender.  Those who taste it always come back for more!

Relatively short-legged and solidly built, Dexters nevertheless have a grace all of their own. 

Purebred cows ideally average around 100 centimetres (40 inches) in height, with the bulls some 5 centimetres (2 inches) taller.  By comparison, the common Friesian is 135 centimetres and 150 centimetres respectively.

As a breed they have great advantages for small blocks.  They are quiet and easy to handle, requiring less in the way of fencing and yards than larger animals. This can make setting up a property far more affordable.

As lightweights, they are better for the land, especially under wet conditions. They’re great lawn-mowers!

They’re also known to be rugged and hardy, and can forage and thrive on rougher ground. 

Dexters generally have a personable temperament, and Dexter owners say their cattle are very intelligent, making them easy to train for general management, milking and showing.

Dexters mature well and can be bred comfortably from one year old onwards. They are easy to get in-calf, and calve easily.

Dexter cows make great mothers — they are naturally protective of their young and generally have an abundance of milk, ensuring healthy youngsters that grow quickly. They can also be used for multiple suckling.

Dexter cows have long been renowned for their suitability as house cows, and are known to produce sufficient high quality milk to provide for their human family and raise a calf.

Always purchase a Dexter from a registered breeder. Buying stock from a breeder registered with the Dexter Cattle Society of NZ does not always mean you will pay a lot more; but it does mean you will have reassurance that the animal really is a Dexter.

Registered Dexter breeders are generally very helpful in offering information about the breed and how to care for the cattle, and will steer (no pun intended!) you in the right direction.

Check out our gallery of New Zealand Dexters — photos of all three colours, horned and polled, bulls, cows and calves.

We have an in-depth list of FAQs on all aspects of Dexter cattle care and management here.

We have a promotional brochure giving an introduction to Dexter cattle here.