Breed Standard

To encourage:

• improvement in the quality of Dexter Cattle herds
• the preservation of the natural characteristics and traits in Dexter cattle

• The Dexter is a dual purpose breed with both beef and dairy qualities

• Wholly black, red or dun are of equal merit
• A small amount of white is acceptable providing it reaches no further forward than the navel on the underline of females and is restricted to the testicular area of males
• A small amount of white is acceptable on the tip of the tail

• The skin should be loose and pliable
• Hair short and sleek in summer, longer and thicker in winter

• Short, broad head tapering gracefully towards a broad muzzle
• Jaw should be wide enough to accommodate well placed teeth with an even bite
• Eyes bright and prominent
• Horns should be moderately thick with an inward, upward curve
• Animals may be polled or dehorned and shall not be penalised in the show ring

• Deep and thick, but not too short, blending well into the shoulders

• Ample chest with well-sprung ribs giving plenty of room for the heart and lungs, wide across the loins
• Quarters thick and deep, broad full hips, well-rounded rump
• A straight topline with tail set level with spine
• Good width between both front and back legs
• Legs should be of moderate length in proportion to body size, squarely placed under the body, wide apart and perpendicular when viewed from the rear
• Feet should be well formed but can be proportionately broader or larger than in other breeds, with toes that may also point slightly inwards

• Udder should be well attached with high and wide rear attachment and a strong suspensory ligament
• The four teats should be of medium size and well spaced on the udder, hanging plumb and of equal length
• All four quarters should be of equal size

• Large well hung testicles of even size
• Four well defined teats evenly spaced

• Cows: The preferred height is between 96 cm and 108 cm at the rump
• Bulls: The preferred height is between 100 cm and 114 cm at the rump

Download the Breeder’s Handbook here (PDF).