Dexters are known for being easy to handle, and easy to keep. The breed is considered triple-purpose; used for milk, beef, and oxen. Because of their versatility, Dexters are able to perform well in a variety of settings.

 

Dexter Cattle are always solid in color, never spotted. Most Dexters are black, although red and dun colored animals are also produced. White markings are sometimes seen on the udder and/or belly behind the navel. 

 

Dexters may be horned or polled. Horned animals usually have white horns with black tips, (or white horns with brown tips in the reds and duns).  Depending on the setting, breeders may prefer to disbud calves so they do not grow horns, or breed polled Dexters that are born without horns.

 

PDCA encourages breeders to only use the best possible bulls, as a way of maintaining and improving the quality of the breed. Although most Dexter breeders maintain their own bull, Artificial Insemination (A.I) is available as an alternative, and also provides a means of increasing the genetic diversity within a herd. A listing of privately collected A.I. bulls is provided in the Dexter News section. 

 

Dexters are shown and exhibited all over the country and we encourage you to check our calendar for a Dexter event in your area. You may also try the map feature to check for breeders that may be close to you. Or, the Online Pedigree will allow you to print a list of Dexter breeders in your state.

 

The Supplemental Section of the Online Pedigree is available to PDCA members. This section includes breeders' notes and results of genetic testing,  and is becoming increasing useful in selection of breeding stock.