The Dexter is a small breed of cattle that have descended from the Irish Kerry during the 1800’s. They are hardy yet tractable animals known colloquially as "beefy little milkers". Because of their small size and even temperaments they are ideally suited to smaller properties. Three adult Dexters can occupy the space of two ordinary-sized cattle beasts. Colours range over predominantly black, red or dun with very few or no markings at all.

Our cows are also considered Miniature Cattle because they are not over 42 inches (106.7cm) at the top of the hips.  Our cows have mainly been about the 100cm mark (39"). 

All of our cattle (apart from the non purebred Grade 4 bull calves) are registered with the Dexter Cattle Society of New Zealand and are sire and dam verified.  NB only purebred bulls may be used to register any grade of Dexter cattle.

However, they are increasingly used on dairy farms to give easy birthing calves to heifers.  The calves are born small but grow very quickly into beefy type of short stature and often kill out the same as same age larger animals (those with longer legs).

The dun bull calf at the bottom of the page got a VERY LARGE SIZE Friesian cow pregnant as a yearling, and has the progeny to prove it!  *

Bulls that we have used over our cows have all had SUPERB temperaments.


 

    
 
Red Grade 4 Dexter bull calf Ruairí (11 weeks on left) with little brother Greenridge Ronan (8 weeks) 27 January 2011.


   


Ruairí is a well built, long leg, very quiet bull calf, and can be used to service dairy heifers.

Photos 27 January 2011

Ruairí has been sold but perhaps we can help you find another. 




 

Ruairí
Grade 4
Born 13 November 10as a newborn 13 November 2010

     
        

Ruairí (7 weeks), Greenridge Dymphna (No. 3772), Cherry Oak Campbell (No. 5180) in photo 29 December 2010.  The Cherry Oak stud has produced several champion Dexters, male and female.  This is Campbell's second year with our cows.