Dexter Cattle

Origins - What's the History?

The Dexter is an ancient Irish breed that descended from the black cattle of the Celts[i]. A defining characteristic of the breed is chondrodysplasia, a genetic trait that results in dwarfism. Small cows like the dwarf Dexter (see The Dinky Dexter Team), were once commonly kept as house cows. During winter, families would bring the cow indoors, bedding them down on bracken and feeding them forage from tree branches. Housed at one end of the dwelling, the cow helped warm the home and sustain the family, while the dung and bracken were later used to fertilise and insulate crops.

Uses in Conservation:

Their small size means they are less likely to cut up soft ground with their hooves in wet conditions, making them perfect for grazing wetter habitats.[ii] Compared to other breeds, such as the Longhorn which weigh around 750kg, the average Dexter cow will weigh in at 360kg[iii] - that’s 52% lighter! 

Their small size doesn’t just preserve the quality of the grassland through reduced soil compaction; it also allows us to graze urban areas where grazing was not always thought possible. The cows themselves are docile and friendly in nature, making them a perfect fit for high footfall sites. Their cute and compact appearance can be less intimidating than the impressive features of a longhorn or highland cow, helping locals feel comfortable on their patch whilst allowing the cows to carry out their conservation work. However, don’t be fooled by their size – many believe upon first look that they are calves when in fact they are fully grown adults! 

Overall, Dexters are a hardy and adaptable breed that are well suited to grazing low quality vegetation whilst maintaining a good condition, making them a perfect fit for conservation grazing projects. Their friendly nature and small size allow them to be used in urban areas where cows are not commonplace, increasing the reach of grazing projects and contributing to the wider picture of a wilder Kent.