| Dexter's are great for small landowners, many dexter owners use them for meat, and milk. They require less pasture and feed than other breeds, survive well on limited and rough rocky acreage. Dexter's were imported to North America, in the early 1900's. Dexter's are now seen in many countries including the USA, Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa. How big is a Dexter? Shoulder Height Bulls: 38-44 inches (95-110 cm) Cows: 36-42 inches (90-105 cm) Weight Bulls: not more than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) Cows: not more than 750 pounds (338 kg) Calves weigh 35-45 (16-20 kg) at birth, and by 7 months weigh 350 to 400 pounds (158-180 kg). Full adult size of dexter cattle is reached at about 5 to 6 years of age. Physical Characteristics Dexter cattle are among the smallest cattle breeds in the world. Most Dexter's are black, and less frequently red or dunn colored. They are solid and compact, and both sexes have white horns, with black tips. Two body forms are found within the breed: cattle with normal-sized bodies and very short legs, or cattle that are proportionally small all around. Both short and long-legged types produce the same amounts of meat and milk. Dexter cows can calve up to 16-18 years of age. With easy gestation and birthing. The newborn calf's weigh about 35-40 lbs. and grow at an amazing rate. Life Span About 18-20 years |