Breed Standard
The Dexter is a dual purpose breed with both beef and dairy qualities. In judging, both these qualities will be taken into consideration.
Colour | Wholly black, wholly red and wholly dun are of equal merit. A little white will not disqualify but must be limited to: | |
| Bull | A small amount on the organs of generation and in the tassel of the tail. There must be no white forward of the navel or on any other part of the body. | |
| Cow | A small amount on the udder and underline, in the tassel of the tail and on the vulva. There must be no white forward of the navel or on any other part of the body. | |
Type | Both types of Dexter, i.e. short legged and non-short legged, are of equal merit. However, extremes of either type are discouraged. | |
Head | Short and broad, tapering gracefully towards a broad muzzle. Jaws wide enough to accommodate well-placed teeth with an even bite. Eyes bright and prominent, with a kind and placid expression. | |
Neck | Deep and thick, but not too short or too long, blending well into the shoulder. Head should be carried above the spine. | |
Horns | Moderately thick, with an inward, upward curve. Removal of horns will not be penalised in the show ring. Polled animals are acceptable, but must be notified in writing. | |
Body | Ample brisket giving plenty of room for the heart and lungs: well sprung ribs: wide across the loin. Quarters thick and deep, broad and full hips, well rounded rump. Straight top line with tail set level with spine. | |
| Bulls | Well hung testicles of even size. Four well defined teats, well placed and evenly spaced. | |
| Cows | Udder should be well attached with high and wide rear attachment and a strong median suspensory ligament. The four teats should be of medium size, well placed on the udder, hanging plumb and of equal length. All four quarters should be of equal size. | |
Legs | Good width between both front and back legs. Legs should be of moderate length in proportion to body size, squarely placed under the body and perpendicular when viewed from the rear. | |
Feet | Feet should be short toed, deep heeled and level soled. They should not turn inwards or outwards. | |
Skin | Loose and pliable. Hair short and sleek in summer, longer and thicker in winter. | |
Size | Bulls | Between 42 and 48 inches (106 and 121 cm) at the rump. |
| Cows | Between 38 and 44 inches (96 and 111 cm) at the rump |