Because of their small size, ability to survive, thrive and produce under harsh conditions, Dexter Cattle are at the top of the list for best Homestead Family Cow.  Their smaller size makes them easy to handle, and they require less pasture to feed than other larger breeds.  Dexters can adapt and excel in many different conditions; heat, cold, poor pasture, and rocky soil. 
    The smallest breed in North America, mature Dexter cows weigh between 600-700 pounds and mature Dexter bulls weigh about 1000 pounds. They reach full size at 5 to 6 years of age. Their bodies are wide & deep with a big burly hindquarter.  Most  Dexters are black, but as red and dun become more popular the percentage of those colors are also rising.  Purebred Dexters are always solid, with the possibility of very minor white markings on the udder or behind the navel.  Their horns are white with black tips, small and thick growing outward with a forward curve on the male and upward on the cow.     
    Heifers can be bred at 15-18 months old, and have been known to breed regularly for more than 14 years.  They are good mothers and rarely have problems calving.  With a birth weight of about 45 pounds, newborn calves are quick to rise, curious and full of personality.  With strong maternal instincts cows are protective of their young and are often willing to accept orphaned calves.  Being such good milkers some cows can produce enough milk to feed up to 4 calves at once.  The average Dexter cow can produce more milk for its weight than any other breed, averaging 1.5-2.5 gallons per day  The milk is sweet with high butterfat levels over 4% and protein levels over 3.5%. 
    Calves grow quickly weighing, 350 to 400 pounds by 7 months.  Maturing young, steers can be finished at 15- 18 months on grass with little to no grain.  Meat is full flavored and well marbled.  With such a favorable meat to bone ratio, it is common to expect dressed weights of about 56% of the live weight. 
    For more information about where you can get a dexter of your own please visit any of the links below.