About Dexters
The Dexter breed originated in the South West of Ireland and was believed to have been originally brought to England in 1882. A dual – purpose breed, used for both milk and beef, Dexters are the smallest of the European cattle breeds, being about half the size of a traditional Hereford, their body is wide and deep with a well rounded hind quarter, predominantly black, they can also have dark red or dun coats.
Dexters produce a rich milk similar to that of a Jersey and well marbled, dark, flavoursome beef.
Until recently classified as a Rare Breed in the UK and the USA, the breed has been enjoying a resurgence in both countries with over 4,100 Dexter Cows registered by the Dexter Cattle Society in the UK in 2007, double the figure of 2006.
The popularity of the breed appears to coincide with a greater desire for the provenance of the food we eat and the versatility of the breed. The beef produced by Dexters has become popular in numerous fine dining restaurants with John Torode of Smiths (based in Smithfield, London) most notably championing the quality of Dexter beef.