History of the Irish Dexter
The breed traces back to the original indigenous cattle of the British Isles. The first settlers of Ireland tamed and bred Dexters in the lush green lowland pastures of Ireland. Invaders later drove farm folk and their animals into the most mountainous and unsettled areas of the island, where the Dexters bred and thrived on sparse fare.
They survived both harsh climates and rough grazing. Dexter cattle were later known as "The Poor Man's Cow", because a small landowner was able to get an adequate supply of meat and milk for his family, even on the rough grazing land.
Dexters were first introduced to the United States in the early 1900's when several families imported selected animals from England. Dexters possess many fine qualities not found in other breeds. Small farmers and homesteaders in America today have chosen Irish Dexters as the ideal small landowners livestock.
