Dexter Cattle for the American Homestead
At Mountain Heritage Farm in Tennessee, we raise registered Dexter cattle—compact, dual-purpose, and naturally hardy. With their gentle nature and efficient size, Dexters are America’s best choice for family milk, beef, and homestead living. Our herd combines Belle Fourche and MRALD bloodlines, carefully selected for gentle temperaments, balanced conformation, and proven milk production. Whether you’re seeking a family milk cow, breeding stock, or simply learning about this remarkable heritage breed, you’ll find unmatched transparency and care here in Tennessee. We proudly ship cattle nationwide.
Dexter cattle grazing at Mountain Heritage Farm in Tennessee, raised with hands-on care and a focus on gentle temperaments.
Our Herd’s Foundation
Mountain Heritage Farm builds on a foundation of respected Dexter genetics, drawing from herds like Belle Fourche and MRALD. We’re grateful to call their breeders friends and mentors, and we carry forward the same commitment to balance, temperament, and dairy potential. By pairing those proven lines with our own focus on transparency and milk performance, we’re working to make our Dexters a lasting resource for families across the USA.
"The Matriarch," painting of a Dexter herd by artist and owner of the Mountain Heritage herd, Michelle Parsley
Why Choose Dexter Cattle?
Dexter cattle are one of the smallest naturally statured breeds in the USA, but their usefulness far outweighs their size. Bred as a true dual-purpose animal, they provide both high-quality milk and flavorful beef, making them ideal for small farms and family homesteads. Their gentle nature and efficient grazing habits make them easy to manage while fitting beautifully into sustainable farming systems.
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Dual-Purpose Heritage – Excellent for both milk and beef production.
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Family-Friendly Temperament – Calm, easy to handle, and a perfect choice for first-time cattle owners.
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Compact & Efficient – Small size means lower feed costs without sacrificing performance.
Pasture-Fed Efficiency
Dexters are one of the most efficient heritage breeds, producing rich milk with minimal supplemental feed. At Mountain Heritage Farm, we focus on pasture and use grain only as a reward for calm, consistent milking.
Our Miracle Calf
Meet our miracle calf, Amari — born near death as a surprise twin, cared for in our farmhouse shower, and now thriving in the pasture. Her name means, "miracle from God." At Mountain Heritage Farm, every life is treasured.
Q: Are all your Dexter cattle registered?
Q: What health testing do you perform on your herd?
Q: What does A2/A2 milk protein mean?
Are Dexter cattle good family milk cows?
How big do Dexter cattle get?
What makes Mountain Heritage Farm different?
Dexters in the United States
Dexter cattle first arrived in the United States in the early 1900s, valued for their small size and dual-purpose versatility. Originally from Ireland, the breed quickly gained popularity among homesteaders and small farms for providing both rich milk and flavorful beef without the large feed demands of bigger cattle. Today, Dexters are recognized nationwide as one of the most efficient heritage breeds, treasured by families who want sustainable, family-friendly cattle. At Mountain Heritage Farm, we carry that legacy forward by preserving proven bloodlines and focusing on gentle temperaments and dairy performance.
The Growth of Dexters in America
The American Dexter Cattle Association (ADCA) was founded in 1957 to preserve and promote the breed, and membership has grown steadily as more families discover the value of Dexters. Once considered rare, they are now well established across the United States as a reliable, registered heritage breed. By building on respected bloodlines while documenting health, milk records, and temperament, Mountain Heritage Farm contributes to this ongoing preservation effort for future generations.
Dexters vs. Mini Cattle
Unlike many “mini cattle” that were bred down in size through selective crossing, Dexters have always been naturally small. Their compact stature is part of their original heritage, making them hardy, efficient grazers without the health concerns often seen in artificially miniaturized cattle. (As covered in the FAQ above.)
Why Choose Dexter Cattle for the Homestead?
Dexter cattle are one of the very best choices for today’s homestead. Unlike commercial dairy breeds that have been pushed to produce unnaturally high volumes of milk, Dexters still produce a natural, balanced amount — “just enough” for a family’s daily needs. This makes them far easier to manage and greatly reduces the risk of metabolic issues such as mastitis and milk fever.
For the small farm or homestead, that balance is priceless. A Dexter cow provides rich, nutrient-dense milk for the family table without overwhelming your time, equipment, or freezer space. At the same time, the breed’s dual-purpose heritage ensures flavorful beef and calves that thrive on pasture. It’s no wonder Dexters have become a favorite for families who want sustainable, gentle cattle that truly fit a self-sufficient lifestyle.
How Dexters Compare
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Size & efficiency: Smaller frames = lower feed costs than many dairy/beef breeds.
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Temperament: Known for gentleness; easier for first-time families.
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Milk: “Just enough” daily milk; balanced for homesteads.
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Beef: Fine-grained, excellent flavor on grass.
Dexter Cattle Breed Characteristics
Dexter cattle are a naturally small heritage breed, not a miniaturized cross. Their size and versatility make them one of the most practical choices for small farms and homesteads. Registered through the American Dexter Cattle Association (ADCA), Dexters are recognized for their dual-purpose value, producing both rich milk and flavorful beef on a fraction of the feed required by commercial dairy or beef cattle.
- Size & Weight: Mature cows generally stand 36–42 inches at the hip and weigh between 700–900 pounds. Bulls average 38–44 inches and 1,000–1,200 pounds, making them easy to manage compared to larger breeds.
- Colors: Dexters come in three primary coat colors — black, red, and dun — all of which are naturally occurring within the breed.
- Horns: Some Dexters are naturally polled (without horns), while others are horned. Both are accepted within the breed standard.
- Milk: Dexter cows typically provide 1–3 gallons of rich, high-butterfat milk per day — “just enough” for a family’s needs without overwhelming storage or equipment.
- Beef: Dexter beef is well-marbled, tender, and known for exceptional flavor, even on a grass-based diet.
- Genetics: Many Dexters carry the desirable A2/A2 milk protein, prized by families who are sensitive to the more common A1 protein found in commercial dairy breeds.
- Temperament: Calm, intelligent, and family-friendly, Dexters are widely regarded as one of the easiest breeds to handle, making them ideal for first-time cattle owners.
This balance of size, efficiency, and dual-purpose performance is why Dexter cattle continue to thrive as a heritage breed in the United States and around the world.
The Mountain Heritage Farm herd is owned and maintained by Michelle Parsley (with assistance from her husband for the heavy work 😂). Michelle is a hands-on breeder dedicated to ADCA-registered Dexter cattle. Her herd is raised in Cannon County, Tennessee, with a focus on milk production, gentle temperaments, and sustainable family farming. She proudly offers shipping across the United States.
