Dexter Breed Standard

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 naval 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 naval or on any other part of the body.

Type – Both carriers and non carriers of the chondrodysplasia gene are of equal merit.

Head – Short, broad and tapering towards broad muzzle. Jaws wide enough to accommodate well placed teeth with an even bite. Eyes bright and prominent.

Neck – Deep, thick, and of proportionate length, blending well into the shoulder. The 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 at registration.

Body – Ample brisket giving plenty of room for the heart and lungs. Well sprung ribs. Wide across the loin. Quarters thick and deep. Broad full hips and well rounded rump. Straight top line with tail set level with spine.

Bull – Well hung testicles of even size. Four well defined, well placed and evenly spaced teats.

Cow – 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
Bull – Between 101cm and 121cm at the rump
Cow – Between 96cm and 111cm at the rump

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Traditional Breed Standard

Animals must be genotyped and tested for chondrodysplasia, colour, polling and scur horns to be judged by this standard.

Colour – Wholly black and wholly red are of equal merit. Animals which carry the gene for the colour dun do not qualify. 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 naval 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 naval or on any other part of the body.