Education & Dexter's for Sale
Why Dexter Cattle?
Dexter cattle are a heritage breed known for their small size, hardiness, and versatility. Originally from Ireland, Dexters are one of the smallest cattle breeds, with mature cows standing 36 to 50 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing between 700 to 1,000 pounds. They're ideal for small farms and homesteads thanks to their efficient grazing, gentle disposition, and dual-purpose nature—producing both rich milk and flavorful beef. At The Whistle Stop Ranch, we’ve raised purebred Dexters since 2019, focusing on health, temperament, and regenerative grazing practices.
Understanding Chondrodysplasia in Dexter Cattle
Dexter cattle can carry a naturally occurring genetic trait called chondrodysplasia, which affects bone growth and results in shorter-legged animals often referred to as “shorties.” This trait is not harmful in a single dose—many breeders appreciate the compact size and traditional look of chondro-positive Dexters. However, when two chondro-positive animals are bred together, there is a 25% chance the resulting calf will inherit two copies of the gene, which is lethal and leads to early loss of the calf. That’s why it’s important to know the chondro status of both sire and dam when planning breeding. At The Whistle Stop Ranch, we raise all chondro negative cattle because we like the taller Dexters for our beef purposes. We clearly list whether each animal is chondro-positive or chondro-negative, so you can make informed breeding decisions.
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Polled vs. Horned Genetics
Dexter cattle can be naturally horned or polled (hornless). A heterozygous polled animal carries one polled gene and one horned gene—it will not grow horns, but it can pass on either gene to its offspring. A homozygous polled animal carries two copies of the polled gene and will always pass it on, guaranteeing hornless calves regardless of the mate. This is an important consideration for breeders looking to raise polled herds without dehorning. At Whistle Stop Ranch, we disclose whether our polled animals are heterozygous or homozygous polled so you can build your herd the way you want.
Dexter Cattle Colors
Dexter cattle come in three recognized colors: black, red, and dun. Black is the most common and dominant color in the breed. Red is a recessive trait, meaning both parents must carry the gene for a calf to be red. Dun is also recessive and is caused by a dilution gene that lightens black to a soft brown or grayish hue. While color does not affect the quality of the meat or milk, many breeders enjoy working with color genetics to produce a variety of appearances in their herds. At Whistle Stop Ranch, we offer Dexters in all three colors, and we’re happy to provide genetic test results to help you select animals for your preferred breeding goals.
Understanding A2/A2 Milk Proteins in Dexter Cattle
Cattle produce milk with different types of beta-casein proteins—most commonly A1 and A2. Research suggests that A2 milk may be easier to digest for some people, especially those who experience discomfort from regular dairy but aren’t lactose intolerant. Milk from cows with the A2/A2 genotype contains only the A2 protein and is often sought after by health-conscious consumers and raw milk advocates. At The Whistle Stop Ranch, the majority of our Dexter cattle are A2/A2, and we provide genetic test results to help you select animals for dairy-friendly breeding programs. Whether you’re building a family milk cow line or marketing milk with digestibility in mind, A2/A2 genetics are a valuable asset to your herd.
Understanding PHA in Dexter Cattle
Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Anasarca (PHA) is a rare but serious genetic disorder that can occur in Dexter cattle. It causes underdeveloped lungs and fluid accumulation in unborn calves, resulting in non-viable pregnancies and difficult calvings. PHA is inherited as a recessive trait, meaning a calf must inherit the gene from both parents to be affected. Carriers show no outward signs, so genetic testing is essential for responsible breeding. At the Whistle Stop Ranch, all of our breeding stock is tested, and we do not breed or sell any PHA carriers. This ensures that our customers can build healthy herds with confidence and avoid potential reproductive losses.
WS Missy
Sold
DOB: April 2, 2025 (3 months old)
Genetics: A2/A2
Chondro: Non-Carrier
PHA: Non-Carrier
Color: Black
Polled: Homozygous Polled
Description:
WS Missy is an adorable and promising young heifer with excellent potential as a future breeding female. She’s already showing great presence and confirmation, and she comes from a strong genetic background.
Her dam, HIFF ABD Eve, is known for her beautiful udder structure and deep maternal lineage that traces back to Ireland. Her sire, Fergus Farm Coco, carries Daggett Shay on the top side of his pedigree—bringing strong beefy conformation influence to his offspring.
If you’re looking for a sweet-natured, well-bred heifer with a solid foundation, WS Missy would be a great addition to your herd.