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CATTLE 



The color of the Dexter is very generally a solid black, although 

 pure reds are also recognized and are not uncommon. The Irish 

 regard either color as of equal merit. White marks are permis- 

 sible on the udder and on the belly up to the navel, though not 

 outside of the flanks. The brush of the tail may also contain 

 more or less white. No white markings are favored on the bull, 

 although a slight amount on the scrotum or sheath will not dis- 

 qualify. The horns are usually white with black tips, while the nose 

 and hoofs may be either white or dark as the animal is black or red. 



Fig. 196. A herd of Dexter females, first in class, exhibited by Howard Gould, 

 New York, at the New York State Fair. From photograph by Smith & Holmes 



The size of the Dexter places it among the smallest of British 

 breeds. In mature form the standard weights are 900 pounds as 

 a maximum for the bull and 800 for the cow when in breeding 

 condition. Some very beautiful specimens of cows that scarcely 

 weigh over 500 pounds are seen at British shows. One of the 

 noted bulls of the breed — La Mancha Union Jack — stood only 

 about 38 inches high and probably weighed less than 500 pounds. 

 In view of the fact that the Dexter has largely been sought on 

 account of its diminutive size the tendency among breeders has 

 been to emphasize that feature. Where breeding is conducted under 

 conditions of plenty there is a tendency towards increase in size. 



The hardy character of the Dexter is one of its outstanding 

 features. In its native home, like the Kerry, it lives largely in the 



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