Highland vs Dexter
Highland or Dexter? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Highland | Dexter | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Beef, hobby | Dual-purpose |
| Origin | Scotland | Ireland |
| Mature weight | Cows 900–1,300 lb | Cows 600–750 lb |
| Lifespan | 18–20+ years | 20+ years |
| Temperament | Docile, quiet | Docile, hardy |
| Best fit | Cold climates, hobby farms | Homesteads, small acreage |
| Docility | ●●●●● Very docile | ●●●●● Gentle, easy to handle |
| Hardiness | ●●●●● Built for cold | ●●●●● Thrives on forage |
| Upkeep | ●●●●● Horns, heavy coat | ●●●●● Small, efficient |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Good if not too hot | ●●●●● Great small-farm pick |
| Observed price | $7,250 median (40 prices) | Not enough prices yet |
How they differ
- Docility: the Highland rates higher than the Dexter (5 of 5 vs 4).
- Hardiness: about the same (5 of 5 each).
- Upkeep: the Highland rates higher than the Dexter (3 of 5 vs 2).
- Beginner fit: the Dexter rates higher than the Highland (5 of 5 vs 4).
The Highland
Highland cattle come from the Scottish Highlands and islands, with long shaggy coats and wide horns. They thrive on rough forage and cold weather, and many small farms keep them as much for their looks as their lean beef.
Heavy coats make summer heat hard; they need shade and water in warm states. They grow slowly, and horns demand room at feeders and in trailers.
The Dexter
Dexters are a small Irish breed, among the smallest European cattle, kept for both milk and beef. Their size makes them a favorite for homesteads with a few acres, and a cow can supply a family with milk and a steer with beef.
Dexters carry chondrodysplasia, a dwarfism gene that is lethal when a calf gets two copies, and some lines also carry PHA. Every breeding animal should be tested.
Questions
Is a Highland or a Dexter better for a beginner?
The Dexter rates higher for beginners (5 of 5 vs 4). Highland: Good if not too hot. Dexter: Great small-farm pick.
What is the main difference between a Highland and a Dexter?
Heavy coats make summer heat hard; they need shade and water in warm states. They grow slowly, and horns demand room at feeders and in trailers. By contrast, dexters carry chondrodysplasia, a dwarfism gene that is lethal when a calf gets two copies, and some lines also carry PHA. Every breeding animal should be tested.