High-Dex
High-Dex cattle are informal Highland-Dexter crosses, usually bred by small farms wanting compact cattle with Highland hair and Dexter size. The Scottish Highland contributes a long double coat, sweeping horns or horn genetics, and hardiness on rough forage, while the Irish Dexter adds a smaller frame and dual-purpose background. Calves can range from shaggy and horned to smoother and polled depending on the parents, and colors may include black, dun, brindle, red-brown, roan, or white-marked patterns. Because High-Dex is not a long-established registry breed, individual animals should be judged by parentage and structure rather than by the name alone.
They suit small acreage only when fencing, handling facilities, and winter feed are still planned for real cattle, not pets. Buyers should ask about mature size, temperament, horn status, and Dexter health testing where relevant, especially chondrodysplasia and pulmonary hypoplasia with anasarca. Thick-coated animals need shade and water in hot weather, and breeding stock should be selected for sound feet, easy calving, and useful udders.
Colors: Belted, Black, Black and White, Blaze Faced, Blonde, Blue Roan, Brindle, Brockle Faced, Brown, Brown and White, Bus Dubh, Dun, Gray, Lineback, Mottled, Red, Red and White, Red Roan, Roan, Silver, Solid Black, Solid Red, Speckled, Spotted, White, White Faced, White with Black Points, White with Dun Points, White with Red Points, White with Silver Points, White with Yellow Points, Yellow
