Dexter Cattle are or should be deep cattle.

The ideal Dexter cow is characterized by its deep body structure, which is a key feature in the breed standard and specified in the linear classification system. Dexter cattle are known for their compact size and sturdy build, with body depth being a crucial factor in defining the breed standard. The emphasis on body depth in Dexter cattle highlights the importance of a robust and well-proportioned physique in maintaining the breed's unique characteristics.

Cattle that lack depth of rib are referred to as shallow-bodied. Shallow-bodied cattle also tend to be shallow-flanked.  Cattle with depth and spring of rib are more ideal than cattle that are either flat-ribbed and/or shallow-bodied.

Depth in cattle is crucial for conformation and performance. Shallow-bodied cattle lack depth and spring of rib, impacting feed intake and digestion. Well-sprung rib cages improve lung capacity and cardiovascular strength, enhancing endurance and adaptability. Cattle with depth and spring of rib tend to be more productive and resilient, benefiting weight gain, reproduction, and stress tolerance. Selecting and breeding cattle with adequate rib depth is vital for herd success and sustainability.

Over the course of years in the breed, we have observed a significant trend among Dexter owners and breeders, where there has been a notable, unintentional shift away from prioritizing depth and capacity. This phenomenon seems to be more prevalent among individuals who are new to cattle breeding and may lack the necessary information about the ideal characteristics of Dexters. This issue is also found among those chasing singular traits not associated with breed conformation and production. Shallow-bodied Dexters, which are increasingly common, exhibit lower efficiency levels, struggle to maintain optimal body condition, yield smaller carcasses, and fall short in milk production that aligns with the breed's standards.

The issue of unintentional selection away from essential traits of depth and capacity can have far-reaching implications on the overall quality and success of Dexter cattle. It is crucial for owners and breeders to be well-informed about the breed standards and characteristics that contribute to the breed's success and resilience. By prioritizing conformation and breed traits such as depth and capacity, breeders can work towards maintaining a robust and healthy Dexter population that excels in breed type, productivity, and genetic diversity.

This counterproductive tendency, in our experience, is primarily driven by selection pressures associated with less deep cattle or unrelated to the production of deep-bodied cattle. Chief among these are: 1) an over-emphasis at young stock stages of development on ‘petit’ frames, refinement (over-refinement), "cuteness", and “clean lines”, and 2) selection pressure for traits singularly disassociated from conformation, production, and type, e.g., color, horn status, and milk proteins.

This issue highlights the complexities within cattle breeding, where specific selection criteria may inadvertently lead to counterproductive outcomes. The emphasis on 'petit' frames and over-refinement, e.g., lack of navel flap, at a young age can sometimes overshadow the importance of deeper cattle traits contributing to overall health and productivity. Additionally, focusing on traits like color, horn status, and milk proteins in isolation, extensively, or exclusively with less or no pressure for breed and conformation-specific traits results in limiting the overall quality of the cattle being bred. It is crucial for breeders to evaluate their selection criteria and prioritize those traits that produce high-quality, conformationally correct, breed standard representative, and highly functional and productive cattle.

Breeding deep, large capacity, well-sprung Dexters does not mean that you are required to increase frame size and height.  Frame size is not colinear with depth, spring, and capacity, and through the art of breeding, it can be maintained within breed standards.  Breeding deep, large capacity, well-spring Dexters does require breeders to focus on depth, capacity, and spring in their selection and culling decisions over other less important traits. When it comes to breeding Dexters, prioritizing deep, large capacity, and well-sprung characteristics is essential for maintaining the breed's quality and functionality. By focusing on these specific traits, breeders can ensure that the Dexters they produce are not only visually impressive but also possess the necessary physical attributes for optimal performance. Emphasizing depth in Dexters contributes to their overall body structure, allowing for better muscle development and overall strength. Well-sprung individuals typically have better rib shape and capacity, which is essential for proper digestion and overall health. By concentrating on these key traits during the selection and culling process, breeders can improve the overall quality of their Dexter herd.

The SMD cattle are thriving and demonstrating high productivity, reproductive success, and efficiency due to their deep and large capacity build. We receive numerous positive comments and compliments regarding the appearance and performance of our cattle both on our farm and on other farms. Observers often remark on their "striking" looks, how "beautiful" and "healthy" they appear, and how they stand out from other Dexters. This outcome results from our unwavering commitment throughout our twenty-five years of breeding Dexters in selecting and culling based on dual-purpose conformation traits, with body depth and capacity being key attributes.