Sometimes, if you know what to look for, you might be able to find a good Dexter priced for less than other, lesser-quality animals in the same herd. This is because so many Dexter breeders do not price by conformation and will price the animals based on DNA tests for traits like coat color or polled. In these cases, you may be able to purchase the best-conformed animal in the herd, and it may be discounted because it is horned and black. But you have to know what to look for and really study-up on cattle conformation. And, you could still get a nasty surprise on the udder, or the udders it produces on its progeny. Plus, there can always be surprises in disposition, especially when you start working with the animal.

Some breeders specialize in producing top quality conformation. This has largely occurred through selective breeding, which means significant culling has occurred in past generations. Dexters from these herds usually start at about $3,000 and go up to about $7,500, depending on age, breeding status, bloodlines, etc. When you buy these high quality animals from established herds, you are effectively buying time, since you will not have to go through generations of selection to “fix” problems that are otherwise common in the breed, such as weaknesses in udders and feet.