The Dexter breed originated in Ireland from the ancient native Irish cattle, going back 5000 years.

Dexters have all the attributes of cattle, and a placid temperament, and are far less damaging to the ground.

Their origins became tied up with the slightly larger Kerry breed, and although described separately in various records they were not recognised as separate breeds until the 1870s.

A Southlander by birth, Deborah Woodd-Herlihy grew up within a sheep farming family so that when she first saw cattle, their size and presence scared her.

Perhaps as a part-result she has taken to the Dexter breed with alacrity, and as she points out they have a great deal to commend them. “They are pretty much ideal for the lifestyler or small farmer.”

They come in three colours, dun, black or red, with black being the most common and they can be horned or polled.

They are so gentle that having horns seems to be no drawback, but for any first timer unused to beasts, then the polled variety might give a little extra confidence.”

The small herd on Deborah’s northland farm were very quiet, and but for a minor short-term interest in our presence more or less ignored us.

Mothers and calves milled around without any seeming nervousness or trace of aggression.

Only one element broke this otherwise sylvan setting, and that was the presence of Deborah’s two dogs – Mia and Lager.

It might just have been showing off, but the sight of one mother chasing an under-sized Jack Russell out of the paddock is one which should have been committed to film. It was a splendid cue – “Yes, they do make excellent, feisty, mothers too!”

On the subject of motherhood, Deborah confirmed that her Dexters have been very easy calvers, and in the five years she has owned them she has never had to pull a calf.

Dexters first came to New Zealand in 1904. They were not a success, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that a further attempt was made by Northland Breeder Alex Meads.

“Semen, embryos and where possible live animals were introduced, quite a lot via Australia,” said Deborah.

With the American-driven trend for ever bigger cattle, the Dexter is a refreshing antidote.

They have all the attributes of cattle, and the advantage of being easily handled, a placid temperament and are far less damaging to the ground.

“Even on our volcanic soil in winter, having Dexters is a big advantage as they don’t pug the ground nearly as badly as bigger breeds do.”

Deborah is not the only cattle owner who has found the stud qualities of the Dexter breed.

Her bull, Flynn, was absent when Rural Living visited, “on duty.”

“Dairy farmers like bulls such as Flynn for their heifers, because he should give them a smaller, easier calf first time round, and he is frequently crossed with Jerseys.”

On 26 acres Deborah has a current herd of 14 beasts.

“Carrying capacity really depends on your land. On a good ‘normal’ Northland summer we could easily carry one per acre – but I wouldn’t want any more than that.

“It is an advantage to have low numbers as if you have a problem you can pull back and regroup.

“They are a dual breed, and as time allows in the future I intend to milk them.

“Our regime is as organic as possible, and we only drench when we feel it is absolutely essential.

“I think that resistance to drenches is becoming a real issue, and we’ve found giving them a regular dosage of apple cider vinegar, manuka honey and garlic keeps them in good condition.

“They are really lovely animals, and it is very easy to form a bond with them.”

So far Deborah has not shown any of her animals, but her daughters have had considerable success with them at calf club, two years running.