The first Devon cattle reached what is now the United States in 1623. The ship Charity brought a consignment of red cattle (one bull and three heifers) from Devonshire, England to Edward Winslow, the agent for Plymouth Colony.

Dexters are the smallest breed of cattle in America. They are dual purpose animals producing both delicious meat and quality milk. Cows mature to 750-800 lbs. and 36-42 inches high at the shoulder. Bulls mature to 1000-1100 lbs. and 38-44 inches high at the shoulder. They usually are black but can be dunn (a reddish brown shade).

In order to breed and grow cattle in the heat and frequent droughts of Northern Queensland in Australia's hot tropical north several cattlemen set about crossing Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) with Shorthorn and Shorthorn/Devon.