| 1820's | Early Dexters were selected from the stock of indigenous cattle found in the Kerry area of Ireland. |
| 1879 | An Irish registry is started. Soon the breed would become popular in England as well. |
| 1892 | An English Society is founded. |
| 1900's | Dexters have now been exported to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. |
| 1911 | The American Kerry and Dexter Club is founded. |
| 1940 | The American Kerry and Dexter Club was reorganized and the American Dexter Cattle Association emerged. |
| 1986 | The Canadian Dexter Cattle Association is founded. |