Most all breeds can be traced to some like minded breeders getting together and deciding that such and such cow is going to be a breed and this is what they are going to look like and this is what we are going to call them. Generally it would be a rgional thing. Some breeds like Galloways are very, very old while others like Beefmasters are not nearly as old.
As far as Dexters being orignal there are a few stories with that. Some beleive that they were a small Irish cow but when you look at the early herdbooks a lot of animals were accepted based on examination. Basically, if they were short, dwarfy and horned they were a "dexter" type animal... Those herd books have been kept for the last 100 or so years but they have brought in blood in England from other breeds from time to time to try to fix the problems inherint with the breed with mixed results.
I find that the farmers around here also cuss like you wouldn't believe and I am ashamed to say that I slip into too from time to time. The hardest part now is my daughter has quoted me a few times and that is about the most embarassing thing that could happen. Girl watches me like a hawk, reminds me of that song that is out right now and I have to admit, that I pray that god helps me become the type of father my kids deserve...
I'm no purebreed. I am a true European Mutt.. I can say that I am 50% british Isle but it is split up pretty darn good, lol.