Belted Galloway

The belted galloway is a hardy breed that originated from the exposed uplands of southwest Scotland.

Belties are a naturally polled breed, with hairy ears and heavily fringed face. They are medium sized and mature bulls can weigh 900kgs. Being very hardy, they will happily live outside, eliminating the need for winter housing. They will produce high quality, marbled beef from rough grazing and make excellent suckler cows, either purebred or if crossed out.

Galloways have a double coat of long hair to shed the rain and a soft undercoat for warmth. The coat can either be black, red or white, but must have a belt of white completely encircling the middle. It is said that the belt markings were developed so that the cattle could be easily seen on the gloomy scottish moorland during winter, as a broken colour is easier to pick out on a hillside than a solid coloured animal. There is a strong demand for belted galloways & they often realise high prices. The breed society sale is held at Castle Douglas in October every year.

Leeds City Council has a breeding herd of approx 14 black and white belted galloways which can often be seen in the ring at the major shows.

www.belties.com

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