Belted Galloway Cattle
The Belted Galloway, an old Scottish Breed: The unique appearance of the Belted Galloway cattle inspires many questions about their origins. With black, red or dun color sandwiched about a white middle, they are familiarly known as "Belties" among breeders of the animals. The Beltie's first recorded history indicates that they developed during the 16th century in the former Galloway district of Scotland, a rugged and hilly seacoast region where hardiness was necessary for survival. The British Isles then and now raised solid colored, polled, shaggy coated Galloway cattle generally considered to have evolved from an early Celtic Breed. Precisely when and where selective breeding of the Belted variety of Galloway began is shrouded in mystery, though theories abound.
The Beltie's uniqueness goes far beyond their belts, their most distinguishing characteristic. Belties have a very strong will to survive and are exceptionally long lived, with many cows remaining productive past their teen years. The Belted Galloway is considered a medium sized breed with mature bulls weighing in at approximately 1800-2000 lbs and mature females around 1000 - 1200 lbs. States. Because of their moderate size, gentle disposition, easy calving and good mothering, the Belted Galloway is well suited for the novice cattleperson.We absolutely Love our Belties!