Belted Galloway (Rare New Zealand Breed)

Native to Scotland, the Belted Galloway, known as ‘Belties,’ have been in New Zealand since 1947.

As their name suggests, they have a distinctive wide belt of white hair, encircling around the middle of their body.

It is not exactly known how and when they were developed, but they have been recorded since the early 1800’s. Although there is no official record, it is thought that the Belted Galloway is possibly a result from crossing the original Galloway with the Dutch Lakenvelder, following the importation of the Dutch animals into Scotland in the 16-1700’s.

It was established in Great Britain as a separate breed in 1921, resulting in the start of the first herd book.

The Belted Galloway are a medium size beef breed, naturally polled and are docile easy to manage. They are extremely hardy and with their double, weather resistant coat, have a great adaptability to a variety of conditions, thriving in cold, harsh, and hilly country.

They are exceptional foragers with an ability to efficiently convert rough pasture into lean meat. The dams are excellent mothers, known for their fertility and ability to get in calf quickly, and ease of calving.

Although the Belted Galloway was imported into New Zealand for its great qualities, it did not become established as a major breed and is now classified as rare.