The Belted Galloway, has a distinctive band of white encircling its body, that attracts attention where ever seen. It is recognised as a hardy breed that originated on the exposed uplands of Galloway in the southwest of Scotland.

Belted Galloways have the same general characteristics as the solid coloured Galloway, but often have superior milking abilities. The milking quality may be a clue to the origin of the Belted Galloway. In the northern areas of Holland noble families bred a fine milking cow, the Lakenfield. This has a broad white belt, similar to the Belted Galloway. Herds of Black Galloway cattle have been managed for the royal families for many centuries, and it is not inconceivable that when William of Orange came from Holland to take the English throne in 1689 some Lakenfield milking cows were imported and at some time a crossing with solid coloured Galloways provided the genetic basis for the Belted Galloway.

Colours are Black (often with a brownish tinge), dun, or a rare red, all with the characteristic white belt which encircles the body. These naturally polled cattle are eminently good at converting rough grazing into high yielding quality carcasses.

Calving ease is a major attribute of the breed, as its fertility and docility. Females are ideal for cross breeding and Belted Galloway bulls will ensure easy calving of all female cattle. Belted Galloway bulls are often used by dairy farmers to produce cross-bred calves that are born with ease, and grow into strong, beefy steers and very productive vealer mothers.