The Belted Galloway is an heirloom breed of beef cattle originating in the mountainous region of Galloway in southwestern Scotland. A hardy breed, they are naturally polled (hornless) and are distinguished by their thick heavy coats and white belt banding their middle. Their unique hair coat is an inner downy layer called the undercoat and an outer layer called the overcoat. The long hair of the overcoat gives the Belted Galloway its shaggy appearance. This double coat provides the animal a shield of insulation of over 4000 hairs to the square inch and because of this natural insulation, they have little back fat. They are expert foragers. This versatile breed is known for longevity and can adapt well to any local. Known for their maternal instincts and natural calving ability, a cow will raise a calf every year providing her youngster with rich milk. They are disease resistant, moderate sized, quiet, docile, and easily handled.
While Andrew Jackson would not have had this particular breed, he did have livestock on The Hermitage.
In 1833, it is recorded that he had 300 hogs, 60 cows and yearlings, 22 calves, 9 sheep and 59 lambs. It is believed that the cattle were Herefords or Durham's.
For more information regarding the Belted Galloway, please contact:
The Belted Galloway society, Inc.
www.beltie.org
(717-677-9655)
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