The Belted Galloway is essentially the same in origin and characteristics as the Galloway.
They are set apart from the Galloway by the distinctive white belt that is thought to have been introduced by an infusion of Dutch Belted blood, probably in the seventeenth or eighteenth century.
That is according to "History of the Belted Galloway Society, Inc.," The Herd Book of the Belted Galloway Society, Inc. (vol1, 1951-1971) by A. Mims Wilkinson, Jr
For years the belted cattle, often called "Belties," were registered in the Polled Herd Book that was started in 1852 and registered Aberdeen-Angus and Galloways.
In 1878 the Galloway breeders acquired rights to their portion of the herd book. Later the Dun and Belted Galloway Association was formed. After 1951 the name of the organization was changed to the Belted Galloway Society and dun cattle were no longer registered.
The first Belted Galloways were imported to the United States by Harry A. Prock, Whitemarsh, Pennsylvania in 1950.
There have been limited importations of the breed since that time but the number brought have not been large.
It is claimed that the Belted Galloways are larger, milk heavier, and grow more rapidly than the parental breed. The distinctive white belt found in Belted Galloways often varies somewhat in width and regularity but usually covers most of the body from the shoulders to the hooks.
The white contrast to the black coat, which may have a brownish tinge in the summer, sets the breed apart with its striking color pattern.
The fore part of the udder may be within the white belt. Because of this distinctive look the cattle are also called as "Oreo cookie cows".
