A double coat and several separately recorded populations

The Canadian Galloway Association describes the Galloway’s double coat as a woolly underlayer and protective outer guard hairs, with seasonal shedding. The coat is an important part of adaptation to wet and cold conditions; it is not a substitute for assessing shelter, food and the health of the animal.

The association maintains Galloway, Belted Galloway, White Galloway and Riggit Galloway in separate herd-book sections. It identifies black, red and dun color variation across these populations. Thus, Galloway does not mean only solid black cattle, and the several named populations are not simply interchangeable coat examples.

Its history records North American introduction in 1853 and subsequent development of Canadian and American breed organizations. Keeping the populations and their ancestry clear supports conservation while acknowledging their related regional history.