List of chicken breeds

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Illustration of thirty-nine varieties of chicken (and one Guinea Fowl)

There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence.^[1]^:23 Domesticated for thousands of years, distinguishable breeds of chicken have been present since the combined factors of geographical isolation and selection for desired characteristics created regional types with distinct physical and behavioral traits passed on to their offspring.

The physical traits used to distinguish chicken breeds are size, plumage color, comb type, skin color, number of toes, amount of feathering, egg color, and place of origin.^[1]^:23 They are also roughly divided by primary use, whether for eggs, meat, or ornamental purposes, and with some considered to be dual-purpose.^[1]^:23

In the 21st century, chickens are frequently bred according to predetermined breed standards set down by governing organizations. The first of such standards was the British Poultry Standard, which is still in publication today.^[1]^[2] Other standards include the Standard of Perfection, the Australian Poultry Standard, and the standard of the American Bantam Association, which deals exclusively with bantam fowl.^[2] Only some of the known breeds are included in these publications, and only those breeds are eligible to be shown competitively. There are additionally a few hybrid strains which are common in the poultry world, especially in large poultry farms. These types are first generation crosses of true breeds. Hybrids do not reliably pass on their features to their offspring, but are highly valued for their producing abilities.^[1]^:23

Table of contents
By place of origin: Afghanistan • Albania • Australia • Austria • Belgium • Brazil • Bulgaria • Canada • Chile • China • Croatia • Cuba • Czech Republic • Egypt • Finland • France • Germany • Greece • Iceland • India • Indonesia • Iran • Italy • Japan • Korea • Kosovo • Malaysia • Myanmar • Netherlands • Norway • Pakistan • Philippines • Poland • Portugal • Romania • Russia • Serbia • Slovakia • Slovenia • South Africa • Spain • Sweden • Switzerland • Thailand • Turkey • Ukraine • United Kingdom • United States • Vietnam
By primary use: Eggs • Meat • Dual-purpose • Exhibition
Other: Bantams • Hybrids
See also • References • Sources

By place of origin

Afghanistan

Ingriido<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Khasaki<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Kulangi<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Pusty<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Sabzwari<ref name=DAD-IS/>

Albania

Commune hen<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Black Tropoja Lekbibaj<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Tirana<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Tropoja Pac<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Yerevanian<ref name=DAD-IS/>

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Índio Gigante

Bulgaria

Canada

Chile

Araucana

China

Breeds listed in DAD-IS:^[3]

Croatia

Hrvatica (Croatian Hen, Kokoš Hrvatica)<ref>Croatia Country Report (PDF). rfp-europe.org (Report). European RFP. 2009.</ref>
Međimurska kokoš (Međimurje Chicken, Međimurje Hen)<ref>"Međimurska kokoš". Poultry. agroportal.hr. 4 March 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2024.</ref>

Cuba

Cubalaya

Cyprus

Cypriot chicken^{[citation needed]}

Czech Republic

Czech gold brindle chickenCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content<ref name=EAAP-2009-Gardianova>Gardianova (PDF). EAAP Annual Meeting. eaap.org. Papers. Vol. 01. Barcelona, ES. 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-05-25. Retrieved 2012-08-12.</ref><ref>"Biodiversity in the Czech Republic". Animal genetic resources. Enrin.grida.no. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 January 2012.</ref><ref name=Czech-chicken-breeds>"Czech chicken breeds". ceske-slepice.eu. Retrieved 1 January 2012.</ref>
Šumava chicken or Šumavanka<ref name=Czech-chicken-breeds/>

Egypt

Finland

France

Germany

The oldest German breed, the Bergische Kräher, (illustration by Jean Bungartz, 1885)

The longtailed Phoenix, a German breed derived from the Japanese Onagadori.

The auto-sexing Bielefelder, created in the 70s

Large breeds

Bantam breeds

Greece

Iceland

Icelandic chicken

India

Indonesia

Ayam Cemani
Bantam (known as Ayam Kate in Indonesia)
Bekisar (interspecific hybrid)
Ketawa
Sumatra chicken
Kedu (nationally standardized)
Sentul (nationally standardized)
Kokok Balenggek (nationally standardized)
Pelung (long-crower from West Java, locally standardized)

Iran

Manx Rumpy (or Rumpless Game)
Orloff^[1]^[4]^:17
Black Azerbaijan (or Marandi)

Italy

Japan

Korea

Kosovo

Kosova Long-crowing (also called Tringjyrshet Kosov)

Malaysia

Mariana Islands

Saipan Jungle Fowl

Myanmar

Burmese
Pama Game^{[citation needed]}

Netherlands

Norway

Norwegian Jærhøne

Pakistan

Asil (or Aseel)<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Sindhi<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Misri^{[citation needed]}
Lyallpur Silver black<ref name=DAD-IS/>

Philippines

Banaba<ref name=dadphil>"Chicken breeds reported by Philippines". dad.fao.org. Domestic Animal Diversity Information System of the Food and Agriculture Organization. United Nations. Retrieved 1 June 2014.</ref><ref name=searca>Bejar, Feleciano R.; Baylon, Manuel J.; Fabillar, Jaime B.; Mante, Lagrito Ebert B.; Ultra, Arturo A.; Aquino, Reynaldo R.; Bejar, Elvie T. (2012). Management Practices and Morphological Characterization of Indigenous (Native) Chickens in Samar Province. searca.org (Report). Agriculture & Development Discussion Paper. Vol. 2012–3. Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines: Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture.{{cite report}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)</ref>
Bolinao<ref name=dadphil/><ref name=searca/>
Camarines<ref name=dadphil/><ref name=searca/>
Darag<ref name=dadphil/><ref name=searca/>
Paraoakan or Parawakan<ref name=dadphil/><ref name=searca/>

Poland

Polbar<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Zielononóżka Kuropatwiana (Green-legged Partridge)<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Polish chicken

Portugal

Amarela<ref name=amiba>"Aves" [Birds]. amiba.com.pt. Associação dos Criadores de Bovinos de Raça Barrosã (in português). Archived from the original on 2012-01-21. Retrieved 1 January 2012. </ref>
Preta Lusitânica<ref name=amiba/>
Pedrês Portuguesa<ref name=amiba/>
Branca<ref name=amiba/>

Hungary

Russia

Serbia

Banat Naked-neck (Banatski gološijan)<ref name=sremska>"Banatski gološijan standard" (in Serbian). Sremska Mitrovica: Udruzenje za zastitu i odgoj sitnih zivotinja [Association for the protection and upbringing of small animals]. Archived from the original on 2013-02-01. Retrieved 1 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)</ref>
Sombor Kaporka (Somborska kaporka)<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Svrljig Black (Svrljiška kokoš)<ref name=DAD-IS/><ref>"Svrljig Kokos". agrobiodiversity.net. Balkan Network for Agrobiodiversity (in Bosnian). Retrieved 1 January 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)</ref>

Slovakia

Oravka<ref name=DAD-IS/>

Slovenia

Styrian Hen (or Altsteirer)<ref name=genska-banka>Slovenske avtohtone in tradicionalne pasme domačih živali [Slovenian native and traditional breeds of farm animals] (PDF). genska-banka.si (Report). Oddelek za zootehniko, UL BF (in slovenščina). 2014. Retrieved 22 Oct 2021.</ref><ref>Holcman, Antonija (19 July 2021). "Styrian chickens". Poultry breeds / Breeds of Livestock. afs.okstate.edu. Department of Animal Science. Stillwater, OK: Oklahoma State University. Retrieved 2021-10-22.</ref>
Slovenian Barred Hen<ref name=genska-banka/><ref name=Strelec-Terčič-etal-2009>Strelec, Alenka; Terčič, Dušan; Malovrh, Špela; Holcman, Antonija (2009). "Prireja in fizikalne lastnosti jajc slovenskih tradicionalnih pasem kokoši lahkega tipa" [Preparation and physical properties of eggs of Slovenian traditional breeds of light-type hens]. Acta Agriculturae Slovenica (in slovenščina). 1: 5–12.</ref>
Slovene Late-feathered Hen<ref>Kobold, Primož (2017). "Primerjava proizvodnosti piščancev ross 308 in slovensko pozno operjene kokoši v pogojih ekološke reje" [Comparison of productivity of Ross 308 chickens vs. Slovenian late-plucked hens under organic farming conditions]. dk.um.si (in slovenščina). Maribor, SL: University of Maribor. Retrieved 2021-12-05.</ref>
Slovenian Brown Hen<ref name=genska-banka/><ref name=Strelec-Terčič-etal-2009/>
Slovenian Silver Hen<ref name=genska-banka/><ref name=Strelec-Terčič-etal-2009/>

South Africa

Ovambo<ref name=arc-agric-za>"The indigenous poultry breeds of South Africa". Agricultural Research Council. Pretoria, ZA: Department of Agriculture. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28.</ref>
Potchefstroom Koekoek<ref name=arc-agric-za/>
Venda<ref name=arc-agric-za/>
Boschveld^{[citation needed]}

Spain

A Cantabrian Pedresa rooster with no tail feathers

Sweden

Switzerland

The Appenzeller Spitzhauben, a rare Swiss crested breed

Appenzeller Barthuhn,<ref name=ee/>
Appenzeller Spitzhauben,<ref name=ee/>
Schweizer<ref name=ee/>
Zwerg-Appenzeller Barthuhn<ref name=ee/>
Zwerg-Schweizer,<ref name=ee/>

Taiwan

Taiwanese Game<ref name=FAO-DAD-Shamo/>

Thailand

Gai Chon<ref name=FAO-DAD-Thai/>
Gai Puen Muang<ref name=FAO-DAD-Thai/>
Pradu Hang Dum<ref name=FAO-DAD-Thai/> or Pradu Hang Dam Chiangmai<ref>"Pradu Hang Dam Chiangmai" ไก่ประดู่หางดำเชียงใหม่ [Chiang Mai black-tailed Pradu chicken]. Chicken breed. Poultry Research and Development Section (in ไทย). Thailand: Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Genetic Improvement, Department of Livestock Development. Archived from the original on 2014-01-08. Retrieved 2014-01-08.</ref>
Thai Game^[7]^:296

Turkey

Abaza<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Denizli<ref name=DAD-IS/><ref>"Denizli rooster". Kultur.Gov.Tr. Department of Culture and Tourism. Republic of Turkey. Retrieved 16 June 2014.</ref>
Gerze<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Hacikadin<ref name=DAD-IS/>
Sultan

Ukraine

Poltava

United Kingdom

United States of America

Vietnam

By primary use

All chickens lay eggs, have edible meat, and possess a unique appearance. However, distinct breeds are the result of selective breeding to emphasize certain traits. Any breed may be used for general agricultural purposes, and all breeds are shown to some degree. But each chicken breed is known for a primary use.

Eggs

Many breeds were selected and are used primarily for producing eggs, these are mostly light-weight birds whose hens do not go broody often.

Meat

Most farms and homesteads use dual-purpose breeds for meat production. Some breeds are raised mainly for meat:

Bresse
Cornish (a.k.a. Indian Game)
Ixworth
Jersey Giant

Dual-purpose

The generalist breeds used in barnyards worldwide are adaptable utility birds good at producing both meat and eggs. Though some may be slightly better for one of these purposes, they are usually called dual-purpose breeds.

Exhibition

Since the 19th century, poultry fancy, the breeding and competitive exhibition of poultry as a hobby, has grown to be a huge influence on chicken breeds. Many breeds have always been kept for ornamental purposes, and others have been shifted from their original use to become first and foremost exhibition fowl, even if they may retain some inherent utility. Since the sport of cockfighting has been outlawed in the developed world, most breeds first developed for this purpose, called game fowl, are now seen principally in the show ring rather than the cock pit as fighting cocks.

Key

<sup>U</sup> denotes a breed primarily used for exhibition, but which is still used for utility purposes.
<sup>G</sup> denotes a game breed.

American Game G
Asil G
Appenzeller Barthuhn U
Appenzeller Spitzhauben U
Barbu de Watermael
Belgian Bearded d'Anvers
Bearded d'Uccle
Belgian d'Everberg
Blue Hen of Delaware G
Booted Bantam
Cochin
Crèvecœur U
Croad Langshan U
Dragon Chicken U
Dutch Bantam
Frizzle
Ga NoiG
Hamburg U
Houdan U
Japanese Bantam
Jangmigye
La Flèche U
Malay G
Modern Game
Nankin
Old English Game G
Pekin
Phoenix
Polish U
Rosecomb
Sebright
Serama
Shamo G
Silkie
Sultan
Sumatra
Vorwerk U
Yokohama

Bantams

Most large chicken breeds have a bantam counterpart, sometimes referred to as a miniature. Miniatures are usually one-fifth to one-quarter the size of the standard breed, but they are expected to exhibit all of the standard breed's characteristics. A true bantam has no large counterpart, and is naturally small. The true bantams include:

Crossbreeds

Many common strains of crossbred chickens exist, but none breed true or are recognized by poultry breed standards; thus, though they are extremely common in flocks focusing on high productivity, crossbreeds do not technically meet the definition of a breed. Most crossbreed strains are sex linked, allowing for easy chick sexing.

Black Sex Link (also called Black Stars or Black Rock in the UK)
Red Sex Link (also called Golden Comet)
ISA Brown
Kuroiler
Lohmann Brown
Daisy Belle
Dekalb Amberlink
Columbian Rock
Easter egger
Broiler
Cobb 500
Ross 308

Footnotes

↑ The original breed of bantam chicken is ancestor to all "bantam" breeds. It originated in Indonesia and there is called Ayam Kate.

References

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Template:Chicken Template:Poultry Template:Breed

[9] The original breed of bantam chicken is ancestor to all "bantam" breeds. It originated in Indonesia and there is called Ayam Kate.

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