There are hundreds of chicken breeds in existence. 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. They are also roughly divided by primary use, whether for eggs, meat, or ornamental purposes, and with some considered to be dual-purpose.
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. 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. 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.
By place of origin
Afghanistan
Albania
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Araucana
China
Croatia
Hrvatica (Croatian Hen, Kokoš Hrvatica)
Cuba
Cubalaya
Cyprus
Cypriot chicken
Czech Republic
Egypt
Finland
France
Germany
Large breeds
Bantams
Greece
Iceland
Icelandic chicken
India
Indonesia
Iran
Black Azerbaijan Marandi
Italy
Japan
Korea
Jangmigye
Kosovo
Kosova Long-crowing (also called Tringjyrshet Kosov)
Malaysia
Kampung
Malay
Serama
Mariana Islands
Saipan Jungle Fowl
Myanmar
Burmese
Pama Game
Netherlands
Norway
Norwegian Jærhøne
Pakistan
Philippines
Banaba
Bolinao
Camarines
Darag
Paraoakan or Parawakan
Poland
Polbar
Zielononóżka Kuropatwiana (Green-legged Partridge) Polish chicken
Portugal
Romania
Transylvanian Naked-neck
Russia
Serbia
Slovakia
Oravka
Slovenia
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Taiwanese Game
Thailand
Gai Chon
Gai Puen Muang
Pradu Hang Dum or Pradu Hang Dam Chiangmai
Thai Game
Turkey
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:
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.