Introduced into England in 1850, the Houdan is one of the oldest French breeds, taking its name from the town of Houdan, and has been developed for table qualities. Developed here it was once classified as a heavy breed, but today is included in the category of light, non - sitting breeds. It is one of the few breeds carrying a fifth toe, a semi-dominant feature when crossed with other breeds.
General characteristics: male
Carriage: Bold and active.
Type: Body broad, deep and lengthy, as in the Dorking. Tail full with the sickles long and well arched.
Head: Fairly large, with a decidedly pronounced protuberance on top, and crested. Crest full and compact, round on top and not divided or `split', composed of feathers similar to those of the hackle, inclining slightly backwards fully to expose the comb, in no way obstructing the sight except from behind. Beak rather short and stout, well curved, and with wide nostrils. Eyes bold. Comb leaf type, somewhat resembling a butterfly placed at the base of the beak, fairly small, well defined, and each side level. Face muffed: muffling large, full, and compact, fitting around to the back of the eyes and almost hiding the face. Earlobes small, entirely concealed by muffling. Wattles small and well rounded, almost concealed by beard.
Neck: Of medium length, with abundant hackle coming well down on the back legs and feet: Legs short and stout, well apart, free of feathers. Toes, five, similar to those of the Dorking.
Female
The general characteristics are similar to those of the male, allowing for the natural sexual differences, with the exception of the crest, which is full, compact and globular, not in any way obstructing the sight except from behind, and with the comb visible. Tail fairly full.
BANTAM
Houdan bantams should follow the large fowl standard.
General characteristics: male
Carriage: Bold and active.
Type: Body broad, deep and lengthy, as in the Dorking. Tail full with the sickles long and well arched.
Head: Fairly large, with a decidedly pronounced protuberance on top, and crested. Crest full and compact, round on top and not divided or `split', composed of feathers similar to those of the hackle, inclining slightly backwards fully to expose the comb, in no way obstructing the sight except from behind. Beak rather short and stout, well curved, and with wide nostrils. Eyes bold. Comb leaf type, somewhat resembling a butterfly placed at the base of the beak, fairly small, well defined, and each side level. Face muffed: muffling large, full, and compact, fitting around to the back of the eyes and almost hiding the face. Earlobes small, entirely concealed by muffling. Wattles small and well rounded, almost concealed by beard.
Neck: Of medium length, with abundant hackle coming well down on the back legs and feet: Legs short and stout, well apart, free of feathers. Toes, five, similar to those of the Dorking.
Female
The general characteristics are similar to those of the male, allowing for the natural sexual differences, with the exception of the crest, which is full, compact and globular, not in any way obstructing the sight except from behind, and with the comb visible. Tail fairly full.
BANTAM
Houdan bantams should follow the large fowl standard.
Please contact the breed registrar for more information - [email protected]