The Dorking is among the oldest breeds in Britain, described in Roman-era accounts of the island, and was for centuries the table bird of choice for its fine white flesh. It is broad, low-set and five-toed — the extra toe is a breed hallmark — with short legs and a rectangular body. Hens lay 170 to 190 white eggs a year, go broody readily, and make excellent mothers, which is why the breed outlasted faster meat birds. The Livestock Conservancy lists it as threatened, and the common single-combed birds need shelter from a hard freeze.
Good with kids
Heat tolerant
Broody
Egg colorWhite
Egg production170–190 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessOccasional
ClimateHeat tolerant
PurposeEggs, Meat
Weight
Large fowl (Standard size)
Hen7 lb
Rooster9 lb
Bantam (Miniature size)
Hen1.8 lb
Rooster2 lb
How to spot it
CombSingleRose
Single or rose depending on variety
Toes
Five toes on each foot, not four
Body
Long, broad and low to the ground on notably short legs
Look for
A fifth toe, short legs and a rectangular table-bird body together
Single
Rose
