🐾 Animal Kingdom

Gallus gallus domesticus

Aarschoter Huhn (Poule d'Aarschot)

A rare Belgian dual-purpose breed originating from the town of Aarschot in Flemish Brabant. The Aarschoter Huhn is a traditional farmyard chicken developed for both meat and egg production on small Belgian farms during the 19th century. It is a well-muscled, medium-large bird with a calm disposition and good foraging ability, making it ideal for free-range smallholdings. The breed was nearly lost during the mid-20th century as commercial hybrids replaced traditional farm breeds, but dedicated Belgian conservation breeders have worked to preserve it. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and maintained by BDRG and Belgian poultry associations, the Aarschoter Huhn represents an important part of Belgian agricultural heritage. Its eggs are tinted to light brown, and the breed matures at a moderate rate, producing excellent table birds.

Felis catus

Abyssinian

A strikingly elegant, medium-sized cat with a ticked coat that gives a wild, cougar-like appearance. One of the oldest known breeds, Abyssinians are curious, playful, and deeply people-oriented. Their agouti ticking produces a shimmering, multi-banded effect on each hair shaft.

Felis catus

Aegean

A natural breed originating from the Greek Cycladic islands. Medium-sized with a semi-longhaired coat, the Aegean is an excellent mouser and a friendly, adaptable companion. They are among the oldest naturally occurring domestic cat populations in Europe.

Canis lupus familiaris

Affenpinscher

Small, wiry-coated terrier-like dog with monkey-like expression. Fearless, curious, and loyal companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Afghan Hound

Tall, elegant sighthound with long, silky coat. Independent, dignified, and aloof with a regal bearing.

Psittacus erithacus

African Grey Parrot

Widely regarded as the most intelligent bird species. Famous for extraordinary cognitive abilities and speech mimicry.

Canis lupus familiaris

Airedale Terrier

Large terrier breed known as 'King of Terriers.' Intelligent, confident, and energetic with strong prey drive.

Canis lupus familiaris

Akita

Large, powerful Japanese dog with distinctive curled tail. Courageous, loyal, and independent companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Alaskan Klee Kai

Small Spitz-type dog bred to resemble a miniature Husky. Intelligent, energetic, and alert companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Alaskan Malamute

Large, powerful sled dog with exceptional strength. Affectionate, loyal, and playful family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Alpine Dachsbracke

Small scent hound from the Austrian Alps with short legs and a sturdy build. Intelligent and determined, they excel at tracking wounded game.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Altenglischer Kämpfer

The German name for Old English Game, standardised by the BDRG and recognised by the EE Europastandard. The Altenglischer Kämpfer is the German standardisation of the Old English Game breed, maintained by German fanciers who have their own slightly different standard from the British PCGB versions. Like the British OEG, the Altenglischer Kämpfer is a tall, upright gamefowl with a single comb, clean legs, hard feathering, and the characteristic proud, fierce bearing. It is kept purely as an exhibition and conservation breed, as cockfighting has been illegal in Germany for over a century. The German standard encompasses multiple colour varieties and maintains its own breed club separate from PCGB. The Altenglischer Kämpfer is important as an alternative European standardisation of one of the world's most historically significant chicken breeds, and German-bred lines are valued by international OEG breeders for their quality.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Altsteirer

One of Austria's oldest and most distinctive chicken breeds, the Altsteirer (Old Styrian) originates from the Styria region of south-east Austria — the same landscape that produced the Sulmtaler. Unlike the heavy-set Sulmtaler, the Altsteirer is a medium-bodied, active dual-purpose bird with a characteristic small beard, pronounced muffs, and a small flat cushion comb. Its plumage comes in several varieties including partridge and wheaten. Recognised by the EE Europastandard, the Altsteirer was once widespread across rural Styrian farmsteads and is now a protected national genetic heritage breed in Austria.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ameraucana

An American breed developed in the 1970s from Araucana stock, specifically bred to retain the blue-egg gene while eliminating the lethal gene combination associated with the Araucana's ear tufts and rumplessness. The Ameraucana has a pea comb, a full beard and muffs (rather than ear tufts), and a normal tail — making it a more robust, practical bird than its rumpless Araucana ancestor. It lays blue to blue-green eggs reliably and comes in many colour varieties recognised by the American Poultry Association (APA). The Ameraucana is now recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct breed, separate from the Araucana, reflecting the growing international consensus that these are two different breeds. Exceptionally popular with American and European backyard keepers, the Ameraucana combines novelty egg colour with hardiness and a calm, friendly disposition.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Akita

Large, powerful Japanese dog breed. Courageous, loyal, and independent with a dignified presence.

Felis catus

American Bobtail

A naturally occurring, medium to large cat with a distinctive short, bobbed tail (one-third to one-half normal length). Athletic, intelligent, and dog-like in devotion. They adapt well to travel and are often used as therapy cats.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Bulldog

Large, muscular working dog with powerful build. Confident, loyal, and protective family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Cocker Spaniel

Small, elegant sporting dog with long, silky coat and feathered ears. Happy, affectionate, and playful.

Felis catus

American Curl

Distinguished by uniquely curled ears that arc backward in a graceful curve. Medium-sized with a silky coat (longhair or shorthair). Known for their kitten-like playfulness that persists well into old age. The curling degree varies per individual.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Eskimo Dog

Small to medium spitz-type dog with a thick white coat and cheerful expression. Intelligent and alert, they are friendly family companions with a playful nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Foxhound

Medium to large scent hound with long legs and deep chest. Friendly, independent, and excellent pack hunter.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Pit Bull Terrier

Medium-sized, muscular dog with powerful jaw. Loyal, affectionate, and courageous — often misunderstood breed.

Felis catus

American Shorthair

A sturdy, muscular working breed descended from cats brought by European settlers. Known for health, longevity, and an easygoing temperament. Excellent mousers with a dense, plush coat that requires minimal grooming.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Staffordshire Terrier

Medium-sized, muscular terrier with powerful build. Confident, loyal, and good-natured family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

American Water Spaniel

Medium-sized spaniel with curly brown coat. Intelligent, energetic, and excellent waterfowl retriever.

Felis catus

American Wirehair

A spontaneous mutation of the American Shorthair with a distinctive crimped, springy, wiry coat. Medium to large body with a pleasant, even disposition. The coat texture is unique among cat breeds — each hair is bent, crimped, or hooked.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Amrock

A German-developed dual-purpose breed derived from the American Barred Plymouth Rock, standardised separately by the BDRG and recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct breed. The Amrock was developed from Plymouth Rock imports that arrived in Germany in the late 19th century, where German breeders selectively bred the barred variety into a heavier, more productive bird with slightly different conformation — broader, deeper-bodied, and with more tightly defined barring. The breed's name is a German portmanteau: 'Am' from American, 'Rock' from Plymouth Rock. Amrocks are exceptionally calm, reliable layers of brown eggs, and their barred plumage makes them one of the most recognisable farm breeds. Unlike the Plymouth Rock, which has multiple colour varieties, the Amrock standard focuses almost exclusively on the barred pattern. The breed is popular among German and Dutch smallholders for its uncomplicated, productive nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog from Turkey. Independent, intelligent, and protective with strong instinct to guard livestock.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ancona

A lively Mediterranean laying breed from the Marche region of Italy, named after the coastal city of Ancona. The Ancona is recognised by its striking mottled black plumage with distinctive white V-shaped tips on each feather, giving it a speckled, beetle-green sheen in sunlight. An excellent forager and reliable white-egg layer, it is hardy, self-sufficient, and alert — qualities prized long before commercial breeds existed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Blue Andalusian

An elegant Spanish breed famous for its unique blue-laced plumage — a colour that results from a single gene heterozygous state. Mating two blues produces 50% blue, 25% black, and 25% splash offspring, making consistent colour breeding a genetic puzzle. Andalusians are graceful, active Mediterranean layers producing large white eggs, and they carry themselves with an aristocratic bearing that makes them a favourite at poultry shows.

Canis lupus familiaris

Anglo-Français de Petite Vénerie

Medium-sized French-English hound bred for small game hunting. Energetic and intelligent, they are persistent hunters with a friendly nature.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Annaberger Haubenstrupphuhn

A rare German ornamental breed from the Annaberg region of the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) in Saxony, developed in the early 20th century. The Annaberger Haubenstrupphuhn is a crested breed — its name translates roughly to 'Annaberg crested ruffled chicken' — with a distinctive full crest of feathers on the head, a single comb, and feathers that have a slightly frizzled or ruffled texture, though it is not a true Frizzle. The breed is purely ornamental and was developed by Saxon poultry fanciers who wanted a distinctive local breed for exhibition. After World War II, when Saxony became part of East Germany, the breed declined severely as private poultry fancying was politically discouraged under the GDR regime. After reunification in 1990, German conservation breeders began recovering the Annaberger Haubenstrupphuhn. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and maintained by BDRG.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Appenzeller Barthühner

The lesser-known sibling of the Spitzhauben, the Barthühner (Bearded Hen) is a compact, bearded Swiss breed from Appenzell with a rose comb rather than the Spitzhauben's V-comb and crest. Barthühners are calm and cold-hardy, better suited to enclosed keeping than the flighty Spitzhauben. An ancient conservation breed maintained almost exclusively in Switzerland and Germany, they are considered critically rare and efforts are ongoing to establish a stable breeding population.

Canis lupus familiaris

Appenzeller Sennenhund

Medium-sized Swiss mountain dog with tri-color coat. Energetic, intelligent, and loyal, they excel as farm dogs and active family companions.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Appenzeller Spitzhauben

Switzerland's national chicken breed, originating from the Appenzell canton and named for the pointed lace bonnets (Spitzhauben) traditionally worn by women there — the breed's forward-pointing crest resembling the bonnet shape. Spitzhaubens are agile, active mountain birds adapted to foraging in alpine terrain, with a V-comb that resists frostbite better than single combs at altitude. They lay white eggs reliably and are energetic, sometimes roost in trees, and are one of the rarest Swiss breeds.

Felis catus

Arabian Mau

A natural desert breed from the Arabian Peninsula, thriving in hot climates for over 1,000 years. Medium to large with long legs, large pointed ears, and a lean, muscular build. Excellent hunters adapted to extreme temperatures.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Araucana

A fascinating South American breed originating from the Araucanía region of Chile, famous worldwide for laying blue-shelled eggs — a trait caused by a retrovirus that inserted into the genome thousands of years ago and became heritable. True Araucanas are rumpless (no tail) and have distinctive ear tufts rather than a beard, setting them apart from the similar Ameraucana. Their blue eggs contain the same pigment (oocyanin) throughout the shell, not just on the surface.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ardennaise (Ardenner)

An ancient dual-purpose breed from the Ardennes region straddling Belgium and France, the Ardennaise is one of Europe's oldest surviving landrace chickens. Hardy, active, and extremely self-sufficient, these birds were shaped by the harsh climate of the Ardennes highlands, where they foraged extensively in woodland and pasture. The Ardennaise is a medium-sized bird with a single comb and clean legs, available in several colour varieties including black, cuckoo, white, and blue. Historically it was the standard farm chicken across the Ardennes, supplying both eggs and meat to rural communities. The breed declined sharply after World War II but has been recovered through conservation programmes by SCAF in France and BDRG in Germany. The EE recognises the Ardennaise as a distinct standardized breed, separate from the similar Brabanconne.

Canis lupus familiaris

Ariegeois

Medium-sized French hound from the Ariège region of the Pyrenees. Intelligent and energetic, they are fast and agile hunters.

Canis lupus familiaris

Artois Hound (Chien d'Artois)

Medium-sized French scent hound from the Artois region with a short, dense coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are friendly and sociable hunting dogs.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Aseel (Asil)

One of the world's oldest and most ancient breeds, the Aseel (also spelled Asil) is the original fighting fowl of the Indian subcontinent, with a documented history stretching back over 2,000 years in India and Pakistan. Aseel are massively muscled for their size with extremely tight, hard feathering, strong hooked beaks, and pea combs that sit close to the head — all adaptations to combat. They are among the most intelligent and independent of all chicken breeds, with hens noted for their strong maternal instinct and outstanding broodiness. Despite their fighting heritage, Aseel cocks kept with adequate space can be managed, though males are intensely aggressive toward each other and must be kept separately. Recognised by the EE and many national standards.

Felis catus

Asian

A breed group developed from Burmese foundation stock, encompassing several varieties including the Bombay (UK), Burmilla, and ticked Asian tabbies. Medium-sized, muscular, with a rich coat and expressive eyes.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Assendelfter Huhn

A rare Dutch egg-laying breed from the village of Assendelft in North Holland province, west of Amsterdam. The Assendelfter Huhn is a medium-sized, active white-egg layer developed in the early 20th century from local North Holland farm chickens likely crossed with Leghorn and Minorca bloodlines. Its distinctive feature is its predominantly white plumage with occasional black markings, and its single comb and clean legs give it a classic Mediterranean profile despite its thoroughly Dutch origin. Assendelft was once a poultry-keeping stronghold in the Zaanstreek region, and this breed was a point of local pride at Dutch poultry shows. Like many regional Dutch breeds, it nearly disappeared with farm consolidation after World War II but has been recovered by Dutch conservation breeders. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and maintained by the Dutch Rare Poultry Society.

Canis lupus familiaris

Atlas Mountain Dog (Aidi)

Large Moroccan livestock guardian dog from the Atlas Mountains. Loyal and protective, they are courageous guardians with a strong independent streak.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Augsburger

A rare and historically important German breed from the city of Augsburg in Bavaria, distinguished above all by its unique cup comb — a flat, bowl-shaped comb that lies horizontally on the head like a shallow dish, found in absolutely no other breed in the world. The Augsburger was developed in Augsburg during the 19th century and recognised by the BDRG (Bund Deutscher Rassegeflügelzüchter) and subsequently the EE Europastandard. A practical dual-purpose bird, it nearly vanished in the 20th century and is now maintained by dedicated German conservation breeders as a living example of unique poultry genetics.

Canis lupus familiaris

Australian Cattle Dog

Medium-sized, sturdy herding dog bred to drive cattle across harsh Australian terrain. Extremely intelligent, energetic, and loyal.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Australian Game

A large Australian gamefowl breed developed in the 19th century from imported Old English Game, Malay, and Asil bloodlines, selectively bred by Australian poultry fanciers for both the cockpit and exhibition. The Australian Game is a tall, powerful, upright bird with a pea comb, hard feathering, and a fierce, proud bearing. It is among the heaviest gamefowl breeds in the world, with a muscular frame, broad chest, and long, strong legs. Cockfighting was legal in parts of Australia well into the 20th century, and Australian Game was the breed of choice in the Australian cockpit. After cockfighting was banned, the breed was preserved by fanciers who value its imposing appearance and historical significance. The Australian Game is recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB) under Hard Feather classification and is kept as an exhibition and conservation breed. Not yet recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Canis lupus familiaris

Australian Kelpie

Medium-sized herding dog with boundless energy and intelligence. Bred to work sheep in harsh Australian conditions.

Felis catus

Australian Mist

Formerly known as the Spotted Mist, this breed was developed in Australia by crossing Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic shorthairs. Medium-sized with a distinctive misted/spotted coat pattern. Gentle, tolerant, and excellent family cats.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Australian Pit Game

A distinct Australian gamefowl breed, lighter and more athletic than the Australian Game, developed specifically for the cockpit in the 19th and early 20th centuries. While the Australian Game was bred for size and power, the Australian Pit Game was selected for speed, stamina, and fighting intelligence — the two breeds represent different philosophies of gamefowl breeding. The Australian Pit Game has a pea comb, hard feathering, and a lean, whipcord-tough build. Its plumage follows standard gamefowl colour patterns, and its temperament is characteristically fierce with other roosters. After cockfighting was banned across all Australian states (fully by the 1990s), the breed was preserved by a small network of Australian fanciers and has also been recognised by the PCGB under Hard Feather classification. It remains rare outside Australia and is not yet recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Canis lupus familiaris

Australian Shepherd

Medium-sized herding dog with striking blue or amber eyes. Highly intelligent, energetic, and versatile working dog despite the misleading name.

Canis lupus familiaris

Australian Terrier

Small, sturdy terrier with rough coat and alert expression. Spirited, loyal, and intelligent companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Australorp

Developed in Australia from Black Orpington stock imported from England in the early 20th century, with Australian breeders selecting heavily for egg production over the ornamental qualities that had become dominant in British Orpingtons. The result is a practical, productive bird that retains the Orpington's calm temperament while dramatically improving laying performance. In 1922–23, a pen of six Australorp hens laid 1,857 eggs over 365 days — an average of 309.5 eggs per hen per year that broke all world records. The national bird of Australia.

Canis lupus familiaris

Austrian Black and Tan Hound

Medium-sized Austrian scent hound with a classic black and tan coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are excellent trackers in alpine terrain.

Canis lupus familiaris

Austrian Pinscher

Medium-sized farm dog from Austria. Energetic, intelligent, and versatile working companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ayam Cemani

An entirely black chicken from Indonesia, the Ayam Cemani is one of the most visually striking breeds in existence — every part of the bird is black: feathers, skin, comb, wattles, meat, bones, internal organs, and even blood that appears darker than normal. This complete melanism is caused by the fibromelanosis gene, the same mutation found in Silkies and Svarthöna, but the Ayam Cemani takes it to its most extreme expression. Originating on the island of Java, where it is revered in traditional mysticism and used in rituals, the Ayam Cemani was little known outside Indonesia until the late 20th century. It has since become one of the most expensive and sought-after ornamental chicken breeds in the world, with breeding pairs sometimes selling for thousands of euros. The EE has recently recognised the Ayam Cemani under the Europastandard. It lays tinted eggs and is kept purely as an ornamental and prestige breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Azawakh

Tall, slender African sighthound with short, fine coat. Loyal, protective, and elegant with a reserved nature.

Felis catus

Balinese

The longhaired variety of the Siamese, with the same svelte, elegant body, vivid blue eyes, and colorpoint pattern. Their coat is silky, lying close to the body without a woolly undercoat. Highly vocal, intelligent, and devoted.

Felis catus

Bambino

A dwarf breed created by crossing the hairless Sphynx with the short-legged Munchkin. Small, hairless, with short legs and large ears. Controversial due to combining two genetic mutations. Playful and attention-seeking.

Canis lupus familiaris

Barbet

Medium-sized French water dog with long, curly coat. Friendly, intelligent, and excellent swimmer.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Barbu d'Everberg

A rare Belgian true bantam from the Everberg area near Brussels, the Barbu d'Everberg is one of several 'Barbu' (bearded) true bantam breeds developed in Belgium. Like its better-known relative the Barbu d'Uccle, it is a feather-footed, bearded bantam, but the d'Everberg is distinguished by its erect posture, single comb, and slightly larger size compared to other Belgian bantams. It was nearly lost in the early 20th century but has been reconstructed by Belgian breeders using related Belgian bantam breeds. The EE recognises the Barbu d'Everberg as a separate standardised true bantam breed, distinct from the d'Uccle and d'Anvers.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Barbu de Boitsfort (Bosvoorder Bartzwerg)

A very rare Belgian true bantam from Boitsfort (Bosvoorde in Dutch), now a leafy commune on the south-eastern edge of Brussels bordering the Sonian Forest. The Barbu de Boitsfort is one of the most elegant of the Belgian bearded bantam family — it is a clean-legged (unlike the feather-footed d'Uccle), bearded bantam with a single comb, rounded body, and upright, proud carriage. Its plumage typically appears in quail and silver quail colour varieties, and the beard and muffs are full and well-developed. The breed was developed by poultry fanciers in the Boitsfort area in the early 20th century, when this was still a semi-rural community of villas and small farms. Like all Belgian bantams, the Barbu de Boitsfort nearly disappeared during the 20th century but has been maintained by a handful of dedicated Belgian breeders. Recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct true bantam breed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Barbu de Grubbe (Grubbe baardkriel)

An exceptionally rare Belgian true bantam, the Barbu de Grubbe is one of the least-known members of the Belgian bearded bantam family and critically endangered even by Belgian poultry standards. Originating from the hamlet of Grubbe (or possibly the broader area of Flemish Brabant where 'Grubbe' was a place name), this tiny bearded bantam is clean-legged with a single comb, full beard and muffs, and a compact, rounded body typical of Belgian true bantams. Very little documented history survives about the Barbu de Grubbe, as it was developed by a very small circle of local fanciers in the early to mid-20th century and was never widely distributed. The breed was nearly lost entirely, and only through the extraordinary efforts of Belgian bantam specialists has it been recovered and stabilised. Recognised by the EE Europastandard, the Barbu de Grubbe represents the extreme end of European poultry diversity — a breed so localised it barely registered outside a single Belgian village.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Barbu de Watermael

A Belgian true bantam originating from Watermael-Boitsfort, a commune on the south-eastern edge of Brussels, the Barbu de Watermael is one of the smallest and most delicate of the Belgian bearded bantams. It resembles the Barbu d'Anvers in type — clean-legged, bearded, with a rose comb — but is standardised separately by the EE with its own colour varieties and conformation standard. The Watermael is known for its rounded, compact body, very small rose comb, full muff and beard covering much of the face, and an alert, upright carriage. Like all Belgian bantams, it is kept purely as an ornamental and exhibition breed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Barnevelder

A celebrated Dutch breed from the village of Barneveld in Gelderland, developed in the early 20th century to produce the darkest brown eggs of any commercially viable breed. Barnevelders combine the Asian blood of Brahmas and Cochins with local Dutch farm birds, producing a handsome double-laced brown plumage in hens and a rich beetle-green black in cocks. They are calm, easily tamed, and well-suited to free-range or garden keeping.

Canis lupus familiaris

Basenji

Small, elegant primitive dog known as the 'barkless dog.' Intelligent, independent, and cat-like in cleanliness.

Canis lupus familiaris

Basset Artésien Normand

Small French basset hound from Artois and Normandy. Friendly and intelligent, they are persistent trackers with a sociable nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Basset Bleu de Gascogne

Small French basset hound from Gascony with a distinctive blue-mottled coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are excellent scent hounds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Basset Fauve de Bretagne

Small French basset hound from Brittany with a wiry fawn coat. Energetic and intelligent, they are persistent hunters in dense terrain.

Canis lupus familiaris

Basset Hound

Short-legged scent hound with long body and droopy ears. Gentle, affectionate, and laid-back companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bassette Liégeoise

A rare Belgian true bantam from the Liège region of Wallonia, the Bassette Liégeoise is a unique true bantam with a dwarf-like build — very short legs, a broad, low-slung body, and a single comb. It is one of the stockiest, most compact Belgian bantam breeds, and its appearance is dramatically different from the lighter, taller Belgian breeds like the d'Anvers. The Bassette was developed by Walloon poultry fanciers in the early 20th century, likely drawing on the same creeper gene that produces short-legged breeds like the Krüper and Scots Dumpy. The breed is kept purely as an ornamental and exhibition bird, valued for its unusual proportions and rare status. Like all Belgian true bantams, the Bassette Liégeoise is small in numbers but deeply cherished by its keepers. Recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct Belgian true bantam breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

Medium-sized scent hound with excellent tracking ability. Calm, loyal, and determined working dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Beagle

Small hound dog with incredible sense of smell. Merry personality and distinctive howl-like bark called a 'bay.'

Canis lupus familiaris

Beagle-Harrier

Medium-sized French hound developed from Beagle and Harrier lines. Friendly and energetic, they are excellent pack hunters with a sociable nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bearded Collie

Medium-sized herding dog with long coat and distinctive beard. Energetic, playful, and intelligent with strong herding instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Beauceron

Large French herding dog with distinctive black and tan coat. Intelligent, courageous, and loyal with strong protective instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bedlington Terrier

Small terrier with distinctive lamb-like head and pear-shaped body. Spirited, graceful, and excellent hunter.

Canis lupus familiaris

Belgian Shepherd Dog

Medium to large working dog with strong herding instincts. Alert, responsive, and highly intelligent, they excel in police work and competitive sports.

Canis lupus familiaris

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael)

Long-haired black variety of the Belgian Shepherd from Groenendael village. Intelligent and loyal, they excel in police work, search and rescue, and as devoted family companions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois)

Rough-haired variety of the Belgian Shepherd from the Laeken region. Intelligent and alert, they are loyal protectors with a distinctive wiry coat.

Canis lupus familiaris

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois)

Short-haired fawn variety of the Belgian Shepherd from the Malines region. Intelligent and energetic, they are among the most capable working dogs in the world.

Canis lupus familiaris

Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren)

Long-haired sable variety of the Belgian Shepherd from Tervuren. Intelligent and alert, they are energetic working dogs with a loyal and protective nature.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Belgian Bearded d'Anvers

A true bantam originating from Antwerp (Anvers) in Belgium, one of the oldest Belgian bantam breeds and among Europe's most established true bantams. D'Anvers (also called Antwerpse Baardkrielen) carry a distinctive full beard and muffled cheeks, no comb visible beneath the face feathering, and a proud, upright carriage. They are active, self-sufficient birds that lay small cream eggs and are kept primarily for exhibition, though they make excellent garden companions due to their small size and lively nature.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Belgian Bearded d'Uccle

A charming feather-footed true bantam from the town of Uccle (now a municipality of Brussels), developed by Michel van Gelder in the early 20th century by crossing the bearded d'Anvers with the feather-footed Booted Bantam. The d'Uccle combines full beard, muffled cheeks, and heavily feathered feet — a combination the d'Anvers lacks. Calm, tame, and relatively quiet, d'Uccles are ideal urban garden chickens and are among the most popular ornamental bantams kept across Europe.

Felis catus × Prionailurus bengalensis

Bengal

A striking hybrid breed with a wild appearance — large spots, rosettes, and a glittering coat reminiscent of its Asian Leopard Cat ancestor. Muscular, athletic, and highly intelligent. Four+ generations removed from wild ancestors for domestic temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Medium to large herding dog with distinctive matted coat forming flat flocks. Intelligent, patient, and loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

Berger Picard

Medium-sized French herding dog with distinctive wiry coat and erect ears. Intelligent, loyal, and energetic.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bergische Kräher

A spectacular German ornamental breed from the Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia, famous throughout Germany for one extraordinary ability — the longest unbroken crow of any chicken breed in the world. A Bergische Kräher cock can sustain a single crow for 20–30 seconds, a feat achieved through an unusually elongated trachea that lets the bird continue exhaling long after most breeds have stopped. Kept for centuries in the valleys around Wuppertal, Solingen, and Remscheid, 'Krähervereine' (crowing clubs) organised regular competitions where birds were judged on crow duration and musical quality. Recognised by BDRG and EE.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bergischer Schlotterkamm

A dual-purpose German breed from the same Bergisches Land region of North Rhine-Westphalia as the Bergische Kräher, named for its most distinctive feature — an enormous single comb that grows so large it falls entirely to one side of the head. 'Schlotterkamm' translates literally as 'floppy comb' or 'dangling comb'. Unlike breeds where a falling comb is a disqualifying fault (as in rose-comb breeds), in the Schlotterkamm this dramatic draping single comb is the breed's defining standard characteristic, selected over generations for maximum fall and dramatic size. Recognised by BDRG and EE, it is a rare conservation breed today.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bernese Mountain Dog

Large, powerful Swiss working dog with tri-color coat. Gentle, loyal, and excellent with families.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bichon Frise

Small, fluffy white dog with cheerful disposition. Playful, affectionate, and hypoallergenic companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bielefelder Kennhuhn

A modern German dual-purpose breed created in Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, by Gerd Roth between 1970 and 1974, by systematically crossing Malines (Mechelen), Amrock, Rhode Island Red, and Wyandotte breeds. The Bielefelder is an auto-sexing breed — male and female chicks can be distinguished by down colour at hatch (males have a lighter head spot), eliminating the need for vent sexing. Productive, calm, and large-framed, the Bielefelder lays large brown eggs reliably while also growing to a respectable table weight. Recognised by the BDRG (Bund Deutscher Rassegeflügelzüchter) and the EE Europastandard, it became one of Germany's most popular heritage breeds almost immediately.

Canis lupus familiaris

Billy

Large French hound with a pure white coat from the Poitou region. Friendly and intelligent, they are energetic hunters with a sociable temperament.

Felis catus

Birman

A striking colorpoint cat with pure white 'gloves' on all four paws and deep blue eyes. Medium to large with a stocky body and silky, single-layered coat that resists matting. Known as the 'Sacred Cat of Burma' with rich legend surrounding its origins.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bloodhound

Large, powerful scent hound with exceptional tracking ability. Gentle, methodical, and determined hunter.

Canis lupus familiaris

Blue Picardy Spaniel

Medium-sized French spaniel from Picardy with a distinctive blue-grey coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are calm and affectionate hunting dogs.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bohus-Dal Schwarzhuhn (Swedish Black Hen)

A critically rare Swedish landrace breed from the Bohuslän and Dalsland regions of western Sweden, the Bohus-Dal Schwarzhuhn — literally 'Bohus-Dal Black Chicken' — is an ancient type of Swedish farm chicken that survived in isolated valleys along the Swedish-Norwegian border. These are medium-sized, entirely black birds with a single comb, clean legs, and a hardy, self-sufficient nature shaped by centuries of survival in the harsh Scandinavian climate. The breed was 'rediscovered' in the 1990s when a handful of surviving birds were found on remote smallholdings where they had been kept by elderly farmers who maintained the old type. Since then, the Swedish gene bank programme has stabilised the population, though it remains one of the rarest Swedish landrace chickens. Registered in DAD-IS and the Scandinavian Poultry Standard, the breed is valued as a conservation animal and as a link to pre-industrial Swedish agriculture.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bolonka Zwetnaya

Small Russian companion dog with a long, curly coat. Affectionate and lively, they are intelligent lap dogs with a playful and loyal nature.

Felis catus

Bombay

A sleek, black cat bred to resemble a miniature panther. Two distinct lines exist: the American Bombay (Burmese × American Shorthair) and the British Bombay (Burmese type with black coat). Glossy black coat with copper or golden eyes.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Booted Bantam (Sabelpoot)

One of Europe's oldest and most distinctive true bantams, known in the Netherlands as Sabelpoot (sabre-legged) for the long, sword-like feathers that project sideways from the outer toe, forming dramatic 'boots' on each foot. Booted Bantams are among the most elaborately feather-footed of all chickens — the vulture hocks and extended outer toe feathering require meticulous housing on clean, dry surfaces to keep in show condition. Kept for centuries in Dutch and Flemish noble gardens as ornamental birds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Border Collie

Widely regarded as the most intelligent dog breed. Bred for herding sheep on the Anglo-Scottish border with boundless energy and intense work drive.

Canis lupus familiaris

Border Terrier

Small, energetic terrier with otter-like head. Courageous, loyal, and good-natured companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Borzoi

Tall, elegant Russian sighthound with long, silky coat. Calm, gentle, and dignified with a quiet temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Boston Terrier

Small, compact dog with distinctive tuxedo-like markings. Friendly, intelligent, and lively companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bourbonnaise

A fine French dual-purpose breed from the Bourbonnais region in central France, developed in the late 19th century. The Bourbonnaise is a large, heavily built white bird with a single comb and clean legs, originally bred for both ample egg production and excellent table quality — a true farmhouse chicken. Its plumage is predominantly white with the occasional fleck of black in the hackle, and its skin is white, which was preferred for French market poultry. The breed reached peak popularity between the wars, when it was widely kept across the Allier department, but declined as post-war industrialisation marginalised traditional French farm breeds. Conservation work by SCAF has helped stabilise numbers. The Bourbonnaise is recognised by the EE Europastandard and remains an important part of France's poultry heritage, producing large white eggs and substantial carcasses.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bourbourg

A rare French dual-purpose breed from the town of Bourbourg in the Nord department, near the Belgian border. The Bourbourg was developed in French Flanders during the 19th century from local farmyard chickens crossed with imported Asian breeds, producing a large, sturdy bird with good meat qualities and respectable egg production. Its plumage is typically white or ermine (white with black markings), and it has a single comb and clean, slate-blue legs. The breed was once common on farms across French Flanders but declined dramatically with agricultural industrialisation after World War II. Now critically rare, the Bourbourg is maintained by a small network of French conservation breeders and is recognised by the EE Europastandard and SCAF as a distinct French heritage breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bouvier des Flandres

Large, rugged herding dog from Belgium with a thick double coat and distinctive beard. Powerful, calm, and versatile working dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Boxer

Large, muscular working dog with distinctive square jaw. Playful, loyal, and patient with families and children.

Canis lupus familiaris

Boykin Spaniel

Medium-sized spaniel with rich brown coat. Friendly, energetic, and excellent waterfowl retriever.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Brabanter

A historical Dutch crested breed from the province of Brabant, recently reconstructed from archival descriptions and paintings after the original type vanished in the 20th century. Brabanters carry a small forward-pointing crest, a V-comb, and a full beard, giving them a neat, distinctive appearance. They are calm, productive layers of white eggs and adapt well to enclosed runs, where their limited crest does not impede vision as severely as in fully-crested breeds like Houdans or Polish.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Brabançonne (Brabanter Bauernhuhn)

A traditional dual-purpose farm chicken from the Brabant region spanning Belgium and the southern Netherlands. The Brabançonne is a medium-large bird developed from local landrace stock, valued historically for consistent egg production and good table qualities. Unlike the more ornamental Brabanter with its crested head, the Brabançonne is a practical, no-nonsense farmyard breed with a single comb, clean legs, and upright carriage. Available in several colour varieties including cuckoo, black, white, and blue, the Brabançonne was the everyday chicken of Brabant farmsteads for generations. Industrial farming caused a severe decline, and the breed is now considered rare and maintained by conservation breeders. Recognised by the EE and BDRG.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bracco Italiano

Large, powerful Italian pointing dog with long, drooping ears. Loyal, gentle, and excellent hunting companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Brahma

The 'King of Chickens' — Brahmas are among the largest standard chicken breeds in the world, with roosters commonly reaching 5–6 kg. Developed in the USA from Chinese Shanghai birds imported in the 1840s, Brahmas have a dense, puffy plumage, feathered feet and legs, and a small pea comb that resists frostbite. Their enormous size combined with a gentle, calm temperament makes them outstanding cold-climate dual-purpose birds. Brahma fever swept Britain when Queen Victoria received a gift of nine Brahmas from American breeder George Burnham in 1852.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Brakel

An ancient Belgian breed from the Brakel region of East Flanders, with documented history stretching back to the 14th century making it one of Europe's oldest surviving poultry breeds. Brakels have a distinctive pencilled plumage pattern — silver or gold ground colour with fine black pencilling on each feather — and a white head and neck hackle contrasting sharply with the pencilled body. A productive layer of white eggs, the Brakel nearly vanished in the 20th century and is now actively conserved.

Felis catus

Brazilian Shorthair

Brazil's first internationally recognized breed, developed from feral street cats in Brazil. Medium-sized, muscular, with a short, close-lying coat. Hardy, adaptable, and possessing the natural survival instincts of their street-cat ancestors.

Canis lupus familiaris

Brazilian Terrier

Small, lively terrier with short tricolor coat. Intelligent, alert, and excellent watchdog.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Breda (Kraaikop)

A distinctive Dutch breed from the city of Breda in North Brabant, remarkable for being completely comb-less — a trait almost unheard of in chickens, giving it a smooth, rounded head that earned it the nickname Kraaikop ('crow's head'). The Breda is a large, upright dual-purpose bird with clean legs, a broad breast, and a calm disposition. Without a comb to worry about in freezing weather, Bredas are exceptionally cold-hardy — making them ideal for the northern European climate. The breed was developed in the 19th century from local Dutch stock and possibly Asian imports, creating a robust farm bird that excelled on small mixed farms. Now rare, the Breda is conserved by Dutch and Belgian breeders and is recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Bresse Gauloise

The most celebrated table chicken in the world and the only chicken to hold a Protected Designation of Origin (AOP), granted in 1957 — making it the avian equivalent of Champagne. The Bresse Gauloise is immediately recognisable by its vivid combination of pure white plumage, vivid blue-grey legs, and bright red single comb — the three colours of the French tricolore flag. Raised exclusively in a defined area around Bourg-en-Bresse in the Ain department, the Bresse must graze on minimum 10 m² of pasture per bird and is traditionally finished in a cloth sack (mitraillette) to concentrate flavour. No other chicken commands such respect in professional kitchens.

Canis lupus familiaris

Briard

Large, muscular French herding dog with long flowing coat. Intelligent, courageous, and loyal with strong protective instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Briquet Griffon Vendéen

Medium-sized French rough-coated hound from the Vendée region. Energetic and intelligent, they are versatile hunters of small to medium game.

Felis catus

British Longhair

The longhaired variant of the British Shorthair, with the same stocky, cobby body and plush, dense coat — but semi-long. Calm, dignified, and undemanding. Excellent family companions with a soft, gentle nature.

Felis catus

British Shorthair

One of the oldest English breeds with a stocky, cobby body, round head, and famously dense, plush 'teddy bear' coat. Calm, dignified, and easygoing. The blue (grey) British Shorthair is iconic, but they come in many colors.

Canis lupus familiaris

Brittany

Medium-sized, energetic gun dog with orange and white or liver and white coat. Agile, intelligent, and eager to please.

Canis lupus familiaris

Brussels Griffon

Small Belgian companion dog with a distinctive monkey-like face. Intelligent and alert, they are lively and affectionate dogs with a curious nature.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Brügger Kämpfer (Combattant de Bruges)

A Belgian fighting breed from the city of Bruges in West Flanders, one of several distinct Belgian gamefowl breeds developed for the cockpit in the 19th century. The Brügger Kämpfer is a tall, powerful, upright bird with a triple or pea comb, hard feathering, and a fierce, proud bearing. Its plumage is typically black-red or silver duckwing, and its muscular frame and long, strong legs give it the classic gamefowl silhouette. Although cockfighting is now illegal across Europe, these breeds are preserved as exhibition and conservation birds, valued for their historical significance and striking appearance. The Brügger Kämpfer is one of five Belgian fighting breeds standardised separately by the EE, each originating from a different Flemish city — a reflection of how intensely localised cockfighting culture once was in Belgium. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Buckeye

The only chicken breed in the world created by a woman — Nettie Metcalf of Warren, Ohio developed the Buckeye in the 1890s by crossing Buff Cochins, Barred Plymouth Rocks, and Black-Breasted Red Game birds, aiming to produce a practical, cold-hardy breed for Ohio winters. Named after Ohio's nickname 'The Buckeye State', the Buckeye has a distinctive pea comb — the only American breed with a pea comb outside Asian-derived breeds — rich mahogany-red plumage similar to the Rhode Island Red but with a broader build, and an exceptional temperament. Admitted to the APA Standard of Perfection in 1904.

Melopsittacus undulatus

Budgerigar (Budgie/Parakeet)

Most popular pet bird in the world. Small, colorful parrots known for cheerful chirping and remarkable speech mimicry.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bull Terrier

Medium-sized, muscular terrier with distinctive egg-shaped head. Playful, obedient, and devoted companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bulldog

Medium-sized muscular dog with distinctive pushed-in face. Despite intimidating appearance, they are gentle, affectionate, and patient.

Canis lupus familiaris

Bullmastiff

Large, powerful working dog bred by gamekeepers to guard estates. Fearless, loyal, and affectionate with family.

Canis lupus familiaris

Burgos Pointing Dog

Medium-sized Spanish pointing dog from the Burgos region. Calm and intelligent, they are loyal and persistent hunting companions.

Felis catus

Burmese

A compact, muscular cat with a short, satin-like coat and expressive golden eyes. Two distinct types exist: the American Burmese (rounder, stockier) and the European/British Burmese (more moderate). Exceptionally people-oriented and dog-like in devotion.

Felis catus

Burmilla

A shimmering silver breed resulting from an accidental mating between a Chinchilla Persian and a Burmese. Medium-sized, muscular, with sparkling silver-tipped coat and distinctive 'makeup' lining eyes, nose, and lips. Playful and sociable.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cairn Terrier

Small, sturdy terrier with wiry coat. Courageous, alert, and affectionate family companion.

Felis catus

California Spangled

Bred to resemble wild spotted cats like leopards and ocelots, this breed was created as a statement against the fur trade. Long, lean body with distinctive spotted coat. Extremely rare today — fewer than 60 registered cats exist.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Campine

A slender, elegant Belgian breed from the Campine region (Kempen) of Antwerp and Limburg, noted for its striking silver or gold plumage with beetle-green barred pencilling. Campines are distinctive for being hen-feathered in cocks — the males carry the same pencilled plumage as the females, lacking the long curved sickle tail feathers typical of roosters. An active forager and productive layer of medium white eggs, the Campine is now a rare conservation breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Canaan Dog

Medium-sized primitive dog from Israel. Alert, intelligent, and loyal with strong survival instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Canadian Eskimo Dog

Large Arctic spitz-type dog from Canada with a powerful build. Loyal and courageous, they are ancient sled dogs adapted to extreme Arctic conditions.

Serinus canaria domestica

Canary

Small songbird beloved for beautiful, melodious singing. Historic use in coal mines as early warning for toxic gases.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cane Corso

Large, powerful Italian mastiff breed. Confident, loyal, and protective with a calm and steady temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cardigan Welsh Corgi

Small herding dog with long tail and rounded ears. Older than the Pembroke variety, known for intelligence and loyalty.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Carlisle Old English Game

One of two distinct standardised types of Old English Game recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain (alongside the Oxford type), the Carlisle Old English Game is characterised by a more compact, rounded build and a slightly shorter back compared to the taller Oxford type. Developed by fanciers in the Carlisle area of Cumbria in northern England during the 19th century, the Carlisle type was bred both for the cockpit and the show bench. It has a single comb, clean legs, hard feathering, and the characteristic gamefowl carriage. After cockfighting was banned in Britain in 1835 (effectively 1849), the breed transitioned to a pure exhibition bird, and the Carlisle-Oxford rift became formalised as two separate standards within PCGB. The Carlisle type is valued for its neat, balanced proportions and rich colour varieties. Not yet recognised separately by the EE Europastandard, which treats Old English Game as a single breed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Catalana del Prat

An ancient Catalan dual-purpose breed from the Prat del Llobregat municipality near Barcelona, documented from the 14th century and once the primary farmyard chicken of the Catalonian coast. The Catalana del Prat is a large, robust bird with distinctive buff-wheat plumage and blue-grey shanks — a combination exclusive to this breed. It was once the standard table and egg bird of Barcelona's markets and supplied the city's restaurants for centuries. Recognised by the EE Europastandard, it remains an important conservation breed in Catalonia today.

Canis lupus familiaris

Caucasian Shepherd Dog

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog from the Caucasus Mountains. Fearless, independent, and fiercely protective.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Caumont

A rare French dual-purpose breed from the town of Caumont-l'Éventé in Normandy, developed in the early 20th century from local Norman farm chickens. The Caumont is a medium-large bird with striking black plumage that shows beetle-green iridescence in sunlight — a classic feature of breeds with Langshan ancestry. It has a single comb, clean legs, and an upright, confident bearing. Caumonts were bred to be versatile farm chickens producing brown eggs and quality meat, and they thrived on small Norman farms before World War II. After the war, breed numbers collapsed as rural Normandy depopulated and traditional poultry keeping declined. Recognition by SCAF and the EE Europastandard has helped preserve the breed, though it remains critically rare with only a handful of dedicated breeders keeping the line alive.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Small, elegant spaniel with long, silky ears. Affectionate, gentle, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Central Asian Shepherd Dog

Giant livestock guardian dog from Central Asia with a massive build and thick coat. Independent and courageous, they are calm protectors with ancient lineage.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cesky Terrier

Small terrier with soft, wavy coat and short legs. Gentle, intelligent, and good-natured companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Chantecler

The first chicken breed developed in Canada, created at the Cistercian Abbey of Notre-Dame du Lac in Quebec by Brother Wilfrid Chatelain between 1908 and 1918. Brother Wilfrid crossed White Wyandotte, White Plymouth Rock, White Leghorn, Cornish, and Dark Cornish birds to produce a breed specifically adapted to survive Canadian winters — where temperatures can fall to -40°C. The Chantecler's most striking feature is its virtually non-existent comb and wattles, reduced to a tiny cushion comb and almost no wattles, making it uniquely resistant to frostbite. Admitted to the APA Standard of Perfection in 1921.

Felis catus

Chantilly-Tiffany

A semi-longhaired breed with a rich chocolate brown coat and golden eyes. Once thought extinct, rediscovered in the 1960s. Gentle, quiet, and devoted. Also known as the Foreign Longhair in some registries. Rare breed.

Felis catus

Chartreux

A rare French breed with a blue-grey woolly double coat, copper-orange eyes, and a distinctive smiling expression. Muscular, sturdy, with refined bone structure. Quiet, observant, and excellent mousers. Legends tie them to Carthusian monks.

Felis catus × Felis chaus

Chausie

A hybrid breed between domestic cats and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Large, athletic, with a wild look reminiscent of a small jungle cat. Long legs, deep chest, and a short tail. Extremely intelligent and needs significant activity.

Canis lupus familiaris

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Large, powerful retriever with thick, wavy waterproof coat. Loyal, protective, and excellent waterfowl retriever.

Canis lupus familiaris

Chihuahua

The smallest dog breed in the world. Confident, alert, and fiercely loyal despite tiny size.

Canis lupus familiaris

Chinese Crested Dog

Small toy breed available in hairless and powderpuff varieties. Affectionate, lively, and alert companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Chow Chow

Large, fluffy dog with distinctive lion-like appearance and blue-black tongue. Independent, aloof, but deeply loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cirneco dell'Etna

Medium-sized primitive hound from Sicily with large erect ears. Agile, independent, and gentle.

Canis lupus familiaris

Clumber Spaniel

Large, heavy-set spaniel with dense white and lemon coat. Gentle, loyal, and dignified with a calm temperament.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Cochin

A spectacularly fluffy Chinese breed introduced to Europe in the 1840s that single-handedly created the 'Hen Fever' craze of the Victorian era. Cochins have an extraordinary abundance of soft, loose plumage covering every part of their body including their feet and legs, making them look twice their actual size. Though poor egg layers and slow growers by modern standards, their visual magnificence and docile nature made them the most sought-after breed in 19th-century Britain and America. Queen Victoria's enthusiasm for them drove the hen fever to its peak.

Nymphicus hollandicus

Cockatiel

Small parrot from Australia with distinctive crest. Known for whistling ability, gentle disposition, and affection.

Felis catus

Colorpoint Shorthair

A colorpointed version of the Siamese in non-traditional colors including red, cream, tortie, and lynx/tabby points. Same elegant, svelte body and vivid blue eyes. Created by crossing Siamese with American Shorthairs and Abyssinians.

Felis catus

Cornish Rex

A breed defined by its soft, wavy, down-only coat with no guard hairs — often compared to velvet, karakul lamb, or crushed silk. Slender, whippy body with large ears, high cheekbones, and an egg-shaped head. Extremely playful and acrobatic.

Canis lupus familiaris

Coton de Tuléar

Small, fluffy white dog with cotton-like coat. Happy, affectionate, and intelligent companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Coucou d'Izegem

A Belgian dual-purpose breed from the town of Izegem in West Flanders, developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by crossing local Flemish farm chickens with imported Asian breeds such as the Brahma and Langshan. The result was a large, heavily built bird with striking cuckoo (barred) plumage — hence the name 'Coucou', meaning cuckoo in French. Coucou d'Izegem hens are excellent layers of brown eggs and good mothers, while the cockerels grow into substantial table birds. The breed was once the dominant farm chicken across West Flanders, supplying eggs and meat to Flemish cities and markets. Industrial farming nearly eliminated it, but conservation efforts by Belgian breeders have stabilised the population. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Coucou de Rennes

A French auto-sexing dual-purpose breed from Rennes in Brittany, developed in the early 20th century as a practical cuckoo-barred farmyard bird with the commercially valuable trait of auto-sexing — male and female chicks can be told apart by down colour at hatch. The Coucou de Rennes combines the cuckoo plumage pattern (grey-black barring throughout) with good egg production and respectable table weight. Recognised by the Société Centrale Avicole de France (SCAF) and the EE Europastandard, it is maintained today by French conservation breeders in Brittany.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Coucou des Flandres

A rare Flemish dual-purpose breed from the French-Belgian border region, distinguished by its handsome cuckoo-barred plumage and impressive size. Developed by crossing local Flemish farmyard hens with Brahmas and Langshans in the early 20th century, the Coucou des Flandres is a robust, heavy bird well-suited to free-range systems on the flat, damp Flemish lowlands. Hens are good layers of large brown eggs, and cockerels produce generous, well-textured meat. The breed was extremely popular between the two World Wars but was decimated by industrial poultry farming after 1945, when the Flemish agricultural sector pivoted to intensive systems that favoured hybrid layers. Now critically rare, the Coucou des Flandres is maintained by a handful of Belgian and French conservation breeders. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Cream Legbar

A British auto-sexing laying breed created at Cambridge University in the 1930s by geneticists Michael Pease and Reginald Crundall Punnett by crossing Leghorns with Barred Plymouth Rocks and introducing Araucana blood for the blue-egg gene. Cream Legbars are auto-sexing — male and female chicks have distinctly different down patterns at hatch, making vent sexing unnecessary. Most importantly, they lay distinctly blue to blue-green eggs — a highly unusual characteristic in a productive commercial-style layer. Recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB) and enormously popular with British backyard keepers.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Croad Langshan

The original Langshan breed imported from China by Major Croad in 1872, the Croad Langshan is the foundational strain that all Western Langshan varieties descend from. Unlike the general 'Langshan' category already in the database, the Croad Langshan is specifically the original tall, leggy bird with greenish-black plumage, a single comb, and feathered legs — Major Croad brought these from the Langshan district near Nantong in Jiangsu Province to his Sussex estate. The Croad Langshan was one of three great Asian breeds (along with Brahmas and Cochins) that transformed Western poultry keeping in the 19th century. It became immensely popular as an exhibition and dual-purpose breed in Britain, valued for large brown eggs and fine meat. After Major Croad's death, the original strain was maintained by the Croad Langshan Club, preserving the taller, more elegant original type distinct from the stockier German Langshan. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and PCGB.

Canis lupus familiaris

Croatian Sheepdog

Small to medium herding dog from Croatia with curly black coat. Agile, intelligent, and excellent working dog.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Crèvecoeur

France's oldest documented breed, originating from the Norman village of Crèvecoeur-en-Auge in Calvados. A striking all-black bird with a full rounded crest, V-comb, beard, and muffled cheeks, the Crèvecoeur was a celebrated table bird in mediaeval Normandy and was described in texts as early as the 14th century. Though once a staple of Norman markets, the breed is now critically rare and maintained by conservation breeders across France, Belgium, and Germany.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Cubalaya

Cuba's only recognised chicken breed, developed in the late 19th century by crossing Oriental game breeds brought to Cuba — primarily Malay, Sumatra, and other Asian fighting breeds — with European stock, to create a productive, heat-adapted dual-purpose bird. The Cubalaya is distinctive for its lobster tail (drooping tail held low and sweeping downward rather than erect), pea comb, and graceful carriage. Admitted to the APA Standard of Perfection in 1939, the Cubalaya is kept both for egg production and as an exhibition breed, and is well-adapted to hot, humid climates. It remains relatively rare outside of Cuba and the southern United States.

Canis lupus familiaris

Curly-Coated Retriever

Large retriever with distinctive tight, curly coat. Independent, intelligent, and dignified working dog.

Felis catus

Cymric

The longhaired version of the Manx, sharing the same tailless or short-tailed mutation and rounded, sturdy body. Plush, medium-length double coat. Sweet-natured and devoted. The name 'Cymric' comes from Cymru, the Welsh word for Wales.

Canis lupus familiaris

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Large wolf-like breed created by crossing German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves. Energetic, loyal, and highly trainable.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cão de Castro Laboreiro

Large Portuguese livestock guardian dog with a wolf-like appearance. Loyal, courageous, and intelligent, they are exceptional protectors of livestock.

Canis lupus familiaris

Cão de Gado Transmontano

Giant Portuguese livestock guardian dog with a powerful build. Calm and loyal with family, but fearless when protecting livestock from predators.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dachshund

Small dog with distinctive long body and short legs. Originally bred to hunt badgers and rabbits.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dalmatian

Medium-sized, muscular dog with distinctive black or liver spotted coat. Energetic, intelligent, and loyal companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dandie Dinmont Terrier

Small terrier with long, low body and distinctive topknot. Dignified, determined, and affectionate companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Danish Broholmer

Large, powerful mastiff-type dog from Denmark. Calm, friendly, and loyal family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Danish-Swedish Farmdog

Small farm dog from Denmark and Sweden with a short white and brown coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are energetic and playful working dogs.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Dansk Landhøne (Danish Landrace)

Denmark's indigenous farmyard chicken, the Dansk Landhøne (Danish Country Hen) is a conservation breed maintained by Danmarks Fjerkræavlerforening for Raceavl (DFfR) as part of Denmark's national agricultural genetic heritage. A robust, self-sufficient bird developed from centuries of Danish farmyard selection rather than formal breed standardisation, the Dansk Landrace produces tinted eggs and reasonable table weight in a hardy, cold-adapted frame suited to Danish conditions. Listed in Denmark's national gene bank and kept by conservation breeders dedicated to preserving the country's pre-industrial poultry heritage.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Delaware

An American dual-purpose breed developed in 1940 by George Ellis of Delaware by crossing Barred Plymouth Rock males with New Hampshire Red females, selecting offspring with fast early feathering and a clean white plumage with limited black barring. Delawares are white chickens with distinctive black barring restricted to the neck hackle, tail, and primary wing feathers — a clean, attractive pattern that camouflages well in farmyard conditions. Originally developed for the commercial broiler industry of the Delmarva Peninsula, Delawares produced most of America's commercial chicken meat throughout the 1940s before being almost entirely replaced by the Cornish Cross hybrid in the early 1960s.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Derbyshire Redcap

One of Britain's rarest and most distinctive breeds, the Derbyshire Redcap is named for its spectacular rose comb — an enormous, flat, beefy structure covered in fine points that spreads broadly across the top of the head like a cap. Developed in Derbyshire and neighbouring counties in the early 19th century, the Redcap was a productive laying breed kept by small farmers in the Peak District who valued its hardiness, foraging ability, and consistent egg production on minimal feed. The breed nearly vanished in the 20th century and remains critically rare, but it is preserved as a living piece of English agricultural heritage.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Deutsches Lachshuhn (German Faverolles)

The German variant of the French Faverolles breed, standardised separately by the BDRG and recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct breed. The Deutsches Lachshuhn was developed from French Faverolles imported into Germany in the late 19th century, selectively bred by German fanciers for slightly different conformation — generally larger, heavier, and with a stronger emphasis on meat production. The name 'Lachshuhn' means 'salmon chicken', referring to the unique salmon-pink tinge in the plumage of hens, a colour trait inherited from the original French Faverolles. Like its French ancestor, the Deutsches Lachshuhn is a bearded, feather-legged dual-purpose breed with five toes. It is calm, cold-hardy, and well-suited to free-range systems in northern Europe. The breed produces tinted eggs and good table birds.

Felis catus

Devon Rex

A breed with an elfin face, huge low-set ears, and a soft, wavy, rippled coat. Slender body with long, fine legs. Mischievous, highly intelligent, and eager to be involved in everything. Their coat is fragile and sparse in places.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dobermann

Medium to large working dog with sleek, muscular build. Loyal, fearless, and intelligent, they excel as guard dogs and companions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dogo Argentino

Large, powerful white working dog bred for big game hunting. Loyal, protective, and courageous.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dogo Canario (Presa Canario)

Large, powerful molosser-type dog from the Canary Islands. Calm, confident, and protective with a steady temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dogue de Bordeaux

Large, powerful French mastiff with distinctive wrinkled face. Loyal, protective, and affectionate with family.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Dominique

America's oldest breed and first native chicken, developed by early colonists from unknown European stock and documented in the USA from the early 18th century. Dominiques are compact, cuckoo-patterned birds with a low rose comb and a quiet, self-sufficient temperament that made them ideal pioneer farmyard birds. Their cuckoo barring — softer and less crisp than the Barred Plymouth Rock's — gives them a warm dove-grey appearance. Nearly extinct by 1970, the breed was rescued by dedicated conservationists.

Felis catus

Donskoy

A hairless breed from Russia, distinct from the Sphynx (different hairlessness gene — dominant vs. recessive). Wrinkled skin, large ears, and webbed toes. Can present in four coat types: completely bald, flocked, velour, and brush.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Dorking

Possibly England's oldest breed, with a Roman-era origin story supported by Julius Caesar's description of five-toed British fowl in 54 BC. The Dorking is named for the Surrey market town that was once famous for its outstanding table chickens. A rectangular, low-set bird with the characteristic five toes shared with Faverolles and Silkies, it produces white-fleshed meat of exceptional quality and tenderness. Once the premier British table bird, it is now a conservation breed of great historical importance.

Felis catus

Dragon Li

A natural breed from China, recognized by its distinctive brown mackerel tabby pattern and golden-green eyes. Medium-sized, muscular, with a strong hunting instinct. One of the world's oldest naturally occurring domestic breeds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Drentsche Patrijshond

Medium-sized Dutch pointing dog from the Drenthe province. Intelligent and calm, they are versatile hunting dogs and devoted family companions.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Dresdner

A large, calm German dual-purpose breed developed in Dresden, Saxony in the early 20th century, combining the size and laying capacity needed for productive Saxon farmsteads. Dresdners are full-bodied birds with warm buff-yellow plumage and a practical, even temperament suited to both farmyard and backyard keeping. Recognised by the BDRG and the EE Europastandard, the Dresdner was a common farm bird across Saxony in the mid-20th century but declined sharply with agricultural industrialisation and is now a conservation breed maintained by dedicated German breeders.

Canis lupus familiaris

Drever

Small, short-legged scent hound from Sweden. Friendly, energetic, and excellent tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dunker (Norwegian Hound)

Medium-sized Norwegian scent hound with a black and tan coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are excellent trackers adapted to Nordic winters.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Hollandse Kriel (Dutch Bantam)

One of the oldest true bantams in existence and the breed whose name gave all small chickens their collective title, the Dutch Bantam (Hollandse Kriel) originates from the Netherlands. The name 'bantam' derives from Bantam, a port city on the north-west coast of Java where Dutch East India Company traders first encountered small local chickens in the 17th century and brought them back to the Netherlands. Despite their tiny size — cocks weigh around 550 grams — Dutch Bantams carry an upright, proud carriage, sport a large upright single comb, and lay a surprising number of small cream eggs relative to their weight. They are vigorous, bold, and confident birds with strong personalities.

Canis lupus familiaris

Dutch Shepherd Dog

Medium-sized herding dog from the Netherlands, known for its brindle coat and versatile working ability. Highly trainable and loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

East Siberian Laika

Medium-sized spitz-type hunting dog from Siberia. Intelligent, loyal, and energetic, they are versatile hunters and devoted companions.

Felis catus

Egyptian Mau

The only naturally spotted domestic breed, with a striking spotted coat, gooseberry green eyes, and a distinctive 'scarab beetle' mark on the forehead. Known for incredible speed — they're the fastest domestic cat breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

English Cocker Spaniel

Medium-sized, cheerful sporting dog with long, silky ears. Friendly, affectionate, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

English Pointer

Medium-sized, elegant hunting dog known for its distinctive pointing stance. Athletic, friendly, and loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

English Setter

Medium to large elegant gun dog with long, silky coat. Gentle, friendly, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

English Springer Spaniel

Medium-sized, muscular flushing spaniel with long, silky coat. Friendly, energetic, and eager to please.

Canis lupus familiaris

English Toy Terrier

Small, elegant toy terrier with sleek black and tan coat. Alert, intelligent, and lively companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Entlebuch Mountain Dog

Small to medium Swiss herding dog with tricolor coat. Alert, loyal, and energetic family companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Estaires

A critically rare French dual-purpose breed from the town of Estaires in the Nord department of French Flanders. Developed in the early 20th century, the Estaires is a large, well-fleshed white bird with a single comb and clean legs, bred to produce both a good number of white eggs and a generous table carcass. The breed shares ancestry with other great Flemish-French dual-purpose breeds of the era, such as the Bourbourg and Coucou des Flandres, all developed to serve the mixed farming economy of the Franco-Belgian borderlands. Like its regional cousins, the Estaires was nearly wiped out by the shift to intensive poultry farming after 1945. A small number of dedicated French breeders, supported by SCAF and the EE Europastandard, maintain the breed today as a living link to the traditional agriculture of the Lys River valley.

Canis lupus familiaris

Estonian Hound

Medium-sized Estonian scent hound with a short coat. Intelligent and friendly, they are persistent hunters adapted to Nordic forest conditions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Estrela Mountain Dog

Large livestock guardian dog from Portugal with a thick coat. Loyal, courageous, and intelligent, they are devoted protectors of both livestock and family.

Canis lupus familiaris

Eurasier

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog with thick coat. Calm, even-tempered, and loyal with strong family bonds.

Felis catus

European Shorthair

The native domestic cat of continental Europe, very similar in appearance to ordinary European house cats. Medium to large, muscular, with a dense short coat. Bred to preserve the type of the original European working farm cat.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Euskal Oiloa (Basque Hen)

The traditional farmyard chicken of the Basque Country (Euskadi) in northern Spain and south-west France, recognised in four distinct varieties by the EE Europastandard: Marraduna (cuckoo-buff, the most common), Gorria (red-partridge), Lepasoila (naked-neck), and Beltza (solid black). Euskal Oiloa means 'Basque Hen' in the Basque language, and the breed has been part of Basque agricultural life for centuries. A robust, active dual-purpose bird, it was the everyday chicken of traditional Basque caseríos (farmsteads) and is now promoted as a regional heritage food animal with Protected Geographical Indication status for its eggs.

Felis catus

Exotic Shorthair

Essentially a shorthaired Persian — same round face, cobby body, and sweet temperament, but with a dense, plush, easy-care short coat. Known as the 'lazy man's Persian.' Playful and gentle, with a quiet, loving nature.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Famennoise (Famennehoen)

A critically rare Belgian dual-purpose breed from the Famenne region of Wallonia, an area of limestone valleys and rolling farmland between the Ardennes and the Sambre-Meuse industrial belt. The Famennoise is a medium-large bird developed through crossing local Walloon farm chickens with Brahma and Langshan bloodlines in the late 19th century, producing a calm, productive farmyard breed with excellent dual-purpose characteristics. Hens lay tinted eggs and are reliable sitters, and the cockerels produce well-fleshed table birds. The breed was common on Walloon farms until World War II but was virtually eliminated by post-war agricultural modernisation. A small network of Belgian conservation breeders has worked to recover the Famennoise from near-extinction. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Fauve de Hesbaye

A rare Belgian dual-purpose breed from the Hesbaye region (Haspengouw), a fertile agricultural plateau spanning Liège and Limburg provinces. The Fauve de Hesbaye is named for its distinctive fauve (fawn/tawny) plumage, a warm reddish-brown colour unique among Belgian farm breeds. Developed in the early 20th century from local mixed-breed farm chickens, it was selected for good egg numbers, robust health, and ability to thrive on the heavy clay loam soils of the Hesbaye wheat belt. The breed declined catastrophically after the 1950s when Belgian farmers abandoned traditional chickens for commercial hybrids, and by the 1990s it was considered functionally extinct. A handful of surviving birds were used by Belgian conservation breeders to reconstruct the breed. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Fauve de Mehaigne

A critically rare Belgian true bantam from the Mehaigne region of Wallonia, named for its distinctive fauve (fawn/tawny) plumage — the same warm reddish-brown colouration found in the Fauve de Hesbaye large fowl breed. The Fauve de Mehaigne is a tiny, clean-legged true bantam with a single comb, full beard and muffs, and a neat, compact body. It is one of the smallest true bantams in existence. Developed in the early to mid-20th century by Walloon bantam specialists, it was one of several colour-variant true bantams created to expand the Belgian bantam palette. The breed is extraordinarily rare — even among Belgian poultry circles, the Fauve de Mehaigne is seen as a specialist's specialist breed. Recognised by the EE Europastandard, its continued existence depends entirely on a tiny group of dedicated Belgian breeders who maintain it as a living piece of Walloon heritage.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Salmon Faverolles

A gentle, fluffy French farmyard breed from the village of Faverolles in the Eure-et-Loir, developed in the 1860s for the Parisian market. Faverolles are instantly recognisable by their muffled beard, feathered feet, and fifth toe — unusual traits resulting from their Dorking, Houdan, and Asian Cochin heritage. Salmon Faverolles hens display a beautiful salmon-buff plumage with white-and-wheat hackle, while cocks are dramatically multi-coloured. Calm and friendly, they are beloved as family birds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Field Spaniel

Medium-sized spaniel with long, silky coat. Independent, gentle, and loyal with a dignified demeanor.

Canis lupus familiaris

Fila Brasileiro

Large, powerful Brazilian mastiff with loose skin and distinctive 'cat's step' gait. Fearless, loyal, and protective.

Canis lupus familiaris

Finnish Hound

Medium-sized scent hound with tricolor coat. Friendly, energetic, and excellent tracking dog for hunting hare and fox.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Suomalainen maatiaiskana

The indigenous landrace chicken of Finland, developed over centuries from chickens brought by settlers to the harsh Finnish climate. The Finnish Landrace chicken (Suomalainen maatiaiskana) is a medium-sized, exceptionally cold-hardy bird with a single comb and clean legs, adapted to survive Finland's long, dark winters where temperatures routinely drop below -20°C. Plumage is highly variable — birds can be almost any colour or pattern, reflecting true landrace diversity where no colour selection has been applied. Finnish Landrace chickens are outstanding foragers, capable of extracting a living from the thin soils and short growing season of the boreal landscape. They produce tinted to light brown eggs and have excellent disease resistance. The breed was nearly wiped out by commercial poultry in the 20th century but was saved by Finland's national gene bank programme. Registered in DAD-IS and maintained by Finnish conservation breeders and MTT Agrifood Research Finland.

Canis lupus familiaris

Finnish Lapphund

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog with thick double coat. Friendly, loyal, and excellent with families and children.

Canis lupus familiaris

Finnish Spitz

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog with red-gold coat and pointed ears. Alert, intelligent, and independent hunter known for distinctive barking.

Canis lupus familiaris

Flat-Coated Retriever

Medium to large retriever with sleek, flat-lying coat. Friendly, optimistic, and energetic with a 'forever puppy' personality.

Felis catus

Foldex

A Canadian breed combining the folded ears of the Scottish Fold with the round, cobby body and short coat of the Exotic Shorthair. Medium-sized, sturdy, with a sweet expression. Recognized only in Canada.

Canis lupus familiaris

English Foxhound

Medium to large scent hound bred for fox hunting. Energetic, friendly, and determined with excellent stamina.

Canis lupus familiaris

French Bulldog

Small, muscular dog with distinctive bat-like ears. Despite glum expression, incredibly affectionate and playful.

Canis lupus familiaris

French Spaniel

Medium to large pointing dog with long, silky coat. Gentle, intelligent, and excellent hunting companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Frisian

An ancient Dutch laying breed from the coastal province of Friesland, with a history stretching back several centuries as a productive village and farmstead hen. Frisians are pencilled birds — each feather carries fine, parallel, transverse bars of colour — and come in gold and silver-pencilled varieties. They are active, alert, flighty birds that lay a good number of white eggs and historically kept themselves largely on farmyard scraps and field-gleaned grain, making them economical to keep.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Frizzle

The Frizzle is defined not by geographical origin but by its unique feather mutation — each feather curls outward and forward rather than lying flat, giving the bird a permanently ruffled, windswept appearance as if it has just stepped out of a storm. Recognised as a distinct breed by the EE and many national poultry clubs, the Frizzle can come in several sizes and body types, but the defining feature is always the frizzling gene (F), which is semi-dominant. Frizzles have appeared in European poultry literature since the 1600s and are kept today almost entirely as exhibition and ornamental birds, though they lay a reasonable number of eggs. The feather structure provides less insulation than normal plumage, so they are more sensitive to cold and wet conditions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Garafian Shepherd

Medium to large shepherd dog from the Canary Islands with a rustic appearance. Loyal, intelligent, and protective, they excel as livestock guardians and family companions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Gascon Saintongeois

Large French hound from Gascony and Saintonge with a blue-mottled coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are friendly and sociable hunters.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Gauloise Dorée

One of France's oldest and most active laying breeds, the Gauloise (Gallic Hen) comes in several colour varieties of which the Dorée — golden — is the most celebrated. The Gauloise is a lean, vigorous, Mediterranean-influenced breed with a large upright single comb, close plumage, and an alert, independent character that makes it an outstanding free-range forager. Recognised by the Société Centrale Avicole de France (SCAF) and the EE Europastandard, the Gauloise was once the archetypal French farmyard chicken before commercial breeds replaced it, and is now a conservation breed representing pre-industrial French poultry culture.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Gelderse (Guelders Fowl)

A Dutch dual-purpose landrace from the Gelderland province in the eastern Netherlands, one of several distinctly Dutch farmyard breeds recognised by the EE Europastandard. The Gelderse is a medium-large, active bird with characteristic salmon-partridge plumage — hens carry warm salmon-buff breast with pencilled wings, while cocks have richly coloured red-orange hackle and saddle. A traditional farmyard bird that supplied eggs and table birds to the towns of Gelderland for centuries, the Gelderse is now a conservation breed maintained by Dutch breeders affiliated with the Dutch poultry fancy.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Longhaired Pointer

Medium to large versatile hunting dog with long, silky coat. Intelligent, gentle, and excellent retriever.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Pinscher

Medium-sized, sleek working dog with elegant build. Alert, intelligent, and spirited with strong prey drive.

Felis catus

German Rex

The first curly-coated breed, discovered in post-war East Berlin. Medium-sized with a rounded head, well-developed cheeks, and a soft, silky, wavy/short curly coat. Gentle, patient, and very devoted to their families.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Shepherd Dog

A large, intelligent, and versatile working dog renowned for loyalty, courage, and trainability. German Shepherds serve as police dogs, guide dogs, and devoted family protectors worldwide.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Shorthaired Pointer

Medium to large versatile hunting dog with short, dense coat. Intelligent, energetic, and eager to please.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Spaniel (Wachtelhund)

Medium-sized German flushing dog with a wavy coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are versatile hunters skilled at working in dense cover.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Spitz

Small to medium Spitz-type dog with fluffy coat and alert expression. Intelligent, affectionate, and good-natured companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

German Wirehaired Pointer

Medium to large hunting dog with distinctive wiry coat and beard. Intelligent, energetic, and determined worker.

Canis lupus familiaris

Giant Schnauzer

Large, powerful working dog with distinctive beard. Intelligent, courageous, and loyal with strong protective instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Glen of Imaal Terrier

Small, sturdy terrier with short legs and wheaten coat. Courageous, gentle, and loyal companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Golden Retriever

One of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. Known for their lustrous golden coat, friendly expression, and eager-to-please attitude.

Canis lupus familiaris

Gordon Setter

Large, muscular setter with distinctive black and tan coat. Loyal, confident, and energetic hunting companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Gotlandshöna

A Swedish landrace chicken from the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea, one of Sweden's most isolated and culturally distinct regions. The Gotlandshöna is a medium-sized, active bird with a single comb and clean legs, developed over centuries on Gotland where geographic isolation allowed it to evolve without influence from mainland breeds. Its plumage is highly variable — individual birds can be black, white, blue, red, speckled, or any combination, reflecting its landrace status where colour uniformity was never selected for. Gotlandshönas are exceptional foragers, adapted to the island's windswept, limestone-rich landscape where vegetation is sparse and shelter scarce. They produce brown eggs and are hardy to a remarkable degree. The breed was 'found' in the 1990s after being presumed extinct and is now maintained by the Swedish gene bank programme. Registered in DAD-IS and recognised by the Scandinavian Poultry Standard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Gournay

A traditional Norman dual-purpose breed from the town of Gournay-en-Bray in Upper Normandy, developed in the 19th century as a practical farm chicken for the Bray country. The Gournay is a medium-large bird recognised in two colour varieties: cuckoo (barred) and black, both with a single comb, clean legs, and white skin valued by the French market. Hens are good layers of white eggs and reliable sitters, making the breed well-suited to small-scale sustainable farming. Gournay chickens were the standard farmyard bird across the Bray region until the 1950s, when the Normandy countryside was transformed by agricultural consolidation and depopulation. Saved from extinction by SCAF conservation programmes in the 1980s, the Gournay is now maintained by a network of French breeders. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Canis lupus familiaris

Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Noir

Large French-English hound with a white and black coat. Energetic and intelligent, they are persistent hunters bred for speed and endurance.

Canis lupus familiaris

Grand Anglo-Français Blanc et Orange

Large French-English hound with a distinctive white and orange coat. Energetic and intelligent, they are excellent pack hunters.

Canis lupus familiaris

Grand Anglo-Français Tricolore

Large French-English hound with a classic tri-color coat. Energetic and intelligent, they are powerful hunters of large game.

Canis lupus familiaris

Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen

Medium-sized rough-coated scent hound with longer legs than the Petit. Energetic, determined, and friendly.

Canis lupus familiaris

Grand Bleu de Gascogne

Large, powerful scent hound from France with distinctive blue-mottled coat. Determined, gentle, and excellent tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Grand Griffon Vendéen

Large French rough-coated hound from the Vendée region. Energetic and intelligent, they are persistent hunters of large game.

Canis lupus familiaris

Great Dane

Giant, elegant dog breed known as the 'Apollo of dogs.' Despite enormous size, they are gentle, friendly, and affectionate.

Canis lupus familiaris

Great Swiss Mountain Dog

Large, powerful Swiss mountain dog with striking tri-color coat. Gentle, loyal, and confident, they are excellent family companions and working dogs.

Canis lupus familiaris

Greek Hound

Medium-sized Greek scent hound with a short coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are persistent hunters with ancient lineage.

Canis lupus familiaris

Greenland Dog

Large Arctic spitz-type dog from Greenland with a thick double coat. Loyal and courageous, they are powerful sled dogs with remarkable endurance.

Canis lupus familiaris

Greyhound

Tall, slender sighthound built for speed. The fastest dog breed, reaching speeds up to 45 mph. Gentle and affectionate at home.

Canis lupus familiaris

Griffon Bleu de Gascogne

Medium-sized French rough-coated hound from Gascony with a blue-mottled coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are friendly and sociable hunters.

Canis lupus familiaris

Griffon Bruxellois

Small, wiry-coated toy breed with distinctive monkey-like face. Alert, curious, and full of personality.

Canis lupus familiaris

Griffon Fauve de Bretagne

Medium-sized French rough-coated hound from Brittany with a distinctive fawn coat. Energetic and intelligent, they are persistent hunters.

Canis lupus familiaris

Griffon Nivernais

Medium-sized French rough-coated hound from the Nivernais region. Intelligent and persistent, they are courageous hunters with ancient lineage.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Groninger Meeuw

A striking Dutch egg-laying breed from the Groningen province in the far north of the Netherlands, whose name translates as 'Groningen Gull' — a reference to the breed's dramatic plumage pattern that mimics the colouring of a herring gull: pure white body with a jet-black head and upper neck hackle. This gull-marked pattern is unique to the Groninger Meeuw among Dutch breeds and makes it one of the most visually distinctive European laying breeds. An active, productive white-egg layer, it was once a common farmyard bird across the Groningen clay-plain farmsteads and is now a conservation breed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Gâtinaise

An ancient French white table breed from the Gâtinais region, a fertile plain straddling the Loiret and Seine-et-Marne departments south of Paris, documented as a premium market chicken from the 16th century. The Gâtinaise was one of the most prized table birds supplying the Parisian poultry market alongside the Houdan and Le Mans capons, valued for its white, fine-boned meat. Now critically rare and listed as endangered by the SCAF and EE, it survives in very small numbers maintained by French conservation breeders committed to preserving France's pre-industrial poultry heritage.

Canis lupus familiaris

Halden Hound

Medium-sized Norwegian scent hound from the Halden region. Friendly and intelligent, they are calm yet persistent hunters.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Hamburg

One of the oldest and most elegant European breeds, known for centuries across northern Europe as 'Everyday Layers' for their consistent production of small, bright white eggs. Hamburgs are compact and beautifully marked birds — the spangled varieties carry perfectly round, beetle-green black moon-shaped spangles on every feather. They are active, alert, and superb foragers but prefer an open range lifestyle and can be flighty if confined. William Makepeace Thackeray was a noted admirer.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hamiltonstövare

Medium-sized Swedish scent hound with tricolor coat. Friendly, determined, and excellent tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hanoverian Scent Hound

Medium-sized German scent hound with a powerful build. Calm and intelligent, they are renowned for their exceptional tracking abilities.

Canis lupus familiaris

Harrier

Medium-sized scent hound resembling a smaller English Foxhound. Energetic, friendly, and excellent pack hunter.

Felis catus

Havana Brown

A rich, warm chocolate-brown breed with vivid green eyes and a distinctive 'corncob' muzzle that's unique among cats. Sleek, muscular, medium-sized body. They reach out with their paws to touch their owners — very interactive.

Canis lupus familiaris

Havanese

Small, sturdy toy breed with long, silky coat. Playful, affectionate, and intelligent family companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Hedemorahöna (Hedemora Hen)

One of Sweden's most extraordinary and genetically remarkable native breeds, originating from the town of Hedemora in Dalarna county — a region of deep forests and harsh winters in central Sweden. The Hedemorahöna is uniquely adapted to extreme cold; some individuals develop a silky-feathered variant (sometimes called 'ull-höna' or wool-hen) with the same barbicle-free soft plumage as a Silkie, which provides exceptional insulation in sub-zero temperatures. The breed appears in Swedish agricultural records from the 17th century and is listed by the DAD-IS database as a critical genetic resource and by the Scandinavian Poultry Standard as a priority conservation breed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Herve (Hervehoen)

A Belgian dual-purpose breed from the Pays de Herve region of Liège province, an area of rolling dairy pastures and hedgerows east of the city. The Hervehoen is a medium-large bird developed from local Walloon farmyard stock, valued for brown eggs and good table qualities. Named after the region famous for its pungent Herve cheese, this chicken shares the same terroir as one of Belgium's most distinctive food products. The breed was once the standard farm chicken of the Pays de Herve, but fell into steep decline after World War II as small mixed farms consolidated into larger dairy operations that no longer kept chickens. Belgian conservation breeders have worked to preserve the remaining population. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Felis catus

Himalayan

A colorpointed Persian — same round face, cobby body, and long plush coat as the Persian, but with vivid blue eyes and Siamese-style points (ears, face, paws, tail). Sweet, docile, and calm. Some registries classify as a Persian variety, others as separate breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hokkaido Dog

Medium-sized Japanese Spitz-type dog with thick coat. Loyal, courageous, and resilient in cold climates.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Houdan

A distinguished French breed from the village of Houdan in the Île-de-France, famous since the 17th century as the premier table bird of the Paris market. The Houdan is immediately recognisable by its large butterfly-shaped V comb, full crest, muffled beard, and five toes — a combination of unique features found together in no other breed. Their mottled black-and-white plumage (called 'Houdan pattern') was once so prized that the town of Houdan held weekly poultry markets supplying Parisian restaurants.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hovawart

Medium to large working dog with long, wavy coat. Intelligent, versatile, and loyal with strong protective instincts.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Hrvatica (Croatian Hen)

The national chicken breed of Croatia, developed in the early 20th century from indigenous landrace chickens of the Adriatic coastal region and inland Croatia. The Hrvatica is a medium-sized dual-purpose bird with a single comb and clean legs, known for white eggs and decent meat production. It was created through systematic crossing of local Croatian farm chickens with imported Mediterranean and Continental breeds, producing a versatile bird suited to Croatia's diverse climate — from Mediterranean coastal heat to cold continental winters in the interior. The Hrvatica was formalised as a breed in the 1930s by Croatian agricultural scientists and was once widespread across Croatian farms. After World War II, the Yugoslav agricultural policy pushed uniformity, and the breed declined. Since Croatian independence in 1991, there has been a strong revival of interest in the Hrvatica as a national heritage breed. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hungarian Greyhound (Magyar Agar)

Medium to large sighthound from Hungary with sleek build. Friendly, gentle, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hungarian Kuvasz

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog with pure white coat. Loyal, courageous, and protective with a gentle nature toward family.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

Medium-sized hunting dog with wiry coat and distinctive beard. Energetic, loyal, and versatile worker.

Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus

Hyacinth Macaw

Largest flying parrot reaching nearly a meter in length. Stunning cobalt-blue plumage with gentle giant personality.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hygen Hound

Medium-sized Norwegian scent hound with a thick coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are persistent hunters adapted to cold Scandinavian winters.

Canis lupus familiaris

Hällefors Elkhound

Medium-sized Swedish spitz-type dog bred for moose hunting. Intelligent and courageous, they are loyal and energetic hunting companions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Ibizan Hound

Medium-sized primitive hound from Ibiza with large erect ears and a sleek body. Intelligent and energetic, they are elegant hunters with a playful nature.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Íslenska hænan (Icelandic Chicken)

One of the world's most genetically isolated and historically significant chicken breeds, descended from birds brought to Iceland by Norse settlers around 874 AD. Having developed in near-complete isolation for over 1,100 years on an island far from mainland poultry populations, Icelandic Chickens possess a unique gene pool found nowhere else on Earth. They come in an extraordinary variety of plumage colours, comb types, and body sizes, reflecting the natural mutations accumulated over more than a millennium without human standardisation. Classified as a critical genetic resource by the FAO's Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) and protected under Icelandic national law.

Canis lupus familiaris

Icelandic Sheepdog

Small to medium Spitz-type herding dog from Iceland. Friendly, cheerful, and eager to work.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Indian Game (Cornish)

A massively muscled British meat breed developed in Cornwall in the 1820s–1840s by crossing Asil and Old English Game with Malay, producing a compact, broad-breasted bird of extraordinary muscle density. Despite its name, Indian Game has no Indian origin — 'Indian' was Victorian-era shorthand for anything from Southeast Asia. The modern commercial broiler chicken is primarily an Indian Game cross — when crossed with the White Plymouth Rock in the 1950s, it became the template for virtually every supermarket chicken sold today. The most economically important chicken breed ever developed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Irish Red and White Setter

Large Irish setter with a striking red and white coat. Friendly and energetic, they are affectionate hunting dogs with a playful nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Irish Setter

Medium to large elegant gun dog with rich mahogany-red coat. Energetic, friendly, and affectionate family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Irish Terrier

Medium-sized, wiry-coated terrier with daring personality. Alert, courageous, and affectionate companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Irish Water Spaniel

Large, curly-coated water spaniel with distinctive 'rat tail.' Intelligent, energetic, and excellent swimmer.

Canis lupus familiaris

Irish Wolfhound

The tallest dog breed in the world. Gentle, loyal, and courageous despite its enormous size.

Canis lupus familiaris

Istrian Hound

Medium-sized Croatian scent hound from the Istria Peninsula. Intelligent and energetic, they are excellent hunters with a distinctive musical bark.

Canis lupus familiaris

Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Medium-sized Croatian scent hound with a short, dense coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are versatile hunters adapted to Mediterranean terrain.

Canis lupus familiaris

Italian Greyhound

Small, elegant sighthound, the miniature version of the Greyhound. Affectionate, sensitive, and playful.

Canis lupus familiaris

Italian Hound

Medium-sized Italian scent hound with ancient lineage. Intelligent and energetic, they are persistent hunters with a friendly disposition.

Canis lupus familiaris

Italian Rough-haired Hound

Medium-sized Italian scent hound with a rough, wiry coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are well-protected for hunting in dense vegetation.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ixworth

A rarely-seen British dual-purpose breed developed in the 1930s by Reginald Appleyard in the village of Ixworth, Suffolk, by crossing White Sussex, White Orpington, White Minorca, White Leghorn, and Jubilee Indian Game. Appleyard's goal was a fast-growing, all-white table bird that could also lay well — an attempt to create an ideal small farm chicken at a time when intensive farming was still decades away. The Ixworth is pure white with a pea comb (unusual for a British breed), produces a good carcass with well-set flesh, and lays cream to tinted eggs. It is now a rare breed on the RBST critical list.

Canis lupus familiaris

Jack Russell Terrier

Small, energetic terrier with intense personality. Courageous, playful, and loyal companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Japanese Bantam

An ancient true bantam that has been kept in Japan for over 350 years, featuring a uniquely short-legged, upright-tailed silhouette unlike any other bantam. The tail of the Japanese Bantam is carried nearly vertically — touching or almost touching the back of the head — giving it a distinctive 'letter J' profile. Short legs are caused by a gene that is lethal in homozygous form, meaning every breeding produces approximately one third of chicks that do not survive — a genetic characteristic unique to this breed.

Felis catus

Japanese Bobtail

A naturally occurring Japanese breed with a distinctive short, pom-pom tail caused by a recessive gene (different from Manx). Elegant, medium-sized with high cheekbones, large ears, and a lean body. Highly intelligent and vocal.

Canis lupus familiaris

Japanese Chin

Small, elegant toy breed with distinctive flat face and long, silky coat. Graceful, affectionate, and cat-like.

Canis lupus familiaris

Japanese Spitz

Small, fluffy Spitz-type dog with pure white coat. Intelligent, alert, and devoted companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Java

One of the oldest American breeds and the second breed developed entirely in the United States, the Java has roots going back to the early 19th century, where it was bred from Asian birds imported to the eastern seaboard. The Java was enormously important as the foundation stock for many later American breeds — the Barred Plymouth Rock, Jersey Giant, and others all have Java ancestry. By the early 20th century, the Java had been superseded by its own descendants and fell into critical rarity. Today it is one of the rarest breeds in North America, preserved by dedicated heritage breeders who recognise its historical importance as the genetic cornerstone of the American fancy.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Jersey Giant

The largest standard chicken breed in the world, developed in Burlington County, New Jersey in the 1870s–1880s by brothers John and Thomas Black with the explicit goal of replacing the turkey as America's Thanksgiving table bird. Roosters commonly reach 5–6 kg and stand exceptionally tall, with hens also reaching impressive market weights. Despite their enormous size, Jersey Giants are notably gentle, calm, and good-natured. Admitted to the APA Standard in 1922. Their slow growth rate (6+ months to reach full size) means they are kept primarily as heritage and exhibition birds today rather than for commercial production.

Canis lupus familiaris

Jämthund (Swedish Moose Dog)

Large Swedish spitz-type dog from the Jämtland region. Intelligent and courageous, they are loyal hunting dogs with a calm and steady temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Kai Ken

Medium-sized Japanese dog with distinctive brindle coat. Agile, intelligent, and loyal with strong hunting instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Kangal Shepherd Dog

Giant Turkish livestock guardian dog with a distinctive black mask. Loyal and courageous, they are calm protectors with an unmatched bite force.

Canis lupus familiaris

Karelian Bear Dog

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog with black and white coat. Courageous, independent, and tenacious hunter of large game.

Canis lupus familiaris

Keeshond

Medium Spitz-type dog with distinctive grey coat and markings resembling spectacles. Alert, intelligent, and good-natured companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Kerry Blue Terrier

Medium-sized terrier with distinctive soft blue-grey coat. Courageous, confident, and devoted companion.

Felis catus

Khao Manee

An ancient Thai breed known as the 'White Gem' — pure white coat with striking jewel-toned eyes that can be blue, gold, green, or odd-eyed. Medium-sized, muscular, and elegant. Considered sacred in Thailand for centuries.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Kindahöna

A rare Swedish landrace chicken from the Kinda region of Östergötland province in southern Sweden, an area of mixed forest, lakes, and small farms. The Kindahöna is a medium-sized, hardy bird with a single comb and clean legs, developed from the traditional farm chickens of the Kinda district where it survived as an unimproved landrace into the late 20th century. Plumage colour is variable: individual birds can be white, black, red, speckled, or any mix, reflecting the landrace tradition where productivity and survival mattered more than uniform colour. Kindahönas are calm, good foragers, and well-adapted to the cool, variable Swedish climate. The breed was identified during Swedish landrace poultry surveys in the 1980s–1990s and has been stabilised through the national gene bank programme. Registered in DAD-IS and maintained by Swedish conservation breeders, the Kindahöna is valued as part of Sweden's agricultural heritage.

Canis lupus familiaris

King Charles Spaniel

Small English companion spaniel with a silky coat. Affectionate and gentle, they are playful and loyal lap dogs with a calm temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Kishu

Medium-sized Japanese spitz-type dog from the Kishu region. Loyal and calm, they are courageous hunters with a strong bond to their family.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ko Shamo

A Japanese true bantam derived from the larger Shamo fighting breed, the Ko Shamo ('Ko' meaning small) is a miniature version of one of Japan's most ancient game breeds. Like its large counterpart, the Ko Shamo has an upright, forward-leaning posture, extremely hard and sparse feathering that leaves parts of the breast bare, a broad flat skull, and strong legs. It is kept entirely as an ornamental and exhibition bird in Europe, where it was introduced by Japanese poultry enthusiasts. The EE recognises the Ko Shamo as a true bantam breed. Despite its small size — cocks weigh only around 700–900 grams — it carries itself with the authority and presence of a much larger bird.

Canis lupus familiaris

Komondor

Large Hungarian livestock guardian with distinctive corded white coat resembling dreadlocks. Independent, confident, and protective.

Felis catus

Korat

An ancient Thai breed with a silver-tipped blue coat, heart-shaped face, and luminous green eyes. One of the oldest stable breeds, documented in the 14th-century 'Cat-Book Poems.' Playful but more reserved than the Siamese. Considered a good-luck cat.

Canis lupus familiaris

Korean Jindo Dog

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog from Korea with thick coat and curled tail. Loyal, intelligent, and courageous hunter.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Kraienköppe (Kraienköpfe)

A Dutch-German fighting breed developed in the border region between the Netherlands (Twente) and Germany (Westphalia), the Kraienköppe — literally 'Crow's Heads' in the local dialect — is one of the most respected European gamefowl breeds. It is a large, upright bird with a walnut comb, hard feathering, and a fierce, intelligent expression. The breed was developed from Old English Game and local Dutch-German farm chickens in the 19th century, producing a gamefowl that combined the courage and musculature of the English fighter with the hardiness and foraging ability of continental farm stock. Although cockfighting is now banned, Kraienköppe are kept as exhibition and conservation breeds by dedicated fanciers on both sides of the Dutch-German border. The breed is recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG, and remains highly prized in poultry show circles.

Canis lupus familiaris

Kromfohrländer

Small German companion dog from the Siegerland region. Friendly and intelligent, they are playful and loyal family companions.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Krüper

A rare German dual-purpose breed with an unusual genetic trait: the Krüper gene causes severely shortened legs, producing a bird that stands low to the ground with a horizontal carriage — the Krüper is the German equivalent of the Scots Dumpy or the Japanese 'creeper' breeds. Originating in Westphalia and the Rhineland region of western Germany, Krüpers were developed in the 19th century as practical farm chickens. Their low-to-ground posture made them easier to keep in small enclosures and surprisingly good foragers in low vegetation. The Krüper gene is a dominant lethal — embryos with two copies of the gene die in the shell, so breeding requires careful planning. Now extremely rare, the Krüper is maintained by a small group of German breeders and is recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Felis catus

Kurilian Bobtail

A naturally occurring breed from the Kuril Islands between Russia and Japan, with a distinctive pom-pom bobbed tail. Strong, muscular, with a wild appearance. Known for exceptional fishing ability — they're excellent swimmers and hunters.

Gallus gallus domesticus

La Flèche

An ancient and imposing French meat breed from the town of La Flèche in the Sarthe department, once considered the finest table fowl in France and supplied to royal banquets. La Flèche is distinguished by its unusual V-shaped horn comb — two straight points rising like devil's horns — and its entirely jet-black plumage with a strong beetle-green iridescence. A large, active bird, it was the backbone of the famous Le Mans capons (castrated males raised for the French luxury table).

Felis catus

LaPerm

A curly-coated breed distinguished by its soft, springy, rippled coat that forms loose ringlets and waves. Longhair and shorthair varieties. Affectionate, gentle, and playful. Some kittens are born bald and grow curls later.

Canis lupus familiaris

Labrador Retriever

America's most popular dog breed. Outgoing, high-spirited, and friendly with excellent family companion qualities.

Canis lupus familiaris

Lagotto Romagnolo

Medium-sized water dog with thick, curly woolly coat. The only dog breed specialized for truffle hunting. Affectionate and intelligent.

Canis lupus familiaris

Lakeland Terrier

Small to medium terrier with wiry coat. Alert, confident, and friendly companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Lakenvelder

A sharply two-toned breed from the border region between the Netherlands and Germany, with pure white body plumage contrasting with jet-black head, neck hackle, and tail — described as 'shadow on a sheet' (shadow on a linen cloth). Lakenvelders are active, light-bodied layers of medium white eggs and impressive free-range foragers. The breed nearly disappeared in the 20th century and remains rare today, maintained by dedicated breeders across continental Europe.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Lamona

A rare American dual-purpose breed developed by Harry S. Lamon at the USDA experimental station in Beltsville, Maryland, between 1912 and 1933. The Lamona was created by crossing Silver-Grey Dorkings, White Plymouth Rocks, and Single-Comb White Leghorns — an unusual combination that produced a bird with white plumage, yellow skin, a single comb, and red earlobes that nevertheless lays white-shelled eggs. This is significant because red earlobes typically indicate brown eggs — the Lamona breaks the earlobe-egg colour rule. The breed was designed to be the ideal American farm chicken: excellent egg production, good meat quality, calm temperament, and reliable autosexing at hatch. The Lamona was recognised by the APA in 1933 and briefly seemed poised to become America's dominant farm breed, but was overtaken by industrial hybrids and is now critically endangered. The EE does not yet formally recognise the Lamona.

Canis lupus familiaris

Lancashire Heeler

Small herding dog with short legs and a sturdy build. Intelligent, alert, and affectionate companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Landseer

Large, black and white working dog closely related to the Newfoundland. Known for water rescue and gentle temperament.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Croad Langshan

A tall, stately Chinese breed imported to Britain by Major A.C. Croad in 1872 from the Langshan district of Jiangsu province. Croad Langshans are distinguished by their graceful U-shaped body silhouette (when viewed from the side), black plumage with beetle-green iridescence, and lightly feathered feet. They are dual-purpose birds laying dark plum-brown eggs and growing to a decent table weight. Langshans contributed dark egg colour to the Barnevelder and Marans through crossbreeding.

Canis lupus familiaris

Lapponian Herder

Medium-sized Finnish spitz-type dog from Lapland with a thick double coat. Intelligent and friendly, they are loyal reindeer herders adapted to Arctic conditions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Large Munsterlander

Large versatile hunting dog with long black and white coat. Intelligent, gentle, and excellent pointing and retrieving dog.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Le Merlerault

An exceptionally rare French dual-purpose breed from the town of Le Merlerault in the Orne department of Normandy. Developed in the 19th century, Le Merlerault is a large, upright white bird with a single comb, clean legs, and white skin — the classic profile of a Norman farm butcher's chicken. The breed was prized in Normandy's horse-breeding country, where stud farms kept large poultry flocks and Le Merlerault was the chicken of choice. Hens lay white eggs and are good sitters, and the breed produces a notably fine-textured meat. The collapse of traditional farming in rural Normandy after 1950 nearly drove the breed extinct, and by the 1980s only a handful of birds survived. Recovery efforts by SCAF have slowly rebuilt the population, but Le Merlerault remains one of France's rarest chicken breeds. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Leghorn

The world's premier white-egg layer, originating from the port of Livorno in Tuscany. Leghorns are lean, alert, and relentlessly productive — a single hen regularly lays 280–320 large white eggs per year. Their lightweight frame means almost all feed energy goes into egg production rather than body mass, making them the foundation of the commercial egg industry worldwide. Active and independent, they thrive in free-range systems.

Canis lupus familiaris

Leonberger

Large, majestic working dog with lion-like mane. Gentle, loyal, and excellent family companion despite imposing size.

Canis lupus familiaris

Lhasa Apso

Small, long-haired toy breed from Tibet. Alert, confident, and independent with a keen watchdog instinct.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Lincolnshire Buff

A large, buff-coloured table breed that was once widely kept in Lincolnshire and surrounding English counties as a premium meat bird for the London market, the Lincolnshire Buff was effectively extinct by the mid-20th century. The original breed disappeared when commercial poultry farming took over, but a reconstruction programme beginning in the 1980s and 1990s used surviving Lincolnshire Buff-type birds crossed with Buff Orpington, Buff Sussex, and Buff Cochin to rebuild a breed that resembles historical descriptions. The reconstructed Lincolnshire Buff is a slow-growing, large-framed, calm bird with good foraging ability.

Agapornis

Lovebird

Small, colorful parrot named for their strong pair bonds. Bonded pairs spend hours grooming and sitting close.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Luttehøns

An extremely rare Danish landrace chicken, the Luttehøns is one of Denmark's smallest native chicken breeds — the name roughly translates to 'little hen' in Danish dialect. Originating from small farms on the island of Lolland and the surrounding southern Danish archipelago, Luttehøns are tiny bantam-like birds though technically classified as small large fowl. They have a single comb, clean legs, and a compact, rounded body. Plumage is variable — white, brown, black, speckled, or mixed — reflecting their landrace origin where uniform colour was never a priority. Luttehøns were the traditional chicken of Danish smallholders who valued a bird that could forage for itself on minimal feed and still produce a respectable number of small tinted eggs. The breed nearly disappeared with the industrialisation of Danish agriculture after 1950 but has been rescued by Danish conservation breeders. Registered in DAD-IS and maintained by DFfR (Dansk Fjerkræ Forum) as a national heritage breed.

Felis catus

Lykoi

A partially hairless breed with a unique werewolf-like appearance caused by a natural mutation. Sparse coat with a roan pattern, hairless patches around eyes, nose, and chin. Despite the scary name, they're affectionate, loyal, and playful.

Canis lupus familiaris

Löwchen (Little Lion Dog)

Small companion dog with a distinctive lion-like clip. Friendly and intelligent, they are playful and affectionate lap dogs with a cheerful disposition.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Lütticher Kämpfer (Combattant de Liège)

The most famous and formidable of the Belgian fighting breeds, developed in and around the city of Liège in Wallonia. The Lütticher Kämpfer (Combattant de Liège in French) is an enormous gamefowl, among the tallest and heaviest fighting chickens in the world, with a triple comb, exceptionally hard feathering, and a long, powerful neck and legs. It was bred for the Walloon cockpit over centuries, and Liège was the epicentre of Belgian cockfighting culture. The breed's size and fearsome reputation made it one of the most valuable fighting cocks in Europe during the 19th century. Although cockfighting in Belgium was banned in 1929 (earlier than in most European countries), the breed was preserved by fanciers who valued its majestic appearance and historical importance. Now kept purely as an exhibition and conservation breed, it is recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Felis catus

Maine Coon

One of the largest domestic cat breeds — a natural breed from Maine, USA with a muscular build, tufted ears, bushy tail, and water-resistant shaggy coat. Despite their size, they're famously gentle and sociable. Known as 'gentle giants.'

Canis lupus familiaris

Majorca Mastiff

Large molosser breed from Majorca with a muscular build. Courageous and loyal, they are calm family companions with strong protective instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Majorca Shepherd Dog

Large shepherd dog from Majorca with a powerful build. Intelligent, loyal, and protective, they are excellent working dogs and devoted family guardians.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Malay

One of the tallest and most ancient chicken breeds in the world, brought to Europe from Southeast Asia in the 1830s. Malays stand nearly a metre tall with an extremely upright carriage, powerful muscular build, hard tight feathering, and a walnut comb flat to the skull. Historically used across Asia in cockfighting, Malays contributed size and athletic build to many Western breeds including the Cornish (Indian Game) and Brahma. A proud, hard-feathered exhibition breed today with a notably stern expression.

Canis lupus familiaris

Maltese

Small toy breed with long, silky white coat. Gentle, playful, and affectionate companion with a charming personality.

Canis lupus familiaris

Manchester Terrier

Small, sleek terrier with glossy black and tan coat. Alert, loyal, and keen hunter.

Felis catus

Manx

Famous for being tailless or having only a stub, the Manx originated on the Isle of Man. Rounded body, deep flank, and hind legs longer than front — giving a rabbit-like hop. Extremely loyal and playful with a quiet voice.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Marans

A French dual-purpose breed from the port town of Marans in the Charente-Maritime, celebrated for producing the darkest eggs of any breed — deep chocolate-brown shells so dark they look almost mahogany. Marans were developed through crosses of local marsh hens with fighting cocks brought by English sailors and later with Langshans. The French standard requires feathered legs in most colour varieties. Marans eggs are coveted by chefs and gourmets across Europe.

Canis lupus familiaris

Maremma Sheepdog

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog with thick white coat. Independent, courageous, and devoted to its flock.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Marsh Daisy

A rare British breed with a complex ancestry, the Marsh Daisy was developed in Lancashire in the late 19th century by John Wright using Old English Game, Malay, White Leghorn, Sicilian Buttercup, and Cinnamon Malay — one of the most diverse foundation crosses of any British breed. The resulting bird is a medium-sized, willow-legged, rose-combed fowl that comes in several colours and is adapted to damp, marshy ground — reflected in its name. Marsh Daisies are alert foragers, hardy, and productive on free range, but critically rare today with only a few hundred birds in existence.

Canis lupus familiaris

Mastiff

Giant, powerful dog with massive head and muscular build. Despite size, gentle, loyal, and protective with family.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Mechelen (Malines)

Belgium's premier table breed, originating from the city of Mechelen (Malines in French) in Antwerp province. The Mechelen is a large, heavily built cuckoo-patterned bird — each black and white barred feather giving the breed a steely grey appearance — developed for its exceptional meat quality and impressive market weight. Méchelse Koekoek (Mechelen Cuckoo) was the centrepiece of the Belgian Christmas poultry market and was exported across Europe as a luxury table bird.

Felis catus

Mekong Bobtail

A naturally occurring colorpoint breed from Southeast Asia with a short, kinked bobtail. Descended from royal Siamese cats given to Russian nobility. Medium-sized, elegant, with vivid blue eyes and a unique multi-kinked tail.

Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature American Shepherd

Small herding dog resembling a miniature Australian Shepherd. Intelligent, energetic, and eager to please.

Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature Bull Terrier

Small, muscular terrier resembling a miniature Bull Terrier. Playful, obedient, and devoted companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature Dachshund

Smaller version of the standard Dachshund with the same long body and short legs. Bred to hunt rabbits and smaller burrow-dwelling animals.

Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature Pinscher

Small but spirited working dog with confident attitude. Alert, intelligent, and fearless despite tiny size.

Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature Poodle

Smaller version of the Standard Poodle with the same intelligence and elegant appearance. Lively, trainable, and affectionate.

Canis lupus familiaris

Miniature Schnauzer

Small working dog with distinctive beard and eyebrows. Alert, intelligent, and spirited companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Minorca

The largest of the Mediterranean breeds and a celebrated exhibition bird, known for its dramatic oversized single comb and enormous white earlobes — a striking badge of Mediterranean ancestry. Minorcas are superb white-egg layers whose large, chalk-white eggs were once premium market sellers in Britain. Heat-tolerant and active, they were once one of Britain's most popular farm breeds before Leghorns eclipsed them commercially.

Felis catus

Minskin

A dwarf breed combining short legs (Munchkin), hairlessness points (Sphynx), with fur on extremities (nose, ears, legs, tail). Small body with big personality. Friendly, outgoing, and loves to cuddle.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Modern Game

A tall, slender exhibition breed developed in Britain after cock-fighting was banned in 1849, by crossing Old English Game birds with Malay to create an athletic, sculpted show bird rather than a fighting or utility animal. Modern Games are bred purely for their extreme upright posture, tight feathering, very long legs, and small head — a silhouette unlike any other chicken breed. They lay very few eggs and carry almost no meat, existing entirely as living art in the show world.

Canis lupus familiaris

Montenegrin Mountain Hound

Medium-sized Montenegrin scent hound built for mountain terrain. Intelligent and persistent, they are courageous hunters in alpine conditions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Mudi

Medium-sized Hungarian herding dog with a wavy or curly coat. Intelligent and versatile, they are energetic working dogs with a courageous spirit.

Felis catus

Munchkin

The founding dwarf breed — naturally occurring short legs caused by a dominant gene (like Dachshunds). Normal-sized body on short legs. Confident, outgoing, and surprisingly fast despite low stature. Controversial due to health concerns.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Naine belge (Belgische kriel)

A Belgian true bantam breed representing a specific type of clean-legged, single-combed Belgian bantam standardised separately from the more famous d'Anvers and d'Uccle breeds. The Naine belge (literally 'Belgian Dwarf') is a small, neat bantam with a single comb, clean legs, and a rounded, compact body. Its beard and muffs are well-developed, and it comes in multiple colour varieties including black, white, cuckoo, and blue. The breed was developed alongside the other great Belgian bantams in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Belgian fanciers systematically created and standardised dozens of distinct bantam breeds — a unique flowering of poultry diversity. The Naine belge is less well-known internationally than the d'Anvers or d'Uccle but is an important part of the complete Belgian bantam family. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Naine de Waes (Waasse kriel)

A Belgian true bantam from the Waasland (Pays de Waes) region of East Flanders, the fertile polder area between Antwerp and Ghent. The Naine de Waes is a small, clean-legged true bantam with a single comb, rounded body, and full beard and muffs — the classic Belgian bantam silhouette. Its plumage typically appears in cuckoo (barred) and other colour varieties. The breed was developed by Flemish poultry fanciers in the Waasland area in the early 20th century, as the Belgian bantam craze spread from Brussels out into the provinces. Waasland was and remains an intensely agricultural region, producing vegetables, potatoes, and livestock on some of Belgium's richest farmland. The Naine de Waes reflects this deep agricultural heritage — a tiny, ornamental bird bred for beauty by farmers whose working animals were horses and cows, but whose pride was in their exhibition poultry. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Naine du Tournaisis (Doornikse kriel)

A Belgian true bantam from the Tournaisis region around the city of Tournai (Doornik) in Hainaut province, Wallonia — one of Belgium's oldest cities with roots going back to Roman times. The Naine du Tournaisis is a small, clean-legged true bantam with a single comb, rounded body, and the characteristic Belgian bantam beard and muffs. Its plumage varieties include cuckoo, black, white, and blue, and the breed has a particularly neat, refined appearance that reflects its origin in a region known for craftsmanship and art. The Tournaisis area has a distinct cultural identity within Wallonia, and the Naine du Tournaisis was developed by local poultry fanciers who wanted their own recognised breed to distinguish their fanciers' club from those in neighbouring regions. Like all Belgian true bantams, it is purely ornamental and was created for the show bench. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Nankin Bantam

One of the oldest true bantam breeds in the Western world, the Nankin Bantam is thought to have been brought to Europe from Southeast Asia — possibly via Nanking (Nanjing), China, hence the name — by trade ships of the East India Companies in the 17th century. It is among the few true bantam breeds with no large-fowl counterpart, making it a genuinely miniature original breed rather than a miniaturised version of an existing large breed. The Nankin is buff-orange in colour, carries a single or rose comb depending on the variety, and is one of the most reliably broody of all bantam breeds — historically used by poultry keepers as surrogate mothers for other species' eggs and chicks. Critically endangered.

Felis catus

Napoleon

A dwarf breed created by crossing Munchkins with Persians or Exotics. Round face, cobby body, short legs, and a plush coat. Sweet-natured and affectionate. Known as the Minuet in TICA for its graceful, doll-like appearance.

Canis lupus familiaris

Neapolitan Mastiff

Giant, massive dog with loose, wrinkled skin and imposing presence. Protective, loyal, and steady guardian.

Felis catus

Nebelung

A longhaired Russian Blue — medium blue-grey coat with silver tipping, vivid green eyes, and a graceful build. Their name means 'creature of the mist' in German. Shy with strangers, deeply devoted to family. Rare breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Nenets Herding Laika

Medium-sized Russian spitz-type dog from the Siberian Arctic. Intelligent and friendly, they are versatile reindeer herders and sled dogs.

Gallus gallus domesticus

New Hampshire

Developed in the state of New Hampshire from selected Rhode Island Red stock in the early 20th century, with breeders emphasising faster feathering, earlier maturity, and heavier body weight. New Hampshires are a warm chestnut-red — slightly lighter than Rhode Island Reds — and are productive layers of brown eggs that also reach table weight faster than most heritage breeds. Their rapid growth made them an important component of early broiler (meat chicken) industry development in the USA.

Canis lupus familiaris

Newfoundland

Giant, powerful working dog with water-resistant coat. Known for lifesaving water rescue abilities and gentle temperament.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Niederrheiner

A robust German dual-purpose breed developed in the Lower Rhine region (Niederrhein) of North Rhine-Westphalia in the early 20th century. Created to provide productive, self-sufficient farmyard chickens suited to the cold, damp climate of the Rhine valley, Niederrheiners combine good egg production with a decent table weight. They are calm, hardy, and easy to manage, making them popular with smallholders and hobby farmers across Germany and the Netherlands.

Canis lupus familiaris

Norbottenspets

Small Spitz-type dog from Sweden with thick coat and curled tail. Alert, intelligent, and excellent hunting dog.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Noord-Hollands Hoen

A traditional Dutch egg-laying breed from the province of North Holland, specifically the Waterland and Zaanstreek regions north of Amsterdam. The Noord-Hollands Hoen (often called the North Holland Blue in English despite its official name) is actually most recognised in its cuckoo-barred blue-grey plumage, though it also appears in white and black. It is a medium-sized, active bird bred for reliable white-egg production in the early 20th century, developed by crossing local Dutch farm chickens with imported American breeds such as the Barred Plymouth Rock. The result was a hardy, productive layer well-suited to the damp, windy polder landscape. By the 1970s the breed was near extinction, but Dutch poultry conservationists rescued it. Now recognised by the EE Europastandard and kept by a growing number of Dutch and Belgian enthusiasts.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Norfolk Grey

A rare British dual-purpose conservation breed created in Norfolk during World War I by Fred Myhill of Norwich, by crossing Birchen English Game with Silver Duckwing Leghorns. Myhill aimed to produce a self-sufficient farmyard bird suited to East Anglian conditions — and the result was a handsome, upright bird with striking silver-birchen plumage. Cocks carry silver hackle, black body and breast with silver lacing; hens display silver-grey pencilled plumage. Once popular across East Anglian farmyards, they are now critically rare and maintained by Poultry Club of Great Britain (PCGB) conservation breeders.

Canis lupus familiaris

Norfolk Terrier

Small, sturdy terrier with affectionate nature. Alert, loyal, and good-natured companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Norwegian Buhund

Medium-sized Spitz-type herding dog with thick coat and curled tail. Intelligent, energetic, and loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

Norwegian Elkhound

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog with thick grey coat. Courageous, loyal, and excellent hunting and guard dog.

Felis catus

Norwegian Forest Cat

A large, natural breed from Scandinavia with a thick, water-resistant double coat, tufted ears, and bushy tail — adaptations for harsh winters. Muscular, excellent climbers, and deeply bonded to their families. Featured in Norse mythology.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Jærhøne (Norwegian Jaerhon)

Norway's only indigenous chicken breed and the most productive layer of any Scandinavian native breed, originating from the Jæren region of Rogaland county in south-west Norway — a flat, exposed coastal landscape swept by Atlantic winds. Developed from Norwegian farmyard landraces and standardised in the early 20th century, the Jærhøne is compact, active, and extremely cold-hardy. It is an auto-sexing breed — male and female chicks have distinctly different down colours at hatch. Recognised by the Norwegian Poultry Association and the Scandinavian Poultry Standard, the Jærhøne is a national agricultural heritage breed listed in Norway's gene bank.

Canis lupus familiaris

Norwegian Lundehund

Small Spitz-type dog with unique six-toed feet and extreme flexibility. Bred to hunt puffins on Norwegian cliffs.

Canis lupus familiaris

Norwich Terrier

Small, sturdy terrier with prick ears. Alert, loyal, and good-natured companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Medium-sized retriever known for unique 'tolling' technique to lure waterfowl. Intelligent, energetic, and playful.

Felis catus

Ocicat

A spotted breed that looks like a wild ocelot but has no wild DNA — entirely domestic. Muscular, athletic, with spots on a warm agouti background. Large, generous personality; intelligent, trainable, and loves water. Created accidentally from Siamese-Abyssinian crosses.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ohiki

A rare Japanese ornamental breed developed on Shikoku Island, specifically in Kochi Prefecture, as one of Japan's long-tailed fowl. The Ohiki is a small to medium-sized bird known for its extraordinarily long saddle feathers and tail coverts — though not as extreme as the Onagadori, the Ohiki's tail feathers can still reach impressive lengths and require careful management. The breed has a single comb, clean legs, and a proud, upright posture typical of Japanese ornamental breeds. The name 'Ohiki' translates roughly to 'tail dragger', describing the way the long feathers sweep the ground. Developed during the Edo period (1603–1868) by Japanese poultry fanciers who valued long-tailed breeds as living art forms, the Ohiki is now rare even in Japan and even rarer outside it. The EE has recognised the Ohiki as a standardised breed under the Europastandard, and a small number of European breeders maintain it as a highly specialised conservation project.

Felis catus

Ojos Azules

Named for their 'blue eyes' in Spanish, this breed was discovered as a feral mutation in New Mexico. A dominant gene produces intense blue eyes even in non-white cats. Extremely rare — breeding was suspended due to cranial defects linked to the gene.

Canis lupus familiaris

Old Danish Pointing Dog

Medium-sized Danish pointing dog with a white and brown coat. Calm and intelligent, they are loyal and friendly hunting companions.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Old English Game

Britain's oldest breed type and one of the most historically significant chickens in the world, descended directly from the fighting birds that were kept in Britain before and during the Roman period. After cock-fighting was outlawed in 1849, Old English Game birds were redirected into the show world, where dozens of colour varieties were standardised. They are compact, muscular, and bold — naturally aggressive between males but manageable in single-pair or free-range systems.

Canis lupus familiaris

Old English Sheepdog

Large, muscular sheepdog with distinctive shaggy coat covering eyes. Friendly, playful, and adaptable, these gentle giants are excellent family companions.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Onagadori

The most extraordinary long-tailed chicken breed in the world, the Onagadori is a Japanese national treasure developed in Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island during the Edo period. Unlike all other chickens, the Onagadori possesses a genetic mutation that prevents its tail feathers from moulting — they grow continuously for the bird's entire life, reaching lengths of 6 to 10 metres (20–33 feet) or more in exceptional specimens. The record tail feather length exceeds 13 metres. In Japan, Onagadori are kept in specialised tall, narrow cages where the magnificent tails are carefully draped and protected from damage. The breed has a walnut comb and clean legs, and is kept purely as an ornamental and cultural treasure — roosters are among the most valuable single chickens in the world, with top specimens valued at tens of thousands of euros. The EE recognises the Onagadori under the Europastandard, though very few exist outside Japan.

Felis catus

Oriental Longhair

The longhaired version of the Oriental Shorthair — sleek, svelte, and elegant with a silky, close-lying semi-long coat and large bat-like ears. Comes in all colors and patterns without points. Vocal, affectionate, and very social.

Felis catus

Oriental Shorthair

A Siamese without colorpoints — same elegant, svelte body, wedge-shaped head, and large ears, but in every solid color, tabby, tortie, and smoke pattern imaginable. Highly vocal, intelligent, and emotionally demanding. Over 300 color/pattern combinations.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Orloff

A cold-hardy breed of debated origin — named after Count Orloff-Tschesmensky of Russia who popularised it in Europe in the 18th century, though the type likely originated in Persia (Iran) and arrived in Russia via the Caucasus. Orloffs are powerfully built birds with a small walnut comb, very dense plumage, and feathered muffs and beard, features that make them exceptionally resistant to freezing temperatures. They lay a moderate number of brown eggs and have a dignified, upright carriage.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Orpington

A large, fluffy, gentle British breed created by William Cook of Orpington, Kent in 1886, by crossing Minorcas, Langshans, and Plymouth Rocks to produce a handsome black bird that would impress at shows while remaining productive on the farm. The later Buff Orpington — golden and plush-feathered — became Victoria's favourite hen and sparked the 'hen fever' craze in Britain. Orpingtons are calm, heavy-feathered birds that bear cold winters well and make exceptional family pets.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Orusthöna

A Swedish landrace chicken from the island of Orust on the west coast of Sweden, north of Gothenburg. Orust is Sweden's fourth-largest island, and its relative isolation allowed a distinct local chicken type to develop over centuries. The Orusthöna is a medium-sized, robust bird with a single comb and clean legs, adapted to the damp, windy coastal conditions of the Bohuslän archipelago. Its plumage is variable — birds can be white, black, grey, speckled, or patched — reflecting its unimproved landrace heritage. Orusthönas are excellent foragers, able to survive on the thin, rocky soils of the Bohuslän coast where vegetation is sparse and the weather unforgiving. The breed was rediscovered in the 1980s by Swedish poultry conservationists and has since been stabilised through the national gene bank. Registered in DAD-IS and maintained by a small group of Swedish breeders.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ostfriesische Möwe (East Frisian Gull)

A striking German dual-purpose breed from East Frisia (Ostfriesland), the coastal region of Lower Saxony bordering the North Sea. The Ostfriesische Möwe — literally 'East Frisian Gull' — is named for its gull-like colouring: predominantly white body with black tail feathers and sometimes black wing markings, resembling the herring gulls that follow fishing boats along the Frisian coast. Developed in the early 20th century from local East Frisian farm chickens, it was selected for good egg production and decent meat quality in a hardy, wind-resistant package. Ostfriesische Möwen were common on small mixed farms across the Frisian marshes but declined when the region's agriculture shifted toward large-scale dairy and arable farming after 1950. Rescued by German conservation breeders, the breed is recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Canis lupus familiaris

Otterhound

Large, shaggy scent hound with webbed feet. Bred for otter hunting, now one of the rarest dog breeds.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Oxford Old English Game

The second of two distinct standardised types of Old English Game recognised by the Poultry Club of Great Britain, the Oxford type is characterised by a taller, more upright build, longer back, and more rangy appearance compared to the compact Carlisle type. Developed by fanciers in the Oxford area and the English Midlands during the 19th century, the Oxford type was selected for a more elegant, longer silhouette that some argue is closer to the original fighting type of Old English Game. It has a single comb, clean legs, hard feathering, and is bred in an enormous range of colour varieties — OEG is said to have more recognised colour varieties than any other breed in the PCGB standard. After cockfighting was banned in Britain, the Oxford type became a pure exhibition breed. The Oxford-Carlisle divide is one of the oldest and most enduring splits in British poultry history. Not yet recognised separately by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Padovana

An ornamental Italian crested breed from the city of Padova (Padua) in the Veneto region, with a history stretching back several centuries in northern Italian noble gardens and farmyards. The Padovana is recognised by its large, rounded full crest that hangs forward over the face, completely obscuring the V-comb beneath, a full beard, and muffled cheeks. Its appearance strongly resembles the Polish breed, and the two may share a common ancestor. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and maintained by Italian conservation breeders, the Padovana is a rare and historically significant Italian heritage breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Papillon

Small, elegant toy breed with distinctive butterfly-like ears. Intelligent, energetic, and friendly companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Parson Russell Terrier

Small, energetic terrier with longer legs than the Jack Russell. Intelligent, fearless, and loyal.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Pavilly

A rare French dual-purpose breed from the town of Pavilly in Seine-Maritime, Upper Normandy. The Pavilly is a medium-large bird developed in the early 20th century, characterised by solid black plumage, a single comb, clean legs, and white skin. It was bred as a farm chicken for the small mixed holdings of the Caux region, producing white eggs and decent meat. The breed's black colour was deliberately selected — black feathers were easier to keep clean-looking in the damp, muddy conditions of Norman farmyards, and black pinfeathers are less visible on a dressed carcass, making the Pavilly a practical market bird. After 1950, Normandy's farm structure changed dramatically, and the Pavilly nearly vanished. SCAF and the EE Europastandard recognise it, and a small group of Norman breeders keep the breed alive today.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Pekin Bantam

The quintessential ornamental bantam and Britain's most popular garden chicken, the Pekin (called Cochin Bantam in the USA) is a small, round, fluffy bird so thickly feathered on its feet and legs that it appears to have no legs at all — it rocks forward as it walks, giving it a characteristic 'rocking horse' gait. Pekins are the ideal beginner's chicken: tame, friendly, quiet, easily handled by children, and content in a small garden. Their temperament is as plush and soft as their feathering.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pekingese

Small, compact toy breed with distinctive flat face and lion-like mane. Dignified, independent, and loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Small, sturdy herding dog with short legs and pointed ears. Intelligent, affectionate, and famously beloved by British royalty.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Penedesenca

A rare Catalan breed from the Penedès wine region of Catalonia, best known for producing some of the darkest brown eggs of any breed — deep chocolate-brown shells that rival even the Marans. Penedesencas are immediately distinguished by their extraordinary carnation comb, a flat ring of multiple points resembling the petals of a carnation flower, found in no other breed in the world. An active, hardy Mediterranean layer, the Penedesenca was rescued from near-extinction in the 1980s by Catalan conservation breeders and is now recognised by both the EE Europastandard and the Société Centrale Avicole de France (SCAF).

Felis catus

Persian

The most recognized cat breed — a short, stocky, cobby cat with a round head, flat face (brachycephalic), large round eyes, and a long, flowing, plush coat. Calm, dignified, and deeply affectionate. Extensive grooming is essential. One of the oldest breeds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Medium-sized hairless dog from Peru with elegant build. Affectionate, alert, and sensitive.

Felis catus

Peterbald

A hairless breed from St. Petersburg, Russia, created by crossing the Donskoy with Oriental Shorthairs and Siamese. Can be completely bald, flocked, velour, or brush-coated. Elegant, Oriental-type body. Highly intelligent and affectionate.

Canis lupus familiaris

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

Small, rough-coated scent hound with short legs and long body. Energetic, friendly, and determined hunter.

Canis lupus familiaris

Petit Bleu de Gascogne

Medium-sized French hound from Gascony with a blue-mottled coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are persistent hunters of small game.

Canis lupus familiaris

Petit Brabancon

Small Belgian companion dog with a smooth short coat. Intelligent and alert, they are lively and affectionate dogs with a cheerful disposition.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pharaoh Hound

Medium-sized elegant sighthound with striking amber eyes. Known for 'blushing' when excited — ears and nose turn pink.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Phoenix

A spectacular German-developed ornamental breed bred from Japanese long-tailed fowl — primarily Onagadori, Minohiki, and Yokohama-type birds — that German breeder Hugo du Roi imported and standardised in the 1880s. Unlike the Yokohama (which focuses on saddle feather length), the Phoenix is specifically bred to achieve extraordinary total tail length — in ideal breeding and housing conditions, the saddle and tail feathers of cocks can grow continuously for years without moulting. The EE standard recognises the Phoenix as the definitive European long-tailed breed. Kept purely for exhibition, the Phoenix requires specialised tall housing and careful management to protect its plumage.

Canis lupus familiaris

Picardy Spaniel

Medium-sized French spaniel from Picardy with a brown and white coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are calm and affectionate hunting companions.

Felis catus

Pixie-bob

A breed developed to resemble a bobcat — spotted or ticked coat, short bobbed tail, tufted ears, and heavy brow. Large, muscular, with polydactyl paws common. Despite wild looks, DNA testing confirms they're fully domestic. Highly intelligent and dog-like.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Plymouth Rock

America's most famous dual-purpose breed, developed in New England in the 1860s and named after Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. The Barred Plymouth Rock — with its crisp black-and-white barring on every feather — became the foundation of the American poultry industry for a century. Rocks are calm, productive layers of brown eggs that also grow to a good table weight, and their large size and easy temperament make them among the most popular heritage breeds for backyard flocks worldwide.

Canis lupus familiaris

Poitevin

Large French hound from the Poitou region with a lean, athletic build. Energetic and intelligent, they are fast and enduring hunters.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Polbar

A Polish auto-sexing egg-laying breed developed at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin in the mid-20th century by Professor Laura Kaufman. The Polbar was created by crossing Polish Greenleg Partridge chickens with Plymouth Rocks, producing a breed where male and female chicks can be distinguished at day-old by down colour — making vent sexing unnecessary. This was a deliberate effort to create a Polish equivalent to the British auto-sexing breeds developed at Cambridge University. The Polbar is a medium-sized, active bird with barred plumage reminiscent of the Plymouth Rock, laying white-shelled eggs. It is cold-hardy and well-adapted to Polish free-range conditions. Though developed as a practical farm breed, the Polbar is now kept primarily for conservation and by enthusiasts who value its auto-sexing capability. Recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Polish (Poland)

One of the most visually dramatic of all chicken breeds, instantly recognisable by its enormous pom-pom crest of feathers that completely covers the top of the head. Despite the name, Polish chickens likely originated in the Netherlands — the name may derive from the Dutch word 'pol' meaning head. Their large round crests can obstruct vision, making them docile and easy to handle but vulnerable to predators. They lay white eggs regularly and are primarily kept as exhibition and ornamental birds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Polish Greyhound (Chart Polski)

Large, powerful sighthound from Poland with thick coat. Courageous, loyal, and excellent hunter.

Canis lupus familiaris

Polish Hound

Large, powerful scent hound with deep bark. Calm, loyal, and determined tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Medium-sized herding dog with long, thick coat covering eyes. Intelligent, confident, and independent with strong protective instincts.

Canis lupus familiaris

Polish Tatra Sheepdog

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog from Poland with thick white coat. Calm, loyal, and protective.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pomeranian

Small, fluffy Spitz-type dog with fox-like face. Intelligent, lively, and confident despite tiny size.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pont-Audemer Spaniel

Medium-sized French spaniel from Pont-Audemer with a curly coat. Friendly and intelligent, they are energetic and affectionate hunting dogs.

Canis lupus familiaris

Poodle (Standard)

Large, elegant dog with distinctive curly coat. One of the most intelligent breeds, excelling in obedience and agility.

Canis lupus familiaris

Porcelaine

Medium-sized scent hound from France with fine white coat and orange patches. Elegant, gentle, and excellent tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Portuguese Podengo

Medium-sized primitive hound from Portugal with large erect ears. Independent, intelligent, and lively.

Canis lupus familiaris

Portuguese Pointer

Medium-sized Portuguese pointing dog with a short coat. Intelligent and loyal, they are calm and affectionate hunting companions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Portuguese Sheepdog

Medium-sized herding dog from Portugal with long, goat-like coat. Intelligent, loyal, and excellent working dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Portuguese Water Dog

Medium-sized working dog with curly or wavy waterproof coat. Intelligent, energetic, and excellent swimmer.

Canis lupus familiaris

Posavatz Hound

Medium-sized Croatian scent hound from the Posavina region. Intelligent and friendly, they are persistent hunters adapted to marshy environments.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Poule de Zottegem

A Belgian egg-laying breed from the town of Zottegem in East Flanders, developed in the late 19th century as a productive white-egg layer for the Flemish market. The Poule de Zottegem is a medium-sized, active bird with a single comb, clean legs, and predominantly black or cuckoo plumage. It was created by crossing local Flemish farm chickens with imported Italian Leghorns — a familiar pattern in late 19th-century European poultry development where Leghorn blood was used to boost egg production in many traditional breeds. Zottegem chickens were once common across East Flanders but declined when commercial hybrid layers dominated after 1950. Conservation breeding in Belgium has kept the breed alive, and it is recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct Belgian breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Prague Ratter

Small Czech companion dog from Prague, one of the smallest breeds in the world. Intelligent and lively, they are loyal and affectionate companions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pug

Small, compact dog with distinctive wrinkled face. Playful, affectionate, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Puli

Medium-sized Hungarian herding dog with a distinctive corded coat. Intelligent and lively, they are loyal working dogs with a playful nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pumi

Medium-sized Hungarian herding dog with a curly coat and distinctive ears. Intelligent and lively, they are alert and courageous working dogs.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pyrenean Mastiff

Giant livestock guardian dog from the Spanish Pyrenees with a thick white coat. Gentle and loyal with family, yet formidable when protecting livestock.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pyrenean Mountain Dog

Large, majestic livestock guardian dog with thick white coat. Gentle, patient, and protective with a calm demeanor.

Canis lupus familiaris

Pyrenean Shepherd

Small to medium herding dog from the Pyrenees mountains. Agile, energetic, and intelligent with a rustic appearance.

Canis lupus familiaris

Rabbit Dachshund (Kaninchenteckel)

The smallest Dachshund variety, bred specifically for hunting rabbits. Compact, courageous, and determined.

Felis catus

Ragamuffin

A large, plush teddy bear of a cat — similar to the Ragdoll but come in all colors and patterns. Known for their exceptionally docile, trusting nature and tendency to go limp when held. Sweet, patient, excellent with children and other pets.

Felis catus

Ragdoll

A large, colorpointed breed famous for going limp and relaxed when held — hence the name. Semi-longhaired, plush coat with striking blue eyes. Gentle, docile, and affectionate. One of the world's most popular breeds. Bred for temperament above all.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Ramelsloher

One of Germany's oldest documented chicken breeds, originating from the village of Ramelsloh near Winsen an der Luhe in Lower Saxony, with written records confirming the breed's existence from the 17th century. A medium-large dual-purpose bird with warm buff-yellow plumage, the Ramelsloher was once common across the Hamburg and Lower Saxony region as a practical farmyard hen. It declined steeply in the 20th century and nearly vanished, saved only by a small number of BDRG-affiliated conservation breeders who maintained breeding records and pedigree lines.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Rheinländer Huhn

A German dual-purpose breed from the Rhineland region, developed in the early 20th century by crossing local Rhineland farm chickens with Brahma and Langshan bloodlines — a familiar formula for creating large, productive farm breeds in Germany during this period. The Rheinländer Huhn is a heavily built bird with a single comb and clean legs, recognised in several colour varieties including white, black, and cuckoo. It was designed to be the universal farm chicken of the Rhineland — producing white eggs in quantity and providing substantial table birds from the surplus cockerels. After World War II, the breed nearly disappeared as German agriculture modernised and hybrid layers replaced traditional breeds. Conservation efforts by BDRG breeders have recovered the Rheinländer Huhn, and it is recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct German heritage breed.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Rhode Island Red

Developed in the late 19th century in the US state of Rhode Island by crossing Malay, Shanghai, Java, and Italian birds, the Rhode Island Red is among the world's most successful dual-purpose breeds — a reliable layer of brown eggs that also provides a decent table bird. The deep mahogany-red plumage is immediately recognisable and iconic. Rhode Island Reds are the foundation stock for many commercial hybrid laying strains and have been exported to every corner of the globe. The state bird of Rhode Island.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Rhode Island White

A distinct breed from the far more famous Rhode Island Red, the Rhode Island White was developed in 1888 by J. Alonzo Jocoy of Peacedale, Rhode Island, by crossing Partridge Cochins, White Wyandottes, and Rose Comb White Leghorns. Unlike the Rhode Island Red, the Rhode Island White carries a rose comb and is entirely white. It was admitted to the APA Standard of Perfection in 1922. The Rhode Island White is productive, calm, and capable in both egg production and meat quality, but has remained in the shadow of its red counterpart and is now considered a rare breed by the Livestock Conservancy.

Canis lupus familiaris

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Large, athletic hunting dog with distinctive ridge of hair along spine. Courageous, dignified, and loyal companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Rosecomb

One of England's oldest true bantams, kept at least since the reign of Richard III in the 15th century and documented in a royal record of 1483. Rosecombs are named for their distinctive, perfectly formed rose comb that must lie flat to the head and taper to a straight horizontal spike at the rear — a show standard that requires generations of careful breeding to achieve. They carry large round white earlobes, a feature also seen in Mediterranean breeds, and are primarily kept as exhibition birds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Rottweiler

Large, powerful working dog with distinctive black and tan coat. Confident, loyal, and protective with calm demeanor.

Canis lupus familiaris

Rough Collie

Large, elegant dog with long, flowing coat. Intelligent, loyal, and excellent with families. Made famous by the dog Lassie.

Canis lupus familiaris

Russian Black Terrier

Large, powerful working dog with thick black coat and beard. Courageous, intelligent, and loyal.

Felis catus

Russian Blue

A naturally occurring breed with a striking blue-grey double coat that shimmers with silver tips. Emerald green eyes, a wedge-shaped head, and a graceful, fine-boned body. Shy with strangers but deeply devoted to their chosen people.

Canis lupus familiaris

Russian Toy

Small Russian companion dog with a fine-boned build. Intelligent and lively, they are loyal and affectionate lap dogs with a big personality.

Canis lupus familiaris

Russian-European Laika

Medium-sized Spitz-type hunting dog from Russia with thick coat. Courageous, intelligent, and versatile hunter.

Canis lupus familiaris

Saarloos Wolfhound

Large wolf-like dog bred from German Shepherds and wolves. Independent, loyal, and reserved with strangers.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sachsenhuhn

A German dual-purpose breed from Saxony, developed in the early 20th century by crossing local Saxon farm chickens with Minorca, Langshan, and Plymouth Rock bloodlines. The Sachsenhuhn is a medium-large bird with a single comb and clean legs, bred specifically for Saxony's small mixed farms to produce tinted eggs and quality meat. Its plumage is typically black or black with gold hackles, and the breed is known for good feed conversion and hardiness in central European conditions. The Sachsenhuhn was popular between the wars but suffered badly under the GDR regime, when private poultry breeding was discouraged and many regional breeds were abandoned. After reunification, conservation efforts by German breeders rescued the Sachsenhuhn from near-extinction. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and maintained by BDRG breeders.

Canis lupus familiaris

Saint Bernard

Giant, powerful working dog famous for alpine rescue. Gentle, patient, and friendly despite imposing size.

Canis lupus familiaris

Saluki

Tall, slender sighthound with silky coat and feathered ears. One of the oldest known dog breeds, graceful and dignified.

Canis lupus familiaris

Samoyed

Large, fluffy white Spitz-type dog with distinctive 'Samoyed smile.' Friendly, gentle, and devoted companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Satsumadori

A Japanese ornamental fighting breed from the Satsuma domain (modern Kagoshima Prefecture) on Kyushu Island, developed during the Edo period (1603–1868). The Satsumadori is a large, upright, noble-looking bird with a walnut comb, hard feathering, and a distinctive long, arched neck. Its plumage follows traditional Japanese gamefowl colour patterns — typically black-breasted red or white. The breed was developed by the samurai class of the Satsuma domain, who valued it for both the cockpit and its aesthetic qualities. Satsuma was one of Japan's most powerful feudal domains, and its warrior culture placed high value on courage and bearing in both men and animals. Today, the Satsumadori is kept as a conservation breed in Japan and by a small number of European fanciers. It is recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct Japanese ornamental breed.

Felis catus × Leptailurus serval

Savannah

A striking hybrid between the African Serval and domestic cats, producing the tallest domestic breed — long legs, large ears, and bold spotted coat. Filial generations (F1-F5+) determine wild vs. domestic temperament. Highly intelligent, dog-like, and incredibly athletic.

Canis lupus familiaris

Schapendoes

Medium-sized Dutch herding dog with long, shaggy coat. Energetic, cheerful, and intelligent companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Schillerstövare

Medium-sized Swedish scent hound with a sleek coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are excellent hunting dogs for fox and hare.

Canis lupus familiaris

Schipperke

Small, black Spitz-type dog with thick coat and no tail. Curious, energetic, and excellent watchdog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Schnauzer

Medium-sized working dog with distinctive beard and bushy eyebrows. Alert, intelligent, and good-natured with strong protective instincts.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Scots Dumpy

A unique and ancient Scottish breed characterised by very short legs — the shortest of any standard chicken breed — giving it a waddling gait and extremely low profile. The name 'Dumpy' refers to their squat stature, and they were also known as 'Bakies', 'Creepies', and 'Crawlers' in different Scottish regions. Despite their unusual proportions, Scots Dumpies are hardy, good foragers, and lay a steady supply of tinted eggs. Now a rare conservation breed, DNA studies confirm their genetic distinctiveness.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Scots Grey

Scotland's own breed and one of the British Isles' rarest, the Scots Grey is a lean, upstanding bird with cuckoo barred plumage — sharp black and white barring on every feather — and clean (unfeathered) legs. It has been present in Scotland for centuries and was once a common farmyard hen across the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, valued for hardiness and self-sufficiency in harsh Highland conditions. A good forager and moderate layer of tinted eggs, it is now critically rare.

Canis lupus familiaris

Scottish Deerhound

Large, rough-coated sighthound bred for deer hunting. Gentle, dignified, and loyal with a calm temperament.

Felis catus

Scottish Fold

Famous for its distinctive folded-forward ears caused by a cartilage mutation. Round head, round eyes, and a stocky, rounded body. Exceptionally sweet, quiet, and adaptable. Controversial — the fold gene causes osteochondrodysplasia affecting all joints. Shorthair and longhair (Highland Fold) varieties.

Canis lupus familiaris

Scottish Terrier

Small, sturdy terrier with distinctive beard and eyebrows. Courageous, independent, and determined companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Sealyham Terrier

Small, low-set terrier with long body and white coat. Courageous, good-natured, and determined companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sebright

Britain's most famous true bantam and a masterpiece of selective breeding, created over 30 years by Sir John Saunders Sebright MP between 1800 and 1830. Sebright aimed to create a laced bantam of perfectly balanced beauty — each feather edged precisely in black on a gold or silver ground. Sebright cocks are hen-feathered, carrying no curved sickle feathers or pointed hackles. A difficult breed to maintain in show quality, Sebrights are the ultimate challenge breed for experienced exhibition bantam keepers.

Canis lupus familiaris

Segugio Maremmano

Medium-sized Italian scent hound from the Maremma region. Intelligent and energetic, they are persistent hunters adapted to the Tuscan countryside.

Felis catus

Selkirk Rex

The only curly-coated breed named after a person — and the only Rex with a plush, heavy-boned, stocky body. Their soft, curly coat comes in longhair and shorthair varieties. Patient, tolerant, and affectionate — nicknamed 'the cat in sheep's clothing.'

Gallus gallus domesticus

Serama

The world's smallest chicken breed, originating from the state of Kelantan in Malaysia and developed by breeder Wee Yean Een in the 1970s from Japanese Bantam and local Malaysian small chickens. Seramas weigh as little as 250–350 grams — lighter than a can of soft drink — yet they carry themselves with an almost comically upright, proud posture with chest thrust forward and tail feathers raised nearly vertically. In Malaysia, Serama beauty contests and singing competitions draw huge crowds and the birds are kept as house pets.

Canis lupus familiaris

Serbian Hound

Medium-sized Serbian scent hound with a short, dense coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are persistent hunters with remarkable stamina.

Canis lupus familiaris

Serbian Tricolour Hound

Medium-sized Serbian scent hound with a distinctive tri-color coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are excellent hunters in Balkan terrain.

Felis catus

Serengeti

Developed to look like the wild African Serval without any wild blood — spotted coat, long legs, and large round ears. Cross between Bengal and Oriental Shorthair. Active, vocal, and very people-oriented. Rare breed still in development.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Shamo

A Japanese hard-feathered breed of imposing stature developed from Malay fighting birds introduced to Japan from Thailand (Siam — hence 'Shamo') in the 17th century. Shamos are powerfully muscular birds with extremely tight feathering, an erect posture, and pearl-grey eyes that give them a fierce, hawk-like gaze. Historically a cockfighting breed in Japan, today Shamos are kept as exhibition birds. They are a National Natural Monument of Japan — one of only a handful of chicken breeds given government protection.

Canis lupus familiaris

Shar Pei

Medium-sized dog with distinctive deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue. Independent, loyal, and protective.

Canis lupus familiaris

Shetland Sheepdog

Small sheepdog resembling a miniature Rough Collie. Alert, intelligent, and eager to please, they excel in obedience competitions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Shiba Inu

Small, sturdy Japanese dog with pointed ears and curled tail. Alert, confident, and good-natured companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Shih Tzu

Small, sturdy toy breed with long, flowing double coat. Friendly, affectionate, and lively companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Shikoku

Medium-sized Japanese spitz-type dog from Shikoku Island. Loyal and alert, they are intelligent hunters with a dignified and courageous temperament.

Felis catus

Siamese

One of the oldest and most recognizable breeds — colorpointed coat, vivid blue almond-shaped eyes, and a lean, elegant body. Highly vocal, intelligent, and emotionally demanding. Modern type is svelte; traditional 'apple-head' still exists in some registries. Known as the 'Royal Cat of Siam.'

Felis catus

Siberian

A large, powerful, natural breed from Russia with a thick, water-resistant triple coat suited for extreme cold. Muscular, agile, and excellent climbers. Known for their dog-like devotion and surprisingly low-allergen production compared to other breeds.

Canis lupus familiaris

Siberian Husky

Medium-sized working dog bred as sled dog. Energetic, friendly, and athletic with striking blue eyes.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sicilian Buttercup

A rare and visually spectacular Mediterranean breed from Sicily, uniquely identified by its crown-like buttercup comb — a complete circle of small points forming a cup shape found in no other breed. Sicilian Buttercups are active, good foragers, and produce a respectable number of white eggs. Their gold-spangled plumage in hens and rich red-orange plumage in cocks make them genuinely ornamental, yet they are primarily maintained as a conservation breed today.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Silkie

One of the most distinctive and beloved chicken breeds in the world, the Silkie has feathers that lack the interlocking barbicels found in normal plumage — each feather is soft, flowing, and silky to the touch, resembling fur rather than feathers. Uniquely, Silkies have black skin, black bones, black internal organs, and blue earlobes, plus five toes rather than the usual four. Originating in China and mentioned by Marco Polo around 1290, Silkies are among the world's most ancient recognised breeds. Their exceptionally docile nature and strong brooding instinct make them the foster mothers of the poultry world.

Canis lupus familiaris

Silky Terrier

Small toy terrier with long, silky blue and tan coat. Confident, intelligent, and spirited companion.

Felis catus

Singapura

One of the world's smallest cat breeds — from Singapore streets to international show halls. Large expressive eyes and ears on a tiny, muscular body with a warm sepia ticked coat. Extroverted, loving, and always wants to be the center of attention.

Canis lupus familiaris

Skye Terrier

Small, long-bodied terrier with long coat and short legs. Courageous, loyal, and devoted companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Sloughi

Medium to large North African sighthound with short, smooth coat. Elegant, loyal, and sensitive companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Slovak Cuvac

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog from Slovakia with thick white coat. Loyal, courageous, and calm.

Canis lupus familiaris

Slovak Hound

Medium-sized Slovak scent hound with a black and tan coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are excellent trackers in forested terrain.

Canis lupus familiaris

Slovak Rough-haired Pointer

Medium-sized Slovak pointing dog with a rough, wiry coat. Intelligent and loyal, they are versatile hunters adapted to harsh conditions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Small Munsterlander

Medium-sized versatile hunting dog with long brown and white coat. Intelligent, energetic, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Small Swiss Hound

Small Swiss scent hound with a short coat. Intelligent and energetic, they are persistent hunters adapted to the Swiss Alpine terrain.

Canis lupus familiaris

Smooth Collie

Medium to large herding dog with short, dense coat. Intelligent, loyal, and excellent with families.

Canis lupus familiaris

Smooth Fox Terrier

Small, sleek terrier with smooth coat. Alert, friendly, and energetic with strong hunting instincts.

Felis catus

Snowshoe

Created by crossing Siamese with bicolor American Shorthairs to produce a colorpointed cat with white 'snowshoes' on all four paws. Medium-sized with vivid blue eyes and a gentle, quieter voice than Siamese. Rare breed, sweet-natured and devoted.

Canis lupus familiaris

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

Medium-sized terrier with silky wheaten coat. Happy, affectionate, and loyal companion with spirited nature.

Felis catus

Sokoke

A rare natural breed from the Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kenya — one of only a few naturally occurring cat breeds from Africa. Lean, muscular, with a unique ticked blotched tabby pattern resembling tree bark. Wild look but gentle temperament. Nearly extinct.

Felis catus

Somali

The longhaired Abyssinian — a fox-like beauty with a plumed tail, tufted ears, and a warm, full ticked coat that shimmers with color bands. Playful, intelligent, and mischievous. The long coat gene was hidden in Abyssinian lines and emerged in the 1960s.

Canis lupus familiaris

South Russian Shepherd Dog

Large livestock guardian dog from the Russian and Ukrainian steppes with a thick white coat. Independent and courageous, they are loyal protectors of flocks.

Gallus gallus domesticus

White-Faced Black Spanish

One of the oldest pure breeds in existence, the White-Faced Black Spanish is instantly recognisable by its snow-white face skin contrasting against jet-black plumage — a combination found in no other breed. Historically prized as an egg layer in Britain and Spain, this ancient Mediterranean breed is now classed as rare and is kept primarily for conservation and exhibition. Its striking appearance made it a showstopper at early poultry exhibitions.

Canis lupus familiaris

Spanish Greyhound (Galgo Español)

Tall, slender sighthound from Spain, similar to the Greyhound but with a more refined head. Gentle, loyal, and sensitive.

Canis lupus familiaris

Spanish Hound

Medium-sized scent hound from Spain with short coat. Energetic, determined, and excellent tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Spanish Mastiff

Giant livestock guardian dog from Spain with massive build and thick coat. Calm, loyal, and protective.

Canis lupus familiaris

Spanish Water Dog

Medium-sized working dog with distinctive curly woolly coat. Intelligent, loyal, and versatile worker.

Felis catus

Sphynx

The most famous hairless breed — warm, wrinkled skin covered in fine, peach-fuzz down. Large ears, lemon-shaped eyes, and a pot belly. Despite appearance, they're not from Egypt — they originated in Canada. Extremely affectionate, playful, and attention-seeking.

Canis lupus familiaris

Spinone Italiano

Large, rugged Italian pointing dog with wiry coat and distinctive beard. Gentle, patient, and loyal.

Canis lupus familiaris

Stabyhoun

Medium-sized Dutch pointing dog from Friesland. Intelligent and friendly, they are calm and loyal hunting dogs with a gentle nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Medium-sized, muscular terrier with powerful jaw. Affectionate, playful, and loyal companion despite intimidating appearance.

Canis lupus familiaris

Styrian Rough-haired Hound

Medium-sized Austrian scent hound from Styria with a rough, wiry coat. Intelligent and persistent, they are courageous hunters adapted to alpine terrain.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sulmtaler

An Austrian meat breed of outstanding quality from the Sulm valley (Sulmtal) in southern Styria, developed in the late 19th century to produce premium table birds for the Viennese market. Sulmtalers are heavily built birds with striking buff-wheaten plumage, a small walnut comb (inherited from Houdan ancestry), and a calm, tame disposition. Their slow growth produces well-marbled, flavourful meat that once commanded premium prices at Viennese poultry markets. The breed nearly disappeared and is now a conservation priority in Austria.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sumatra

An ancient and ornamental breed from the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, brought to Europe and America in the 1840s. Sumatras are wild-looking birds with jet-black plumage of intense beetle-green iridescence, a pea comb, and multiple spurs on some males — reflecting their proximity to jungle fowl ancestry. The tail is extraordinarily long and flowing in exhibition males, sweeping nearly to the ground. Primarily an exhibition breed, Sumatras retain more wild behaviours than most domestic chickens.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sumavanka (Böhmerwaldhuhn)

A traditional dual-purpose breed from the Šumava region (Bohemian Forest) straddling the Czech Republic, Germany, and Austria. Known in German as the Böhmerwaldhuhn, the Sumavanka was developed from indigenous Bohemian forest chickens shaped by the cool, damp, densely forested environment of central Europe's largest continuous woodland. These are medium-sized, robust birds with tight feathering, a single comb, and clean legs — adapted to foraging in forest undergrowth and tolerating long, wet Central European winters. Hens lay brown eggs and are excellent mothers, and the breed's meat is noted for its game-like flavour from extensive foraging. The Sumavanka nearly disappeared when commercial poultry displaced landrace breeds across Czechoslovakia after 1950. Czech conservation breeders have recovered it, and the breed is recognised by the EE Europastandard.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sundheimer

A fine German dual-purpose breed from the town of Sundheim in Baden-Württemberg, developed in the late 19th century by crossing local Swabian farm chickens with Brahma and Langshan bloodlines. The Sundheimer is a large, handsome bird with predominantly white plumage and a single comb, known for producing brown eggs and excellent, finely textured white-skinned meat. The breed was particularly valued in the Baden region, where high culinary standards demanded a premium table chicken. Between the wars, Sundheimers were widely exported across Germany as an elite farm breed. After World War II, the breed collapsed along with many other German heritage breeds, but dedicated Baden breeders have kept it alive. The Sundheimer is recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG, and remains one of the most respected dual-purpose breeds for small-scale sustainable farming in southern Germany.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Sussex

One of England's oldest and most productive dual-purpose breeds, originating from the county of Sussex and documented at the first-ever poultry show in London in 1845. The Light Sussex — white body with black neck hackle and black tail — is the most iconic variety and was the backbone of the British commercial egg and poultry industry for over a century before modern hybrids replaced it. Sussex hens combine good egg production with a full table weight and a famously calm, curious temperament.

Canis lupus familiaris

Sussex Spaniel

Medium-sized spaniel with rich golden liver coat. Calm, loyal, and dignified with a distinctive rolling gait.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Skånsk Blommehöna (Swedish Flower Hen)

Sweden's rarest and most visually striking native chicken breed, a landrace from the Skåne (Scania) region of southern Sweden that nearly vanished in the 1980s with fewer than 500 birds remaining. The Blommehöna (Flower Hen) is named for its unique plumage — every feather ends in a pale cream or white spangle resembling a small flower, giving the bird a spotted, blossoming appearance regardless of the base colour. Plumage varies wildly across individuals, reflecting a diverse landrace heritage with no enforced colour standard. Saved by Swedish conservation breeders and now recognised by the Scandinavian Poultry Standard and listed in the FAO's DAD-IS database.

Canis lupus familiaris

Swedish Lapphund

Medium-sized Spitz-type dog with thick double coat. Friendly, loyal, and excellent family companion.

Canis lupus familiaris

Swedish Vallhund

Small, sturdy spitz-type herding dog with short legs. Known as the 'Viking dog' for its ancient Scandinavian heritage.

Canis lupus familiaris

Swedish White Elkhound

Medium-sized Swedish spitz-type dog with a pure white coat. Intelligent and courageous, they are calm and loyal moose-hunting dogs.

Canis lupus familiaris

Swiss Hound

Medium-sized scent hound with short, dense coat. Energetic, determined, and excellent tracking dog.

Canis lupus familiaris

Taiwan Dog

Medium-sized primitive dog from Taiwan with a short coat and agile build. Intelligent and loyal, they are alert and courageous hunting dogs.

Felis catus

Thai

The original, old-style Siamese — a rounder, more moderate body than the modern show Siamese. Colorpoint pattern with vivid blue eyes but a sturdier, less extreme build. Known for intelligence, vocal nature, and deep bonds with their people. The 'apple-head' Siamese.

Canis lupus familiaris

Thai Bangkaew Dog

Medium-sized spitz-type dog from Thailand with a thick double coat. Intelligent and loyal, they are protective guardians with a courageous nature.

Canis lupus familiaris

Thai Ridgeback

Medium-sized primitive dog with distinctive ridge of hair along its back. Intelligent, loyal, and athletic.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Thüringer Barthuhn

A distinctive German breed from Thuringia in central Germany, most notable for its full beard and muffs — facial feathering that gives it an owl-like or whiskered appearance. The name 'Barthuhn' literally means 'beard chicken', and the breed was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by Thuringian poultry fanciers who wanted a bearded breed to rival the crested and bearded breeds of neighbouring regions. The Thüringer Barthuhn is a medium-sized dual-purpose bird with a single comb, clean legs, and white eggs. It is calm, cold-hardy, and well-suited to free-range systems in central Germany. The breed declined after World War II but has been recovered by BDRG conservation breeders. Recognised by the EE Europastandard as a distinct German heritage breed.

Canis lupus familiaris

Tibetan Mastiff

Large, powerful livestock guardian dog with thick double coat. Independent, protective, and noble with a commanding presence.

Canis lupus familiaris

Tibetan Spaniel

Small, intelligent toy breed with silky coat and lion-like mane. Independent, alert, and affectionate.

Canis lupus familiaris

Tibetan Terrier

Medium-sized toy breed with long, thick double coat and large flat feet. Intelligent, affectionate, and lively companion.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Tiense Vechter (Combattant de Tirlemont)

A Belgian fighting breed from the city of Tienen (Tirlemont in French) in Flemish Brabant, one of the five distinct Belgian gamefowl breeds recognised by the EE. The Tiense Vechter is a large, powerful gamefowl with a triple comb, hard feathering, and a tall, imposing stance. It was developed in the 19th century for the Tienen cockpit, and it is distinguished from other Belgian gamefowl by its slightly more compact build and distinctive head shape. The Tiense Vechter shares ancestry with the other great Belgian fighting breeds — the Brügger Kämpfer, Lütticher Kämpfer, and Brugse Vechter — each standardised separately based on subtle regional differences in type and the fierce local pride of Flemish and Walloon cities. Cockfighting was banned in Belgium in 1929, and the Tiense Vechter has since been maintained purely as an exhibition and conservation breed. Recognised by the EE Europastandard and BDRG.

Gallus gallus domesticus

Tomaru

A rare Japanese ornamental breed and one of the traditional long-crowing chickens of Japan, developed on Honshu Island. The Tomaru is a medium-sized bird with a single comb and clean legs, known primarily for its extraordinarily long crow — a single crow can last 15 to 20 seconds or more, compared to 3–5 seconds for a standard rooster. This trait was deliberately bred by Japanese fanciers during the Edo period (1603–1868), who valued the long crow as an aesthetic quality. The Tomaru's plumage is typically black or black-breasted red, and it has an upright, dignified bearing. Long-crowing breeds like the Tomaru were status symbols among the Japanese elite, and competitions to determine which rooster could sustain the longest crow were a recognised cultural activity. Now rare even in Japan, the Tomaru is recognised by the EE Europastandard and kept by a handful of European specialist breeders.