Krüper
Gallus gallus domesticus
✨ Wissenswertes
The Krüper gene that causes the short legs is the same genetic mutation found in Scots Dumpy, Japanese bantam breeds, and the Dexter cattle of Ireland — all independently discovered by farmers who realised that shorter-legged animals were easier to manage in small enclosures. The same mutation has been bred into four different livestock species on three continents.
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.
🏷️ Rasse
Krüper
💭 Temperament
Calm, docile, good forager despite short legs, hardy, quiet
📏 Größe
Medium-Large (2.3-3.6 kg)
⏳ Lebenserwartung
5-8 years
🎨 Farben
Cuckoo, black, white, blue — multiple colour varieties
🌍 Herkunft
Germany — Westphalia/Rhineland region; developed 19th century
🏠 Lebensraum
Enclosed ground-level housing; short legs limit perching ability
🍽️ Ernährung
Layer pellets; surprisingly effective ground-level forager
🎯 Zweck
Dual Purpose
🥚 Eifarbe
White
👑 Kammtyp
Single
🏅 EE-Klasse
Large Fowl