Lütticher Kämpfer

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.