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.