SEBRIGHT - The Sebright is one of the oldest British breeds, being created by the baronet, Sir John Sebright in the early 1800s. There are two varieties, the Gold and the Silver, both very charming birds to look at, and quite unique in build and colour. They are not particularly robust, and can be difficult to reproduce. The males are 'hen feathered', having none of the long sickle feathers belonging to males of other breeds. Strutting and jaunty, when presented on top form they have a good chance of top honours.

ROSECOMB - Another of the oldest British breeds, an excellent specimen perhaps embodies all the selective breeding lavished on the native bantam over many years. Rosecombs are small and cobby but sprightly and males have one sweeping curve from neck to tail. Their head features make them particularly striking, but they are not easy to preserve for show as their combs easily become scratched and scarred and their lobes blistered. The black variety is particularly popular, followed by white, and blue versions, although a further number of additional colours are beginning to appear.

DUTCH - The Dutch Bantam originates in Holland, first appeared in Britain in the late 1960s, and has since gone from strength to strength. Thirteen colours are standardised in Britain, with many more in Holland. Dutch bantams are popular both as exhibition birds and pets, with their upright and jaunty appearance and active nature making them very appealing. Dutch reproduce very well, and although the females will sit their own eggs, most breeders artificially incubate as the breed lays mostly in the late-spring and summer months.

PEKIN - The Pekin is a charming breed with profuse plumage, fabulous temperament, and must look as globular as possible from every angle, together with forward 'tilt'. The breed was introduced to Britain from Pekin, China, in about 1860 following the Anglo-French expedition. Originally they were regarded to be a miniature of the Cochin, and for a period of time were referred to as the 'Cochin or Pekin'. However, it was clear that there were too many differences between the breeds for this to be true. The Pekin is a wonderful breed for children and beginners, for pleasure or exhibition. For breeding, some clipping of vent and foot feathering may be necessary.

JAPANESE - Introduced from Japan many years ago, the Japanese is the shortest legged breed of all varieties. In fact the shanks and thighs are developed in such a manner that it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a bantam is sitting or standing! The males have towering tails and the outline of both sexes should be of a letter U with the sides slightly opened. The breed is standardised in various colours, and also in three types of feathering - normal, frizzle, and silkie. Not regarded as an 'easy' breed for showing or breeding, however still a rewarding and charming one.

BELGIAN - Belgian bearded bantams are long-established in Britain, with three varieties standardised: Barbu d'Anvers (Bearded Antwerp), Barbu d'Uccle (Bearded Uccle) and Barbu de Watermael (Bearded Watermael), the latter introduced in the 1980s. Each variety has a wide range of colour variations with the beards being an attractive characteristic. Rumpless versions of the d'Anvers - Barbu du Grubbe - and the d'Uccle - Barbu d'Everberg - have recently appeared. The d'Anvers is very sprightly and proud, with the d'Uccle being very placid. Layers of tiny eggs, the Belgian is a good breed for young children and good specimens are very capable of winning prizes at shows.

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