Japanese Bantam Club 

                                            of            

       Great Britain     

True bantams of great antiquity, these are without counterparts in large breeds. they are the shortest legged of all varieties. A soft feather breed; accepted in plain, frizzle or silkie feather.

General Characteristics: Male

Carriage and appearance: Very small, low built, broad and cobby with deep breast and full-feathered upright tail. Appearance somewhat quaint due to a very large comb, dwarfish character and waddling gait. Plumage very full and abundant.

Type: Back very short, wide and, seen from the side, it forms the shape of a small letter U, the sides being formed by the neck and tail. This shape however is almost totally lost in fully feathered males. Saddle hackles rich and long. Body short, deep and broad. Breast very full, round and carried prominently forward. Wings long with the tips of the secondaries touching the ground immediately under the end of the body. Thighs very short and not visible. Tail very large and upright. The main tail feathers should rise above the level of the head about one third of their length, spreading well and with long sword-shaped main sickles and numerous soft side hangers. The tail may touch the comb with its front feathers, but must not be set as to lean forward at too sharp an angle.

Head: Large and broad, beck strong and well curved, eyes large. Comb single, large (the larger the better), coarse grained, erect and evenly serrated with four or five points. The blade of the comb should follow the nape of the neck. Face smooth, ear lobes medium size, red and free from all traces of white. Wattles pendent and large.

Neck: Rather short, curving backwards and with abundant hackle feathers which should well drape the shoulders.

Legs and Feet: Shanks very short, clean (free from feather), strong and sharply angled at the joints. The shanks to be short as to be almost invisible. Toes, four, straight and well spread.

Female:

The general characteristics should follow closely those described for the male regarding type. Breast should be all as described for the male. Tail well spread and rising well above the head. The main tail feathers broad, the foremost pair being slightly curved (sword-shaped). Comb large, evenly serrated and preferably upright, although falling to one side being no defect.

This Website was prepared for the Japanese Bantam Club of Great Britain by Terry and Lisa Crook. If you have any questions or comments please Email the club at: japclub@ukonline.co.uk

Last updated on 24/02/2005