The Dominique breed developed from the fowl introduced
during the early settlement of New England. These were of the type
predominating in the south of England and from which the Sussex and
Dorking descended. This stock was widely distributed in the Eastern half
of the United States by mid 19th century. The breed was generally known as
Dominiques except in the region of origin where they were known as
Plymouth Rock and occasionally as Pilgrim Fowls. The differentiation
between Plymouth Rock and Dominique was not made until 1870.
The breed was never used commercially, and was
eventually eclipsed on the farm by the gradual shift to "Plymouth Rocks"
when the preferred type of "Dominique" had been transformed into the
"Plymouth Rock."
The American Poultry Association's Standard of
Excellence indicates that cocks run 7 pounds; cockerels, 6 pounds;
hens, 5 pounds; and pullets, 4 pounds. Dominiques are also good meat birds.
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