1. American Gamefowl
In the United States, gamefowl are rarely called "breeds"; instead, they are referred to by strains or bloodlines named after the legendary breeders who developed them.
Hatch: Known for power and "dead game" (never quit) attitude. Popular sub-strains include McLean, Blueface, and Yellow Legged Hatch.
Kelso: Renowned for being "smart" fighters with high breaking ability.
Sweater: One of the most popular modern strains, known for speed and aggressive, high-flying attacks.
Roundhead: Characterized by a pea comb and an agile, "sidestepping" style.
Grey: Notable for their striking silver/grey plumage and powerful cutting ability.
Albany: Fast, aggressive, and often used for cross-breeding.
Whitehackle: An old, prestigious strain known for being exceptionally "game" and beautiful.
Butcher: Named for Phil Marsh (a butcher), these are known for their accuracy and "cutting" power.
Brown Red: Fast, multiple shufflers with dark eyes and plumage.
To truly understand gamefowl, it helps to look at them through three lenses: Physical Traits, Fighting Style (their "ring personality"), and Breeding Purpose.
Here is a breakdown of the most famous breeds and strains by how they actually perform and look.
1. American Gamefowl: The "Specialists"
In the US and Philippines, these are categorized by "strains." Breeders mix these to create the "perfect" bird.
| Strain | Fighting Style | Physical Characteristics |
| Sweater | Aggressive / Swarmer: Constant offensive pressure; high-flying and fast. | High-stationed (tall), yellow legs, pumpkin-colored hackles, pea comb. |
| Kelso | Smart / Tactical: "Counter-punchers" that wait for an opening; great at breaking high. | Medium-stationed, yellow or white legs, turkey-headed (slick head). |
| Hatch | Power / Ground: Hits extremely hard; famous for "gameness" (fighting until the end). | Low to medium-stationed, heavy bone, usually green legs. |
| Roundhead | Agile / Side-stepper: Known for "weaving" and dodging attacks; very fast cutters. | Tall, white or yellow legs, pea comb, black spurs. |
| Grey | Power / Accuracy: Direct and hard-hitting; often used as a "base" for foundation stock. | Silver-grey plumage, straight comb, green or yellow legs. |
| Radio | Speed / Agility: Known for a "shuffling" style with many rapid blows. | Squat, square body, often produces a unique "squawking" sound. |
2. Oriental Gamefowl: The "Giants"
These birds are the ancestors of many modern breeds. They fight differently, often using their weight and endurance rather than just speed.
Asil (Aseel)
The Style: "Ring Generals." They are slow but incredibly powerful and strategic. They use their weight to pounce on opponents and have a "deadly" beak for pinning.
The Look: Very muscular, short and thick feathers, "pearl" eyes (pale white/yellow), and a broad "beetle" brow that gives them a fierce expression.
Shamo
The Style: Extremely upright and tall. They use their height to strike downward. They are known for "pushing" and "wrestling" their way into a position to strike.
The Look: Can stand up to 30 inches tall. They have very little feathering on their breastbone (bare red skin often shows) and tiny or non-existent wattles.
Ganoi (Ga Noi)
The Style: Known for being exceptionally tough. They often fight with a "bare-neck" style to prevent opponents from grabbing their feathers.
The Look: Often have their neck feathers plucked or naturally sparse; they have very thick skin and heavy bone structure.
3. Key Terminology
If you are talking to breeders, you will hear these terms used to describe a bird's "ability":
Gameness: The willingness of a bird to continue fighting even when it is exhausted or severely injured. This is the most prized trait.
Breaking: The ability of a bird to fly upward first to get the "top" position in a clash.
Cutting: How effectively a bird uses its spurs or heels to deliver a finishing blow.
Station: Refers to how the bird stands. High-stationed birds are tall and leggy; low-stationed birds are squat and powerful.
4. Why are they crossed?
Rarely will you see a "pure" bird in a professional setting. Breeders use these traits like ingredients:
Hatch + Kelso: Power (Hatch) + Intelligence (Kelso).
Asil + American Game: To add "bone" and endurance to a bird that is already fast.
Oriental Gamefowl: The "Giants"
These birds are the ancestors of many modern breeds. They fight differently, often using their weight and endurance rather than just speed.
Asil (Aseel)
The Style: "Ring Generals." They are slow but incredibly powerful and strategic. They use their weight to pounce on opponents and have a "deadly" beak for pinning.
The Look: Very muscular, short and thick feathers, "pearl" eyes (pale white/yellow), and a broad "beetle" brow that gives them a fierce expression.
Shamo
The Style: Extremely upright and tall. They use their height to strike downward. They are known for "pushing" and "wrestling" their way into a position to strike.
The Look: Can stand up to 30 inches tall. They have very little feathering on their breastbone (bare red skin often shows) and tiny or non-existent wattles.
Ganoi (Ga Noi)
The Style: Known for being exceptionally tough. They often fight with a "bare-neck" style to prevent opponents from grabbing their feathers.
The Look: Often have their neck feathers plucked or naturally sparse; they have very thick skin and heavy bone structure.
3. Key Terminology
If you are talking to breeders, you will hear these terms used to describe a bird's "ability":
Gameness: The willingness of a bird to continue fighting even when it is exhausted or severely injured. This is the most prized trait.
Breaking: The ability of a bird to fly upward first to get the "top" position in a clash.
Cutting: How effectively a bird uses its spurs or heels to deliver a finishing blow.
Station: Refers to how the bird stands. High-stationed birds are tall and leggy; low-stationed birds are squat and powerful.
4. Why are they crossed?
Rarely will you see a "pure" bird in a professional setting. Breeders use these traits like ingredients:
Hatch + Kelso: Power (Hatch) + Intelligence (Kelso).
Asil + American Game: To add "bone" and endurance to a bird that is already fast.
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