Dark grey of joe goode

 While the Silvers are the flashy "celebrities" of the Joe Goode line, the Dark Greys (often called "Dark-Legged" or "Sooty" Greys) are considered the "heavy hitters" by many old-school breeders.

If the Silvers are built for speed and air, the Darks are built for power and endurance.

1. The Physical Traits: "The Green-Legged Warrior"

Genetically, the Dark Joe Goode Greys are often the result of a higher concentration of Hatch blood within the family (approximately 5/8 Hatch to 3/8 Frost Grey).

• Plumage: Instead of the clean, white-silver neck feathers, the Darks have "sooty" or "smoky" hackles. The grey is deeper, almost charcoal in some spots, and less iridescent.

• Shanks (Legs): These are almost always Green-Legged or "Lead-Legged." In gamefowl lore, green legs are often associated with the bone density and "heavy" hitting power of the Hatch side.

• Conformation: They tend to be slightly lower-stationed (shorter and stockier) than the Silvers, with broader chests and thicker thighs.

2. Fighting Style: "The Ground Specialist"

While the Silver Joe Goode likes to break high and stay in the air, the Dark line is known for a "nasty" ground game and finishing power.

• The Power Stroke: Every blow they land is "heavy." They don't just peck; they deliver "walloping" kicks that can break bones or end a fight even if they aren't perfectly aimed.

• The "Hatch" Temperament: They are generally more aggressive and "meaner" than the Silvers. They have a "straight-ahead" style, meaning they are less likely to sidestep and more likely to barge in and overwhelm the opponent with a barrage of blows.

• Deep Game: The Dark lines are famous for their "bottom"—the ability to take a lot of punishment and still keep pushing forward.

3. The "Black Warrior" Connection

In many modern breeding circles, "Joe Goode Darks" are often discussed alongside his Black Warrior line.

• Joe Goode was a master of crossing his Greys with his "Blacks" to create a bird that had the speed of the Grey and the "cutting" ability of the Black.

• The result is often a bird that looks like a Dark Grey but has the lightning-fast "single-stroke" finishing ability.

4. Which is better?

It depends on your "weapon" and your region:

• For the Long Knife (Philippines/Mexico): Many prefer the Silver or the Silver-Cross because the speed and high-breaking ability are essential for dodging a single lethal blade.

• For the Gaff (US/Heritage): Many prefer the Dark Joe Goode because the gaff requires a bird that can fight through multiple rounds, has "bottom," and packs the power to drive the spike deep.