20 Best Fighting Roosters and Gamefowls: Fighting Style, Characteristics, Size, Origin, and History

Gamefowl are domesticated chickens that are bred and trained for cockfighting, a sport that involves pitting two roosters against each other in a ring. Cockfighting is illegal in many countries, but it is still practiced in some parts of the world, where it is considered a cultural tradition or a source of entertainment.

Gamefowl breeds vary in their physical characteristics, fighting styles, and origins. Some breeds are pure, while others are crossbred from different strains to enhance their performance in the arena. In this article, we will explore 20 of the best gamefowl breeds for fighting, covering their fighting style, characteristics, size, origin, weight, and history.

20 Best Fighting Roosters and Gamefowls

Asil Gamefowls

Asil gamefowls are renowned for their courage and combativeness, often aiming for their opponents’ heads and necks. They are powerful and muscular birds with a distinctive upright stance, prominent necks, broad chests, and well-developed legs. They come in various colors and have a unique long and curved beak.

Asil gamefowls are among the most expensive gamefowl breeds, ranging from $200 to $1000 per bird. Originating from India and Pakistan, they have been bred for centuries as fighting birds. They are medium to large-sized birds, with males weight 4 and 6 pounds and females weighing between 3 and 5 pounds. Asil gamefowls are one of the oldest gamefowl breeds, dating back over 2000 years.

Shamo Gamefowls

Shamo gamefowls are aggressive and fearless birds with a high-pitched crow that intimidates other birds. They are large, muscular birds with tall, slender bodies, small heads, long necks, and long legs. Originating from Japan, they were developed from imported Chinese and Thai fighting birds and named after Siam (now Thailand).

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They have an average weight of 8 pounds and were bred for their fighting prowess and aesthetic appeal. They were developed during the Edo period (1603-1868) when cockfighting was a popular sport among samurai warriors. Shamo gamefowls were also used for meat production due to their large size.

Kelso Gamefowls

Kelso gamefowls are one of the most popular and successful breeds in cockfighting. They originated in the United States, where Walter Kelso, a prominent breeder and cockfighter, bred them. Kelso gamefowls are medium-sized birds with well-balanced bodies and attractive plumage. They come in various color combinations, such as red, white, yellow, and black.

Kelso gamefowls are intelligent fighters that use their speed and precision to outmaneuver their opponents. They are agile and quick on their feet, relying on their reflexes and timing to strike with accuracy. They can also adapt to different fighting styles and situations, making them versatile and unpredictable.

Sweater Gamefowls

Sweater gamefowls are another popular and successful breed in cockfighting. They also originated in the United States, where they were bred by Carol Nesmith, a famous breeder and cockfighter. Sweater gamefowls are large birds with muscular bodies and long legs. They come in various colors, such as yellow, red, black, and grey. Sweater gamefowls are aggressive fighters that use their strength and endurance to overpower their opponents. They are fearless, tenacious fighters, relying on their power and stamina to deliver devastating blows.

Hatch Gamefowls

Hatch gamefowls are one of the oldest and most respected breeds in cockfighting. They originated in Ireland, where they were bred by Johnnie Jumper, a legendary breeder and cockfighter. Hatch gamefowls are medium-sized birds with compact bodies and short legs. They have a narrow chest, curved back, and a small head. They come in various colors, such as green, blue, brown, and black.

Hatch gamefowls are fierce fighters who use their courage and combativeness to challenge their opponents. They are brave and loyal fighters, relying on their spirit and determination to overcome any obstacle. They can also fight in any terrain and weather condition, making them adaptable and reliable.

Roundhead Gamefowls

Roundhead gamefowls are one of the most distinctive and recognizable breeds in cockfighting. They originated in England. Roundhead gamefowls are small birds with round heads and short beaks. They have a slender body, long neck, and thin legs. They come in various colors, such as white, black, red, and yellow.

Roundhead gamefowls are skillful fighters who use their finesse and technique to outsmart their opponents. They are clever and cunning fighters, relying on their strategy and tactics to exploit weaknesses. They can also switch from defensive to offensive mode quickly, making them flexible and dynamic.

Grey Gamefowls

Grey gamefowls are a popular breed of gamefowls known for their attractive grey or off-white plumage, yellow or white legs, and square heads. They have a strong, muscular body, broad chest, and long wings, making them excellent fighters. These medium-sized birds, weighing 4 to 5 pounds, have a calm and friendly temperament but can become aggressive when provoked.

They are hardy and adaptable, able to survive in various climates and environments. They have a rich history and are believed to be descended from ancient Asian fighting chickens. They were prized for their beauty, courage, and fighting ability and were also used for hunting and meat production.

Claret Gamefowls

Claret gamefowls are a popular breed of gamefowls known for their distinctive red coloration, deep red plumage, black or dark brown feathers on tails and wings, yellow or white legs, and a round or pea-shaped head. They have a lean and athletic body, a narrow chest, and short wings. They are skilled fighters, relying on intelligence, stamina, and precision.

They are small to medium-sized birds weighing 3 to 4 pounds and have a proud and confident temperament. They are resilient and adaptable, able to cope with various challenges and hardships. They have a rich history and are believed to be descended from ancient Asian fighting chickens.

Butcher Gamefowls

Butcher gamefowls are a popular breed of gamefowls known for their striking black coloration, muscular body, wide chest, and long wings. They are fierce fighters, relying on their power, endurance, and aggression to overpower opponents. They are large-sized birds, weighing about 5 to 6 pounds, with a bold and fearless temperament.

They are tough and able to withstand injuries and pain. They are also good foragers, finding food easily in the wild. They weigh about 5 to 6 pounds on average, but some can weigh up to 7 pounds. They were created by Phil Marsh, a famous breeder and cockfighter, and named after Frank Butcher, who helped develop the breed.

Sweater-McGinnis Grey Gamefowls

Sweater-McGinnis Grey gamefowls are a popular breed of gamefowls known for their grey or off-white plumage, strong and muscular body, broad chest, and long wings. They are medium-sized birds weighing 4 to 5 pounds, with a calm and friendly temperament, but can become aggressive when provoked.

They are about 18 to 20 inches tall and have a wingspan of about 30 inches. They were created by Carol Nesmith, a famous breeder, and cockfighter, and named after their mentor Johnnie Jumper. The original birds were from Walter Kelso’s sweater line crossed with Ray Hoskins’ yellow leg hatch line. Nesmith later added grey blood from Harold Brown’s farm to improve the breed’s color and fighting ability.

Radio Gamefowls

Radio gamefowls are a popular breed of fighting roosters that originated in Texas. They are known for their speed, agility, and intelligence in the ring. They have a medium-sized body with a round head and a straight comb. They come in various colors, such as black, red, white, and yellow. Radio gamefowls are aggressive and fearless fighters who use their sharp spurs and beaks to inflict damage on their opponents. They are also loyal and friendly to their owners.

Leiper Gamefowls

Leiper gamefowls are a crossbreed of American gamefowls that Harry Leiper developed in the early 1900s. They are medium to large-sized birds with a muscular build and long legs. They have a pea comb and a curved beak. They come in different color patterns, such as black-breasted red, wheaten, blue, and brown red. Leiper gamefowls are powerful and durable fighters that rely on their strength and stamina to overcome their rivals. They are also calm and docile when not in combat.

Hennie Gamefowls

Hennie gamefowls are a rare breed of fighting roosters that originated in Asia. They are characterized by their hen-like appearance, with long feathers on their necks, backs, and tails. They have a small body with a walnut comb and a short beak. They come in various colors, such as black, red, white, and silver. Hennie gamefowls are cunning and elusive fighters that use their speed and agility to dodge attacks and strike back with their spurs. They are also vigilant.

Albany Gamefowls

Albany gamefowls are a breed of American gamefowls that John Albany created in the late 1800s. They are medium-sized birds with a well-balanced body and a square head. They have a straight comb and a medium-length beak. They come in different color varieties, such as red quill, lemon hackle, silver duckwing, and ginger. Albany gamefowls are intelligent and tactical fighters that use their quickness and precision to outsmart their opponents. They are also friendly and pleasant birds.

Hulsey Gamefowls

Hulsey gamefowls are a breed of American gamefowls that E.W. Hulsey developed in the early 1900s. They are large-sized birds with a robust body and a round head. They have a pea comb and a long beak. They come in different color combinations, such as black-red, pumpkin-red, golden-back, and yellow-leg. Hulsey gamefowls are fierce and relentless fighters who use their strength and endurance to dominate their adversaries. They are also loyal and protective of their owners.

Brown Red Gamefowls

Brown Red gamefowls are a breed of American gamefowls that were created by crossing various breeds of Spanish fowl in the late 1800s. They are medium-sized birds with a compact body and a flat head. They have a single comb and a short beak. They come in different shades of brown-red coloration, such as mahogany, chestnut, chocolate, and cinnamon. Brown Red gamefowls are aggressive and tenacious fighters that use their speed and agility to deliver powerful blows with their spurs and beaks. They are also spirited and lively birds.

Pumpkin Hulsey Gamefowls

Pumpkin Hulsey gamefowls are a crossbreed of Hulsey gamefowls that Ted McLean created in the mid-1900s. They are large-sized birds with a muscular body and a round head. They have a pea comb and a long beak. They come in different shades of pumpkin-red coloration, such as orange-red, copper-red, gold-red, and flame-red. Pumpkin Hulsey gamefowls are brave and resilient fighters who use their strength and stamina to overpower their opponents. They are also affectionate and gentle birds.

Black Roundhead Gamefowls

Black Roundhead gamefowls are a breed of American gamefowls that were developed by crossing various breeds of English fowl in the late 1800s. They are medium-sized birds with a slender body and a round head. They have a single comb and a medium-length beak. They come in different shades of black, such as jet black, coal black, and blue-black. Black Roundhead gamefowls are smart and skillful fighters who use their speed and precision to outmaneuver their rivals. They are also calm and easygoing birds.

Yellow Leg Hatch Gamefowls

Yellow Leg Hatch gamefowls are a breed of American gamefowls that were created by crossing various breeds of Irish fowl in the early 1900s. They are large-sized birds with a sturdy body and a square head. They have a straight comb and a long beak. They come in different shades of yellow coloration, such as lemon-yellow, straw-yellow, and gold-yellow. Yellow Leg Hatch gamefowls are courageous and determined fighters who use their strength and endurance to overcome their adversaries. They are also faithful and devoted birds.

Sid Taylor Gamefowls

Sid Taylor gamefowls are a breed of American gamefowls that Sid Taylor developed in the early 1900s. They are medium-sized birds with a well-proportioned body and a flat head. They have a single comb and a short beak. They come in different shades of red coloration, such as wine-red, cherry-red, and blood-red. Sid Taylor gamefowls are aggressive and relentless fighters that use their speed and agility to deliver powerful blows with their spurs and beaks. They are also spirited and lively birds.

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20 Best Gamefowls

Breed	Size	Origin	Weight
Asil gamefowls	Large	India	4-6 lbs
Shamo gamefowls	Large	Japan	5-11 lbs
Kelso gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Sweater gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Hatch gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Roundhead gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Grey gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Claret gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Butcher gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Sweater-McGinnis Grey	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Radio gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Leiper gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Hennie gamefowls	Small	Philippines	3-4 lbs
Albany gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Hulsey gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Brown Red gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Pumpkin Hulsey gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Black Roundhead gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Yellow Leg Hatch gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs
Sid Taylor gamefowls	Medium	USA	4-5 lbs

Best Fighting Chicken Breeds in the World

The Malay Game Fowl, hailing from India, dominates with its robust physique, lengthy neck, and fierce demeanor—ideal for cockfighting and exhibitions. The Asil or Aseel Chicken, with its tenacious character and sharp beak, originates as a hardy breed. The 19th-century creation, the Modern Game Fowl, stands out for its slender form and grace.

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The American Game Fowl, revered for courage, showcases adaptability. Influenced by Chinese and Thai breeds, the Shamo Chicken impresses with its muscular build. Each breed possesses distinctive traits, contributing to the diverse tapestry of the world’s best-fighting chickens.

Most Expensive Fighting Rooster Breed

The Peruvian gamefowl, a rare and valuable fighting rooster breed, is known for its courage, aggression, intelligence, and speed. Known for their distinctive appearance with long necks, small heads, and featherless legs, they can cost up to USD 4,400 per bird.

Best Fighting Rooster Breeds

The best fighting rooster breeds are those with qualities like strength, speed, agility, endurance, courage, and intelligence. These breeds have different fighting styles and strategies, depending on the owner’s preference and the opponent’s experience. Some of the best fighting rooster breeds include Asil or Aseel Chicken, Shamo Chicken, and Oriental Game Fowl. Asil is known for its strength and power, while Shamo is known for its endurance and aggression. Oriental Game Fowl is known for their speed and agility.

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Best Fighting Gamefowl Breeds

The best fighting gamefowl breeds are those bred for cockfighting, with traits such as strength, speed, agility, endurance, courage, and intelligence. Some popular breeds include the Malay Game Fowl, American Game Fowl, and Modern Game Fowl. The Malay has a large, imposing physique and aggressive attitude, while the American is diverse and adaptable, known for its courage and stamina. The Modern Game Fowl is elegant and graceful, with a slender, refined physique and active behavior.

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Conclusion

The world’s top 20 fighting roosters and gamefowls embody a rich tapestry of diverse origins, sizes, and fighting styles. From the majestic Malay to the resilient Asil, each breed’s unique characteristics and histories contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the fascinating world of gamefowl enthusiasts.

20 Best Fighting Roosters and Gamefowls: Fighting Style, Characteristics, Size, Origin, and History

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