Dorking
Five-toed Roman-era breed; the rectangular, low-slung table fowl.
Overview
Acknowledged as one of the oldest chicken breeds, the Dorking has a substantial history, reputedly tracing its lineage back to Roman times. It is thought to have arrived in Britain with Roman invaders, establishing itself long ago in the southern English county of Surrey, near Dorking. For centuries, it was highly regarded as a premier table fowl. Its distinctive five toes are a hallmark feature recorded even in early accounts.
While once a predominant table bird, its popularity waned with the rise of modern, faster-growing broiler breeds. Today, the Dorking is maintained by enthusiasts and conservationists who appreciate its heritage, unique characteristics, and traditional meat qualities. It is primarily a heritage breed, valued for its historical significance rather than large-scale commercial production.
Origins
Tracing back to England, the Dorking earned its place in the lineage of chickens through generations of selection — a slow conversation between climate, husbandry, and human eye. Five-toed Roman-era breed; the rectangular, low-slung table fowl.
Temperament
Custodians describe the Dorking as docile and calm, they are generally easy to manage..
Conservation
Current status: Watch · rarity tier Rare. Working populations remain in the hands of a small global network — 0+ of them keep programmes on Best of Breed alone.
Dorking, in photographs.
A living plate — community submissions and high-resolution photographs from Wikimedia Commons, sorted by clarity.