The original four Cochin color varieties recognized in the first book of standards in the United States in 1874 are Buff, Black, White and Partridge.
These four are, to this day, often some of the most robust and perfected of the Cochin varieties.
Did you know that all color varieties recognized since can be created using these original four without bringing in any outside breeds? The colors recognized since 1874 are Silver Laced (1965), Golden Laced (1965), Blue (1965), Brown (1965), and Barred (1982). And these are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what is possible.
With the four original varieties it is possible to create Columbian, Blue Columbian, Buff Columbian, Quail, Silver Quail, Blue Laced Red, White Laced Red, Golden Spangled, Double Penciled (as in Barnevelder or Dark Cornish), Silver Spangled, Belted (as in Lakenvelder or Vorwerk), Silver Penciled, Mille Fleur, Blue Partridge, Wheaten, Silver Wheaten, Blue Wheaten, Red, Black Tailed Red, to name just a few.
The Cochin is a breed with great untapped potential and many opportunities for creativity for breeders who have the focus and patience. And everything needed to be successful resides within the original four colors.
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