CHAPTER IV 



BREED TYPE 



Standard of shape — Relation of size to type — Importance of plumage 

 — Body shape and typical shape — Body shape of good layers — Breed- 

 ing shape for high egg yield — Typical shape of breeds — An explana- 

 tion of the different sections. 



While the Rocks, VVyandottes and Reds are closely allied, each 

 breed has a type which distinguishes it. Years ago T. F. McGrew 

 said that "shape makes the breed," because each breed should be 

 bred to a definite shape and specimens which vary greatly from this 

 accepted type are not worthy members of the breed. It is therefore 

 important, if we are to have typical specimens of the race, to know 

 what the Standard type is. If we refer to page 56 and look at the 

 profile of a typical Plymouth Rock hen, we see that her back is of 

 medium length with a slight concave to tail, while the back of the 

 Rhode Island Red is long and flat, and that of the Wyandotte is 

 moderately short and full. 



In addition to this ciuestion of conformation, there are certain 

 breed characteristics such as the rose comb and round head in the 

 Wyandotte, which are important points in lending distinctiveness to 

 the breed. These distinctive points are often referred to as breed 

 characteristics and their perfection gives breed character to any speci- 

 men possessing them. 



Judging the shape of a bird. The standards of shajje for the 

 breeds take form in the breeder's mind only after study and obser- 

 vation afford a true basis for knowledge, but once the standard is 

 visualized, the judgment of the eye becomes quick and accurate and 

 may be trusted in preference to mechanical measurements of different 

 sections. To distinctly fix a clear ideal in the mind is absolutely 

 essential, and this not only includes the general features, but also 

 the minor points, for competition nowadays is so keen that nothing 

 may be neglected if winners are to be put down in fast company. 

 Definite and complete knowledge leads to a discriminating eye and 

 correct judgment. 



Birds are judged in the showroom by either of two systems, 

 score card or comparison, and the show management decides on the 

 method to be employed. 



The purpose of the score card is to record a mathematical valua- 

 tion which a competent judge gives to the defects that are found 

 in each section of the bird being scored. The cuts, as made by the 

 judge, are then added, and their sum total" is deducted from 100, which 

 is the numerical value given to perfection. Thus a bird that is cut 



55 



