Dutch bantams are hardy, active, and first should be of good type; second, of good color; and third, small. These gentle and quaint little birds often display attachment to their owners and are characterized by their smallness and elegance.

Dutch bantams are good layers, good setters, and good broodies. Because of their small size, Dutch females are only capable of covering a small clutch of eggs, just 4 or 5 is safest.

Indications are that Dutch birds were first imported into this country shortly following World War II. Dutch bantams were first shown in this country in some of the larger eastern shows during the early 1950's. The Dutch bantam did not acquire the attention of the fanciers and therefore soon disappeared from exhibition. Perhaps due to the lack of interest, it is believed that the breed was either lost, or bred into other breeds as they begun to lose their fertility.

Dutch bantams were again imported into this country in 1969 and 1970 into the Wisconsin area, and again in the 1980's into the Tennessee region. Again imported in the 1990's, the true type of this glamorous breed is once again being seen in exhibition halls in all parts of the country.

Adapted from "Dutch History", the new book published by the Hollandse Krielenfokkers Club of Holland and from Dusty Miller and Roy Schell.