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Starting your journey as a breeder can be both exciting and overwhelming. With dozens of breeds out there, knowing which are best for beginners is key to success.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best gamefowl breeds for newbies, sharing details about their temperament, brawl style, and ease of care, whether you’re raising them for shows, cockfighting, or free-ranging.
Understanding Game Fowl: Why Breed Choice Matters
Gamefowl are selectively bred for traits such as strength, aggression, and stamina. Whether you’re in it for tradition, competition, or breeding, choosing the right type is crucial.
As a beginner, your goals might be to learn the ropes, build a solid bloodline, and gradually expand your flock. That’s why selecting medium to docile types can help you avoid common pitfalls while still developing strong lines.
What to Look for in a Beginner-Friendly Gamefowl Breed
Before diving into specific types of roosters, here are a few traits that make a game fowl suitable for novices:
- Temperament: Not too aggressive, especially during the early stages.
- Endurance: Helps determine a rooster’s stamina in the cockpit.
- Manageability: Birds that are easier to handle.
- Availability: Choose chickens that are widely available today and have a proven bloodline.
What Breed of Gamefowl is Best for Beginners?
1. Sweater – An All-Rounder
The Sweater is one of the most popular kinds in the Philippines and the US. Known for their balanced brawl style, excellent stamina, and adaptability, they are ideal for newcomers.
Sweaters have a strong bloodline and are relatively easy to handle, especially when raised in well-managed flocks.
Best For: Good stamina and high win rate
Color: Often red with white or yellow legs
Temperament: Mild aggression, ideal for beginners with some experience
2. Claret – Classic and Controlled
The Claret is another trusted name in the community. They are stylish, intelligent, and known for their counter-attacking tactics in the ring.
While they can have a bit more aggression, their consistent performance and high IQ make them a favourite among newer breeders.
Best For: Those looking for a strategic fighter with a strong bloodline
Color: Deep red, sometimes dark brown
Temperament: Smart and alert
3. Roundhead – The Thinker’s Fighter
The Roundhead is known for its calculated moves and quick reflexes. These chickens aren’t as bulky as others, but what they lack in size, they make up for in technique.
They’re ideal for those looking to start a breed with a unique brawl style.
Best For: A smart choice if you’re learning about breeding
Temperament: Generally docile, making them easier to manage
Fighting Style: Tactical, good for lengthy rounds
4. Hatch – Strong and Durable
If you’re looking for strains that can take a hit and keep going, the Hatch should be high on your list.
Known for their brute force and brawl style, they are easy to find and have multiple sub-types, including Yellow Leg Hatch and Blue Face Hatch.
Strength: High stamina
Temperament: Has more aggression, but is manageable with good handling
Best For: Those who want to build toughness into their bloodline
5. Kelso – Balanced and Battle-Tested
While not always the first pick for beginners, the Kelso is worth considering due to its balanced nature and strategic abilities.
They are often chosen by top breeders for their ability to adapt in the arena and beat tougher opponents with skill.
Temperament: Calm outside the ring, calculated inside
Fighting Style: Counter-puncher with footwork
Best For: A solid addition once you’re confident managing hens and breeding pairs
Final Thoughts
In our opinion, the best breed is the one that aligns with your experience, resources, and goals. Whether you’re looking for an easy start with Sweaters or want to test yourself with a Claret, each of these can be a good fit when properly trained and conditioned.
As a beginner, don’t just follow what’s popular today — take time to search for reputable sources, learn from experienced breeders, and slowly build your own flock with pride. Many of the strains listed here have stood the test of time and have been brought into new generations through selective breeding and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most aggressive fighting rooster?
The Hatch is widely considered one of the most aggressive roosters. Known for their raw power, relentless attacks, and strong stamina, Hatch—particularly the Yellow Leg and Blue Face—are favored in the arena for their fearless nature and ability to overwhelm opponents.
While their aggression makes them formidable in a match, it also requires experienced handling to manage them properly during training and breeding.
What is the smartest gamefowl bloodline?
It is the common opinion that the Claret is one of the smartest chickens. Known for their intelligence, timing, and strategic brawl style, Clarets are highly valued by seasoned breeders and handlers.
They typically use calculated moves, avoid unnecessary hits, and counterattack with precision, making them standout performers that can beat opponents in the arena. Their high ring IQ makes them an excellent choice for those looking to develop chickens with both brains and brawn.
What is the nicest rooster breed?
When it comes to temperament, the Silkie is widely considered the nicest rooster. Unlike other gamefowl, Silkies are gentle, friendly, and often enjoy human interaction.
They’re great for families, beginner chicken keepers, and backyard flocks. If you’re looking for a rooster that’s calm around people and other roosters, the Silkie is a top choice.
Are gamefowl legal to breed?
This depends on your local laws. In the Philippines and some parts of Latin America, cockfighting is legal and regulated. In other regions, gamefowl are bred for show or preservation only.
Can gamefowl be free-range?
Yes, many gamefowl thrive in free-range environments, but they must be separated during maturity.
How long does it take to hatch gamefowl?
The hatch period is 21 days. It takes about 6-12 months for full maturity, depending on care practices.
