Mediterranean Class (chicken breeds)

All chicken breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) are categorized into classes according to their place of origin and physical characteristics. There are separate sets of classes for standard and bantam breeds.

The large breeds are sorted into one of six classes; the breeds in each class usually share a specified place of origin, as well as a number of characteristics. The six classes are as follows: American, Asiatic, Continental, English, Mediterranean, and All Other Standard Breeds.

The American Class contains thirteen breeds, all of which originated in Canada or the United States. The birds of this class are all heavy breeds, and most lay brown eggs. They are cold-hardy for the most part, with the Buckeye and Chantecler reputed as being among the best breeds for considerably cold climates.

The three breeds in this class all have their origins in China; they are large, feather legged, and lay brown eggs.

The Continental Class contains large-sized chicken breeds of Continental European origins, excluding however, birds originating in the Mediterranean region. The breeds included in this class are mostly sprightly birds, the Faverolles being the most prominent exception. The ten breeds in the Continental Class hail from four countries, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

This class is made up of breeds that originated in the United Kingdom and Australia. Pink skin is a characteristic sported by the breeds of this class, and all but the Redcap are heavier birds that lay brown eggs (excluding the Dorking, which lay white eggs).

All members of this class possess white earlobes and tend to be productive layers of white eggs. In general they are flighty, and exceptional free-range birds; with both evasion and foraging skills. The beginnings of all the breeds of this class center around the Mediterranean region, namely Italy and Spain.

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