Differences Between Barred Rock & Dominique Chickens

The differences between Barred Rock (Barred Plymouth Rock) and Dominique chickens are several; however, they do have some features in common. Along with being docile and even tempered, both breeds of chickens can be used as egg layers and as a food source. Both breeds bear confinement well, but thrive when they have room to forage. The main differences between the two are generally seen when comparing appearances and egg production.

  1. History

    • The most significant difference between a Barred Rock and Dominique chicken is their history. The Barred Rock was developed in New England and is the result of crossing Dominique chickens with Dorkings Cochins chickens. However, the Dominique is an older breed common in Europe and was one of the first chickens brought to the United States by early settlers because its ability to survive in less than ideal conditions. Also, the Dominique is considered an historically significant breed, where as the Barred Rock did not become an official breed in the United States until 1865.

    Comformation

    • The Barred Rock chicken is not as upright and is less refined than the stately and erect Dominique. Where the Barred Rock has a fuller body and neck, the Dominique has a more slender body with a delicate refined neck and head. The Barred Rock also has a lower set tail with short tail feathers, but the Dominique has a higher set tail with longer feathers similar to those seen in Leghorns. Another difference is visible when comparing the single comb of the Barred Rock to the rose comb of the Dominique.

    Plumage

    • While both the Barred Rock and Dominique have parallel stripes of dark and light colors, they differ in their shade as well as in the width of barring. Both breeds have parallel stripes of color that lay across the feathers. The plumage of the Barred Rock is a sharp contrast of even black and white stripes, where as the plumage of the Dominique is a silver white and dove grey with the silver white stripes being twice the width of the darker stripes. Another contrasting difference is that, according to the breed standards of the Barred Rock, acceptable plumage variations are white, blue Colombian, silver penciled and black. However, the Dominique does not have any other acceptable color variations.

    Production

    • There are also differences between the Barred Rock and Dominique in egg production. Where the Barred Rock has a high production of large, light brown eggs, the Dominique has a medium production rate of medium, light brown eggs. Also, because the Barred Rock is a bit more full chested than the Dominique, they may have a few ounces more meat than their smaller ancestor.