Sussex, Orpington or Dorking? Comparing Three English Class Chickens

If you like the idea of a traditional, dual-purpose chicken with an English pedigree, you will quickly run into three names: Sussex, Orpington and Dorking. All three are old breeds developed in England, all are classed together in the American Poultry Association's English class and all have a reputation as sturdy backyard birds that lay eggs and carry a good amount of meat. They are not interchangeable, though. Their shapes, feet, temperaments and uses differ in ways that matter when you are deciding what to put in your coop.

This guide compares the three at a general level. Individual birds and strains vary, and breed details change as breeders select over time, so talk to breeders and check breed clubs before you buy. If you want to find breed clubs and poultry events near you, agriculture.directory can help you find agriculture events in your area.

What They Have in Common

• English origins. All three were developed in England as farm fowl.
• Dual-purpose reputation. Each was bred for both eggs and meat, with white skin traditionally valued in English markets.
• Large, soft-feathered build. They are heavy breeds that tolerate cold well in general.
• Calm temperaments in general. Many keepers describe all three as docile, though individuals differ.

The American Poultry Association classifies breeds, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the conservation status of heritage breeds, including some English breeds. Check their pages for current information.

Sussex

The Sussex is known for a long, broad, rectangular body with a broad back and deep breast. It carries a single comb, white or pinkish-white legs with four toes on each foot and white skin. The Speckled variety is the best known in the United States, with its mahogany feathers tipped in white, and the American Poultry Association recognizes Light, Red and Speckled varieties. Hens lay light brown eggs and are generally good layers for a heavy breed, and many keepers describe the breed as curious, friendly and active foragers. Our breed history on this site and the Livestock Conservancy's Sussex page go into more detail.

Orpington

The Orpington is the fluffy one. It has a broad, rounded, deep body covered in loose, abundant feathering that makes the bird look larger than it is. It is known for gentle, friendly temperament and is popular as a pet and backyard bird. Orpingtons come in many colors, and the Buff is perhaps the most famous. They have a single comb and four toes. Hens often go broody, and the heavy feathering means they tolerate cold well, though in very hot climates the thick feathers can be a drawback. Production varies with strain, and show-type birds may lay less than utility strains.

Dorking

The Dorking is the old one, with a long, low, rectangular body on short legs. Its most distinctive feature is a fifth toe on each foot, a trait that sets it apart from nearly all other breeds in the English class. Dorkings come in several varieties, and comb style varies by variety. The breed has a long reputation as a table bird with tender, flavorful meat and white skin, and hens lay white or tinted eggs. Dorkings are generally described as calm but they are less common than the other two, and some strains are rare. Their short legs can make them more vulnerable to muddy conditions, and they do best on dry ground. The Livestock Conservancy lists breeds with conservation concern, so check current status if you want to help preserve a rare breed.

Quick Comparison

• Body shape. Sussex: long, broad, rectangular. Orpington: rounded, fluffy and deep. Dorking: long, low and rectangular.
• Toes. Sussex and Orpington: four. Dorking: five.
• Eggs. Sussex: light brown. Orpington: brown. Dorking: white to tinted. Production differs by strain.
• Feathering. Sussex: standard soft feathering. Orpington: very full and fluffy. Dorking: moderate.
• Availability. Sussex and Orpington are widely available. Dorkings are less common.

Choosing Among Them

1. Decide your goal. Eggs, meat, show, pets or conservation?
2. Consider your climate. Fluffy breeds may struggle in extreme heat.
3. Consider your ground. Short-legged birds do best on dry ground.
4. Consider availability. Find breeders with good stock, and ask about production and health.
5. Consider show plans. Check which varieties your shows accept.

Strain Matters

Within each breed, there can be big differences between hatchery stock, production strains and exhibition lines. A hatchery Sussex may lay differently from a show-quality Sussex from a breeder. Ask what the birds were bred for. Resources such as eXtension poultry and Penn State Extension poultry offer general information on choosing and raising breeds.

Mixing Breeds

You do not have to choose only one. Many flock owners keep several breeds, and mixing is fine for a backyard flock. If you plan to breed for show or preserve a breed, keep varieties separate and keep records. Our hatching guide explains how to keep track.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing by looks alone. Think about climate and goals.
• Assuming all strains are the same. Ask the breeder.
• Ignoring ground and climate. They affect health.
• Expecting hatchery stock to match show standards. Different goals.
• Not checking availability. Rare breeds can be hard to find.

Farm.fm's page on broiler chicken production shows the commercial side of poultry, and for a laugh, see farm.fm's piece on a county udderly ridiculous stock show.