Although cockfighting has been banned across the United States for decades, the legacy of these powerful birds endures. Today, the fascination with gamefowl isn’t about the ring—it’s about their remarkable lineage, striking beauty, and the deep traditions they represent.
In this guide, Snortmoo explores the Top 10 Fighting Rooster Breeds, uncovering the genetics, history, and defining traits that make each gamefowl a living symbol of strength, spirit, and heritage.
1. Asil (Aseel)
Originating from India, the Asil—often referred to as Aseel—is one of the oldest and most respected gamefowl breeds in the world. Revered for its unmatched strength and courage, the Asil is a bird of compact muscle and commanding presence. Its body is heavily built with solid bones and short, tight plumage that enhances agility and minimizes vulnerability during combat.
Unlike fast-cutting breeds, the Asil’s fighting style is measured and deliberate, relying on brute power and precision rather than speed. Known for its extreme gameness, it will continue to fight long after other roosters would retreat. Historically, Asils were considered living symbols of valor and nobility, prized not only for their performance in the pit but also for their intelligence and loyalty to handlers—traits that continue to define the breed today.
2. Old English Game
The Old English Game is the cornerstone of nearly every modern fighting chicken lineage, tracing its roots back to England’s medieval cockfighting traditions. Small yet muscular, this breed embodies controlled aggression and unyielding stamina. With a broad chest, short back, and hard, glossy feathers in a spectrum of vivid colors, the Old English Game showcases both beauty and grit.
Its defining trait is its remarkable “bottom”—a term used to describe the bird’s ability to keep fighting even when fatigued or injured. Despite its ancient combat background, this breed is now often admired in exhibitions for its regal posture and spirited personality. It remains a living reminder of the heritage and resilience that shaped centuries of gamefowl breeding.
3. Malay
Towering above most other chickens, the Malay breed represents the pinnacle of size and structure among gamefowl. Originating in Asia, the Malay’s impressive height, long neck, and upright stance give it a commanding presence. With thick bones and strong legs, it was historically bred for power and intimidation rather than sheer speed. The Malay’s deliberate and forceful striking style relies on calculated attacks rather than rapid exchanges, and its endurance is legendary.
It has been a foundational breed in developing other fighting strains, particularly in Europe and the United States, where breeders prized it for transmitting height, bone density, and fierce temperament to offspring. Beyond the pit, the Malay stands as a magnificent specimen of avian strength and composure, reflecting centuries of careful selection.
4. American Game
The American Game is a true hybrid of tradition and innovation, crafted through selective crosses between Old English Game and Malay bloodlines. Developed in the United States, this breed represents the evolution of gamefowl breeding for the modern era. Compact yet athletic, American Games display tremendous variation in color, form, and fighting style—an intentional diversity designed to suit different fighting conditions and regional preferences.
Known for their intelligence, adaptability, and balance between aggression and control, they have become the benchmark for performance in the pit. American Games are often recognized for their sharp reflexes, coordinated movement, and exceptional endurance, making them one of the most respected fighting breeds worldwide.
5. Sweater
The Sweater line is among the most celebrated and highly coveted American gamefowl strains, often identifiable by their yellow legs and deep red plumage. Renowned for their exceptional athleticism, these birds exhibit a tall “station,” well-proportioned body, and relentless offensive energy. The Sweater’s hallmark is its lightning-fast, swarming attack style—launching a barrage of strikes with speed and coordination that overwhelms opponents before they can react.
In addition to raw aggression, they possess remarkable timing and spatial awareness, allowing them to control engagements with precision. Modern breeders value Sweaters for their ability to blend beauty, balance, and intelligence into a single, high-performance line. Their dominance in both breeding programs and competitive circles underscores their lasting legacy in the world of gamefowl genetics.
6. Hatch
The Hatch is one of the most influential American gamefowl strains, renowned for its strength, balance, and reliability in combat. Characterized by either a pea or straight comb and green or yellow legs, Hatch birds are admired for their exceptional physical conditioning and natural power. They possess a dense bone structure, well-developed muscles, and remarkable endurance, giving them the ability to sustain long, grueling fights without losing momentum.
Often referred to as the “foundation bloodline” in American gamefowl breeding, Hatch roosters are frequently used to enhance the bone density, stamina, and hitting force of other crosses. Their fighting style combines calculated aggression with a powerful forward drive, making them formidable opponents in any match. Beyond their fighting prowess, breeders value the Hatch for its consistent offspring quality, intelligence, and stable temperament—traits that make it a cornerstone in the lineage of countless modern strains.
7. Kelso
The Kelso is a hallmark of intelligence and tactical brilliance among American gamefowl. Developed by Walter Kelso, this strain revolutionized the perception of how roosters could fight—emphasizing strategy and timing over reckless aggression. Kelso birds are easily recognized by their high station, clean lines, and graceful yet athletic build. In the ring, they act like master tacticians, adapting quickly to opponents’ movements, striking with deliberate precision, and showcasing exceptional cutting ability.
They are often described as “ring generals” for their composure and ability to dictate the pace of a fight. Despite their calm disposition outside the pit, Kelsos display relentless focus and determination once engaged. Their genetic influence runs deep in the American gamefowl scene, valued for producing crosses that balance intelligence, endurance, and surgical accuracy in combat.
8. Roundhead
Agility and speed define the Roundhead strain, one of the most graceful and skillful fighters in the gamefowl world. Originating in the United States, this line is prized for its quick reflexes, precise timing, and masterful control of distance during battle. Roundheads are smaller-framed but exceptionally athletic, allowing them to excel in aerial exchanges and evasive maneuvers.
They possess a sharp mind and natural instinct for counter-attacking, often turning an opponent’s aggression into an opportunity for swift retaliation. Known for their remarkable “flying style,” they launch into rapid, well-aimed strikes that can end a contest in seconds. Breeders often introduce Roundhead blood into other lines to enhance speed, footwork, and timing, making them invaluable in the development of balanced, high-performance fighting strains.
9. Shamo
Originating from Japan, the Shamo stands as a symbol of discipline, endurance, and raw power. These birds are tall, upright, and heavily muscled, with a vertical carriage that commands attention. Unlike lighter, flight-oriented breeds, Shamos excel in close combat, using their body weight and strength to overpower opponents. Their deliberate, persistent style is marked by continuous forward pressure and unyielding determination.
The breed’s high-pitched crow, proud stance, and piercing gaze give it an unmistakable presence. Historically bred for both fighting and ceremonial prestige, the Shamo embodies the Japanese philosophy of honor and resilience. It has also contributed significantly to the development of other large, vertical-bodied gamefowl around the world, valued for its toughness, stamina, and unbreakable fighting spirit.
10. Claret
Clarets are among the most distinguished American gamefowl strains, instantly recognizable by their rich, wine-red plumage and commanding elegance. Bred for precision and speed, these birds are known for their exceptional cutting skill and single-strike efficiency—often ending encounters with one well-timed blow. Claret roosters are lean, agile, and exceptionally alert, combining beauty with lethal capability.
Their intelligence and awareness make them strategic fighters that rely on anticipation rather than brute strength. In breeding programs, Claret blood is often infused to enhance quickness, timing, and finesse in other lines. Despite their refined appearance, they are fierce competitors with an intense, unyielding drive. Among breeders and enthusiasts, the Claret remains a symbol of perfection—where performance, heritage, and grace meet in one of the most respected bloodlines in the history of gamefowl.