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Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds Program complements Living History Interpretation

Colonial Williamsburg's Rare Breeds program was begun in 1986 to preserve genetic diversity in livestock. Some of the selected breeds represent animals that could have been present in Williamsburg during the 18th century according to historical research. The program complements Colonial Williamsburg's living history interpretation by portraying another aspect of daily life in colonial Virginia.

Rare is defined as having fewer than 1,000 animals registered annually in North America. The breeds in the foundation's program – the Leicester Longwool sheep, American Cream Draft horses and America Milking Red Devons – have fewer than 200 animals registered annually in North America.

Animals in the Rare Breeds program

  • Leicester Longwool Sheep

    Leicester Longwool Sheep

    A long, healthy, lustrous coat which falls in ringlets, ease of feeding, valuable meat supply and quick maturation are the sheep's breed traits. Leicester (pronounced "lester") Longwools originated in Britain and were used as a pioneer breed. Their use extended to America, Australia, New Zealand and other colonies settled by the Crown. Today they are quite rare in Britain and North America, but they can still be imported from Australia. Their wool is sold to hand spinners, weavers, felters and dollmakers for hair and beards. The original herd of Colonial Williamsburg's Leicester Longwool sheep came from Tasmania, but now the sheep are bred here.

  • American Cream Draft Horses

    American Cream Draft Horses

    The only modern breed in the program also is the rarest – just over 500 still exist in North America. American Cream Draft horses are the only breed of draft horse originating from the United States. Breed characteristics include a medium cream-colored coat, pink skin, amber eyes, long, white mane and tail and white markings. These horses mature late at five years old and have an excellent temperament. Mares stand from 15 to 16 hands and weigh 1,500 to 1,600 pounds. Males stand 16 to 16.3 hands and weigh 1,800 pounds and up.

  • Canadian Horses

    Canadian Horses

    Canadian horses were developed from horses sent from France to Quebec between 1665 and 1670. They stand 14 to 16 hands. Mares weigh 900 to 1,300 pounds and males weigh 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. Canadians were used for farm work, transport, riding and racing. Canadian horses are solid and well-muscled with a well-arched neck set high on a long, sloping shoulder. Canadians are primarily black or reddish brown with full manes and tails. They are energetic without being nervous and are adaptable for a variety of riding and driving disciplines

  • American Milking Red Devons

    American Milking Devons

    Diversity is the trademark of this breed. Their milk contains a high butterfat content – prized in the 18th century for butter and cheese production. They also give quality meat, are very intelligent and are good work animals that are easy to feed and fatten well with minimum supplements. Their milk is used in the Historic Area Foodways program. Descended from the Red Devon breed native to Devonshire, England, American Milking Devons now are bred here.


  • Oxen

    Durham and Devon/Lineback Oxen

    Oxen are cattle trained to work, and they were the trucks, tractors and bulldozers of the 18th century. In Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, guests will see Milking Shorthorns, or Durhams, and a Devon/Lineback cross. Milking Shorthorns originated in England, can be red or white, and are used for milk, meat, and work. Both breeds are rare, classified as a watch breed and a critical breed, respectively. Oxen Dan and Dick can be found working in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. A pair of Devon lineback crosses, Duke and Dan, work at Great Hopes Plantation.

  • Dominique Chicken

    Dominique Chickens

    The Dominique chicken is one of the first breeds of chickens developed in the United States. They are small to medium in size with a very hardy constitution. Their heavy plumage protects the poultry from low winter temperatures.

  • Nankin Bantams Chicken

    Nankin Bantams Chickens

    The Nankins are a foundation for many other breeds of bantams, which were very popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. With their copper-colored bodies and their green and black tail feathers they are striking birds. Nankin hens were used to hatch Pheasant and Quaill eggs, for large estates. They make good pets because of their gentle nature.

  • English Game Fowl

    English Game Fowl

    These chickens were originally bred for cock fighting. Distinguished by their strength, agility and aggression, English game fowl never became popular as utility fowl after cock fighting was banned. However, English game fowl produce high quality meat and eggs. Eggs from the poultry in the Rare Breeds program are used in the Historic Area Foodways program.

The Rare Breeds program is recognized by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC) for "its outstanding historical, agricultural interpretation. Colonial Williamsburg is a pioneer in the field of not only showing the animals, but in conservancy and breeding."


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