Keep in mind that the process for variety recognition has changed dramatically since then. In 1977 Blue, Birchen, Brown Red, Columbian and Red Batnams were recognized. While I wouldn't bet my paycheck on it, I don't believe there was a qualifying meet with 25 or 50 birds in each variety, with representation in each class (cock, hen, cockerel, pullet), by 5 breeders etc etc. More likely, this was approved by the Standard Committee based upon what was being shown at the time. I didn't start showing until a couple years after that, but I have no recollection of large classes in any of those classes except Blue. Blue Cochins used to be somewhat more popular. Quality in type is just as good or better today, but the color (lacing without shafting) remains the challenge. There is a better process in place now (IMO), which stipulates the necessary requirements for getting a breed/variety recognized, and the intent behind the process is to ensure the proposed new breed/variety meets the standard to which they are being bred. In the case of Cochins; does proposed variety X, (1) breed true, and (2) does it adequately represent the Breed Standard for Cochin (Large or Bantam respectively). Over the past few years we've seen a increase in new breed/variety recognition (Marans, Call Ducks, Modern Game, Serama etc). The appropriate breed club has gone through the process and organized a qualifying meet, and in most cases had the required number of entries. A couple of the candidates didn't get recognized the first time around, and I feel that's exactly how it should work. If the consistency isn't there, then the breed or variety needs a little more work to get it there, and in the end, their acceptance is validated through a successful qualifying meet. With Cochins, it's rare to see large classes in anything but Black and White. The other varieties just don't have enough breeders working on them. We need more breeders to take on the challenge of Silver Penciled, or Red, or any of the other varieties. New varieties are fine too, but again, finding enough people that will dedicate the years of work needed to achieve recognition is tough.
Craig anticipates that Self-Blue will be the next recognized variety in Bantams. We'll see. I started distributing some breeding stock last fall in hopes that we may be able to pull off a qualifying meet in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Splash Bantams could be done sooner. Anyone breeding quality Blues, will have excellent typed Splash Cochins by default.
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if you would like some more info just send me a pm and I'll send you the FB link
