Ko-Shamo

The Ko-Shamo is a masterpiece of Japanese breeding, adhering to a strict one-third rule: the neck, body, and legs should each represent approximately one-third of the bird's total height. They are hard-feathered, meaning their plumage is short, narrow, and held very tightly against the body. This tight feathering often leaves the sternum (breastbone) exposed and bare of feathers, which is a desired trait in exhibition specimens.

• Posture: Almost completely vertical when alert.
• Tail: Known as a prawn tail (shrimp tail), it is short, folded, and curves slightly upward at the base.
• Head: Features a beetle brow (heavy overhanging eyebrows) and a small, firm walnut comb. The face consists of thick, red, unfeathered skin.
• Build: Extremely muscular and hard to the touch, with shoulders that stand out and are carried slightly above the back line.

The Ko-Shamo is primarily an ornamental and exhibition breed, consequently, its egg-laying capabilities are poor. Owners can expect roughly 60-90 small eggs per year, often concentrated in a short laying period during the spring.

• Egg Size: Very small, weighing approximately 1.05 oz (30g).
• Egg Color: Ranges from cream to tinted white.
• Mothers: While they do not lay many eggs, the hens are known to be quite broody and make fiercely protective mothers, though their muscular build and lack of down can sometimes make it difficult for them to cover many eggs.

Sexual dimorphism in the Ko-Shamo is distinct, primarily in posture and feather structure. Roosters are significantly more vertical and display a more aggressive, assertive attitude. Their neck hackles are sparser and do not reach the end of the neck, further emphasizing the length of the neck.

Hens carry themselves slightly less vertically than the males and have a more developed abdomen. While the roosters are notorious for fighting with other males, hens are also highly territorial and will frequently engage in felle gevechten (fierce fights) to establish a strict pecking order. Both sexes are remarkably tame and trustworthy with humans, often seeking out interaction with their keepers.

Because of their extremely tight, sparse feathering, Ko-Shamos have very little natural insulation. They are considered moderate to delicate regarding cold weather and are susceptible to frostbite on their exposed skin areas.

• Shelter: They require dry, draft-free housing. In winter, supplemental heat or well-insulated coops are often necessary in Northern climates.
• Space: They are excellent for limited spaces because they do not fly well and have a shuffling gait due to their short legs. However, they must be kept in pairs or very small, established groups to prevent lethal fighting.

In their native Japan and in the West, various colors are recognized. The most common and popular are the Wheaten variants (Gold and Silver). Other recognized colors include:

• Black: Solid black with a green sheen.
• White: Pure snowy white.
• Mottled (Roodporselein): Red-brown ground color with white tips.
• Red-Saddled: White body with red on the shoulders and back of the male.

The name Ko-Shamo translates to Small Fighter. While they look like miniature pit-fighters, they were developed in Japan purely for ornamental purposes and as a test of breeding skill, rather than for actual combat. They are an ancient breed, having existed in Japan for hundreds of years, likely descending from larger Shamo types imported from Thailand and China.

They remained a hidden treasure of Japan for centuries and were only imported to Europe in the 1970s. Since then, they have gained a dedicated following among poultry enthusiasts who appreciate their unique, prehistoric appearance and dog-like devotion to humans.