Dom (Bulik) Gamefowl Breed Profile

The Dom Gamefowl (Dominique) is a sought-after chicken breed with a long and fascinating history. Originally bred for cockfighting, it has highly developed characteristics and fighting styles.

This article will explore the Dom gamefowl, from its history and origin to its characteristics, fighting style, physical attributes, behavioral attributes, tactics, and strategies. We will also look at what makes this breed of chicken so popular and how it is used in cockfighting today.

In the USA, these beautiful barred birds are known as “Dom,” a shortened form of “Dominique.” In the Philippines, they are called “Bulik,” while in Spanish countries, they go by either “Bulico” (refers to colored Dom) or “Dominico” (refers to black-and-white Dom). Similarly, England and Ireland recognize them as either “Crele” (for a colored Dom) or “Cuckoo” (referring to black-and-white Dom). What sets them apart is their possession of a gene causing zigzag spots of color, known as barring. This patterned inhibition comes from the pigmentation being blocked or inhibited in terms of color – purely white bars or a lighter shade than the bird’s natural genetic hue. Even if a bird is white, it may still boast the barring gene, although it will not be expressed until bred with another colored fowl.

Dom Gamefowl Origil and Known Bloodlines

In the 1800s, Dom fowl in America were sourced from England and Ireland, but by the 1900s, breeders had introduced Spanish bloodlines like the renowned Quatro Telas. This influx of barless and barred varieties means that “American Dom” is a more appropriate label than English or Irish Dom – they are no longer exclusively so. The American Dom has earned acclaim with many prize-winning mains and derbies, including being used in the Orlando Tournament by Mr. J. D. Gay and Mr. E. W. Law.

Dom Gamefowl in America

1. O’Neal Dom: Tom O’Neal of Kentucky. The late 1800s, probably Irish. Foundation for several Dom families.
2. Gee Dom (Georgia Dom): Dr. James Gee, mid-1800s. It is said to be the oldest Dom family in the USA. It is made from a cross of Sumatra and Irish Pyle, followed by an infusion of Gleezen Whitehackle.
3. Gay Dom: J. D. Gay. O’Neal Dom and Sid Taylor
4. Sure Shot Dom: Quinn Robb of Missouri ( originator ) and Scott Gay of Tennessee. Minton Dom and other bloodlines. They are called “Sure Shot” because they often kill the opponent on the first fly. Presently being bred by Howard Gay of Tennessee and Lester Belt Jr. of Oklahoma.
5. Kentucky Dom: Dr. Frymire. Early 1900’s. O’Neal Dom, Mug, and many other infusions.
6. Minton Dom: Col. Minton. Early 1900’s.
7. Mingus Dom: F. B. Mingus. Mid-1900’s. Reported to have used Cuban Dom in the makeup of this family. Mr. Mingus also had Sid Taylor and Traveler, which most likely blended with the Cuban Dom.
8. Chappell Dom: Chappell family of South Carolina and Alabama. English white tassel, Spanish, Mingus Dom, Sure Shot Dom. Presently being bred by Kris Chappell of Alabama, the 6th generation of the Chappell family breeders.
9. Darnell Doms: Fought by Harry Charles in the mid-1900s, winning many major circuit derbies
10. Kimbrell Dom: Sam Kimbrell of Nebraska and Idaho. Mid-1900’s. Infusion of Hammond Gordon in 1939. Bobby Boles bred a Kimbrell hen to the BB blacks.
11. Sullivan Dom: Also used by Bobby Boles

Dom Gamefowl in the Philippines

1. Captain Joe De Sagon from Cavite has been breeding American Dom since the 1980s and obtained his original stock from a small breeder in Georgia, who was related to someone he had worked with in Alaska. These Doms had large heads and stood tall. The Captain used Persian type of non-barred bloodlines such as Hatch and Kelso to maintain this family line. De Sagon is known for being one of the best breeders in the Philippines and has had an impressive win record since 1986. Although he still raises a few Doms as a hobby, he does not sell them.
2. Many breeders in the Philippines use American Dom breeding stocks from Kris Chappell, Brian Corkren, JBL Farm, Howard Gay, and other US sources.

Fighting Style

Dom, Bulik, or Dominique Gamefowl, is renowned for its cutting prowess, aggressive disposition, and lethal speed. Bulicks can step in, show no fear, and get out of tight corners with a wicked shuffle.

Infiltrating some Gamefowl bloodline can result in a better Dom or Bulik fighter. A common breeding approach for breeders is the combination of 50% yellow leg hatch, 25% sweater, and 25% Peiper or penny hatch. However, this tends to lead to derogatory remarks that the fowl is just another type of Sweater or Hatch under different feathers without understanding the accompanying bloodline history. But it’s important to remember that good bloodlines infused into a Dom don’t change its essence; instead, they elevate its quality as a gamefowl.

See Also:

• Allen Roundhead Gamefowl History and Fighting Style
• Red Quill Gamefowl History, Fighting Style, and More
• Radio Gamefowl Bloodline Profile and Fighting Style
• Roundhead Gamefowl Bloodlines History and Fighting Style
• Gamefowl Supplies List for Cockfighting Enthusiasts