The Australian (or Chinese) Langshan was developed by a small number of breeders in New South Wales.

Primarily, Croad Langshans, Modern Langshans, Wakfer Chinese Langshans and the true William Cook type Orpingtons were used in the development of the Australian Langshan. Wakfer Langshans were brought to Australia from China in 1905.

By 1920, classes at some shows were being put on for the Australian Langshan, (which for some obscure reason had been named Chinese Langshans) and the distinct type was beginning to become standardised. The first breed standard was drawn up in 1920 by the newly formed Langshan Club of Australia.

The Langshan could be described as a bird of V's. This V shape should be apparent from almost any angle from which the bird is viewed. The comb is fine and angles upward and away from the neck line. The eye is dark and bold and should almost appear to protrude. The foot feather should not be too profuse and the middle toe should be clear of any feathering. Generally, the plumage should be tight and with a medium amount of down. They are available in black, white and blue, with blacks the most popular and finest in quality. The blacks carry a glossy beetle-green sheen, whites should be snowy with no hint of straw or cream colouring, while the blues are laced as in Andalusians.

Today, Australian Langshans are a very popular show bird, more often than not, winning major awards. They are extremely good layers that have excellent feed to egg ratio, are easily tamed and are a wonderful, all-round utility fowl. They come as both large and bantam.

An excellent cockerel

A high quality pullet

A good type bantam male