During the Great Depression, the Dominique's hardy and thrifty nature won the breed a reprieve. By the end of World War II, though, commercial operations were taking over what had been the farm flock's role of providing eggs and meat for the populace. The trend swung again, and farmers replaced older breeds with new, improved production breeds. By 1970, there were only four known flocks of Dominiques remaining. Thanks to a concerted effort by breeders and conservation groups, the situation has improved significantly.
Preservationists still worry.
Surveys indicate that while orders for Dominique chicks have risen, there's been no increase in the number of serious breeders. That, according to Mark Fields, of the Dominique Club of America , is not a comforting sign. An article on a particular breed may produce a spike in sales and breed organization membership. Few, however, renew that membership or maintain the breed for more than two years, he said. Also, some hobby flocks and sustainable farming folks are maintaining a few specific strains of genetically valuable stock.