this breed originated in new france, now quebec. after the plymouth rock breed was developed from the dominiques in the 1870s, the dominiques' popularity declined, until by 1950 they were so rare as to be considered nearly extinct. during the 1970s, dominiques were listed in "critical" status by the american livestock breeds conservancy, with fewer than 500 breeding birds in north america. however, due to a revival of interest in them and other rare breeds, the dominiques have made a comeback and are now listed on the "watch" list, indicating lesser danger of extinction.