The oldest known image of one is in a painting of 1676 by the Dutch artist Melchior d'Hondecoeter.

Black and Cuckoo Brabanters were shown at the first German poultry exhibition, at Görlitz in Saxony, in 1854.

[5] The Brabanter became nearly extinct in the early 20th century, but was recovered by cross-breeding with other crested and bearded birds.

[4] Hens lay a moderate number of white eggs, do not frequently go broody, and are fairly good winter layers.

The Brabanter is suitable for cold areas because its smaller comb and wattles are less susceptible to frostbite.