From about 1852, cuckoo-patterned local chickens were crossed with birds which had been brought from Shanghai, China, to the zoological gardens of Antwerp.

The resulting birds had the large structure of the Oriental chickens, but retained the meat quality of the local stock.

[1]: 46 In the early twentieth century the Malines became famous under the name "Poulet de Bruxelles", and was in great demand for the quality of its meat, which is white and finely textured.

After the Second World War, when competition from imported specialised meat breeds became more intense, its popularity faded.

Hens lay about 140–160 tinted eggs per year, with a weight of about 65 g.[1]: 56  They are good mothers and excellent sitters.