It is named for the Niederrhein or Lower Rhine region where it originated in the early twentieth century, and derives principally from the Dutch North Holland Blue meat chicken.

In 2021 the breeding population was reported to be 1660, consisting of 308 cock birds and 1352 hens.

[9]: 10 The Niederrheiner is closely similar to the North Holland Blue from which it derives, the principal difference being the absence of feathering on the legs.

[6] The birds are docile and have little tendency to fly; hens are not good sitters.

[1] Standard-size hens lay approximately 200 cream or light brown eggs per year, with an average weight of about 55 g;[8] bantam hens lay about 180 per year, averaging about 40 g in weight.