It was bred at the beginning of the twentieth century from local fowls of mixed origin: Rhode Island Reds, Barnevelders, Partridge Leghorns, Cochins, and Wyandottes.

In 1922–23, steps were taken to fix a standard after the birds began to show a good deal of uniformity.

[citation needed] In 2001, a number of farms culled their flocks in connection with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

Three plumage colours are listed for the Welsumer by the Entente Européenne d’Aviculture et de Cuniculture, of which only one, Red Partridge, is recognised in the Netherlands.

[1] Bantam Welsumers lay about 180 dark brown eggs per year, with an average weight of 47 g.[2]