The Totleger derives from the traditional rural chickens of Westphalia, and was reared mainly in the area of the cities of Bielefeld and Herford.

The chickens were formerly known as 'Alltagsleger' or 'Dauerleger', meaning a daily or long-lasting layer of eggs.

[2]: 125 [1] The Totleger was widespread until the arrival of more productive foreign breeds in the 1880s.

By the time a breeders' association was formed in 1904, it had become largely an exhibition breed.

[4]: 140  The hens are non-sitters; they lay some 180 eggs per year, of about 50–65 g in weight.