early 2012, another group was formed to help gain APA and ABA acceptance of more varieties of serama. This group is known as the American Serama Association. Europe Seramas were initially imported into the UK in 2004. Birds were imported from both America and directly from Malaysia. The foundation Serama flock in the UK consisted of only a few dozen birds. In 2005, a small group of Serama owners and enthusiast decided to form the Serama Club of Great Britain, the first Serama club in the UK. They established the standard for the Serama breed for the UK. Eventually in 2008, the club was officially recognised as the affiliated breed club of the Poultry Club of Great Britain. Seramas are still relatively rare and expensive in much of mainland Europe. The Netherlands probably has the largest number of Seramas outside the UK. Most of the stock in the Netherlands are descended from birds/eggs imported from America and from the UK. In France and other European countries they are increasing in popularity. They have 4 classes of Seramas. General characteristics The Serama are characterized by their upright posture, full breast, vertical tail feathers held upright and tight up to the body and vertical wings held down nearly touching the ground. In Malaysia they are described as brave warriors and archangel chickens, because of their very human like appearance. They are the smallest breed of chicken in the world. Seramas are typically under , but even smaller birds weighing under have been bred in its native Malaysia. However, size alone does not define a Serama. A small chicken without the Serama "type" is not a Serama, but just another small bantam. The following describes the overall characteristics of "Malaysian type." The Americans and Europeans have defined variants thereof. Carriage and temperament Seramas have an assertive and confident stance, but are calm and manageable, and should be easily handled and show no aggression. The bird should pose readily and when viewed from the side should create a vase like or wide 'V' shape outline. They shake their wings and pose, walk with pride, pull their head back to reveal a large chest, lift the legs, and in some styles have neck/head vibrations similar to that of a pigeon. Body The body is well muscled with breast carried high, full and well forward. From above the shape is somewhat elliptical, tapering towards the tail.