Extracted from Leghorn Fowls Exhibition & Utility
 by C A House published Poultry World Ltd
 
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THE RED (click for pictures) 
This   variety   was   introduced by Mr. Arthur Lythe, of Yorkshire, in 1910 at the Leeds Smithfield Show of the year, and the exhibit secured a " highly commended " card in the A.O.V class. Shortly after this it seemed as though the variety had caught on, as in 1913 it was known that over 100 English breeders had taken up the variety, and  were  engaged  in breeding Red Leghorns, whilst quite a number Reds had been exported to foreign countries.
The following year came the war, and since that great catastrophe little has been seen of the Red Leghorn. 
In the making of the Red Leghorn Mr. Lythe used Pile, Partridge, Buff and Blue Leghorns, pencilled Hamburghs, and Rhode Island Reds. In all general breed characteristics the Reds are similar to the other varieties of Leghorns, except that they are somewhat smaller in comb and lobe. These are points that could quickly be improved from the exhibition standpoint, whilst on the other hand it is an advantage from the utilitarian point of view, as their combs are not so likely to be frost-bitten.

  In colour they are a deep bright rich red right through. Not the chocolate red favoured by breeders of the Rhode Island Red, but a lighter shade.
  The cockerels are very handsome indeed and look particularly smart and attractive. Double-mating is not needed, which is a great advantage to the backyard poultry keeper. By reason of their colour they do not show the dirt as do lighter coloured birds. They are good foragers, small eaters, grow and feather quickly, lay good sized eggs, and plenty of them. They are very hardy and robust, and above all they are good winter layers, due, no doubt, to that dash of Rhode Island Red blood in their make up.