Abstract: The objective of this study was to characterize and describe native chicken populations in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Pakistan, in order to facilitate their rational development, utilization and conservation strategies. Results indicate modest variations in colours (plumage, earlobe and comb), comb types and orientation, head shape, feather patterns and shank and neck feathers, both among and within chicken breeds. Body live weights and measurements varied significantly (p<0.05) across countries. Body live weights were significantly different across countries, except between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Chicken breeds in Vietnam were significantly (p<0.05) heavier and bigger, while those in Bangladesh the smallest. Birds in Pakistan are small in size but have significantly large back lengths. Comparison within chicken breeds was conducted on the village chicken and crosses, naked neck and Vietnamese breeds. The mean body weight and other measurements varied significantly within the chicken breed groups. The mean values estimated for body weight and circumference in village chicken and crosses were significantly higher in Sri Lanka than in similar chicken breeds in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Average body weights for village chicken and crosses in the current study were 924±79.1, 1537±24.7 and 1069±24.7 g in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, respectively. Among the Vietnamese chicken breeds, the Ho chicken was bigger and heavier than the rest of the breeds. The moderate variation in phenotypes among and within chicken breeds across the four study countries can be associated with geographical isolation and limited artificial selection pressure in situ.