Fancy pigeon refers to any breed of domestic pigeon, which is a domesticated form of the wild rock dove. They are bred by pigeon fanciers for various traits relating to size, shape, color, and behavior, and often exhibited at pigeon shows, fairs and other livestock exhibits.
The English Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. English Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. A breed with an enlarged crop, their distinctiveness was described by Charles Darwin in The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication (1868).
The English Short-faced Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. English Short-faced Tumblers along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants of the rock dove. The English Short-faced Tumbler is one of the oldest breeds referred to in John Moore's book Columbarium: or, The pigeon-house; being an introduction to a natural history of tame pigeons, giving an account of the several species known in England, with the method of breeding them, their distempers and cures.
The Schmalkalden Moorhead is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Schmalkalden Moorheads, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . It was developed at Schmalkalden, Thuringian town in Germany.
The Chinese Owl is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Chinese Owls, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed is known for its small size and profuse frilled feathers. Many specimens of this breed have a 'chin-crest' around the frontal region of its neck - it does not extend around to the back of the head. The feathers are more 'ruffled'and appear 'wind-swept' rather that 'curled' as in the frill varieties. The breed comes in many colors : black, brown, blue/ blue-grey, barred, ice, satinette blondinette, white, pied and white-black (combinations).
The Alina is a Turkish breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. The name Alina is of Turkish language origin and means, "turning and dropping down from the sky." The Alina, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for its aerial acrobatics and as such is more of a performance breed rather than a purely fancy variety. Their aerial spiraling return when called back to the loft makes a spectacular sight.
The Saxon Fairy Swallow is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Saxon Fairy Swallows, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The Saxon Swallows and Wing Pigeons have various markings and patterns.
The Jacobin is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding that originated in Asia. Jacobins, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock pigeon. It is in the Asian feather and voice pigeon show group. The breed is known for its feathered hood over its head.
The Ice pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Ice pigeons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon.
The King pigeon is a breed of pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding primarily as a utility breed. Kings along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock dove.
The English Long-faced Tumbler is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. English Long-faced Tumblers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the rock dove.
The Turbit is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Turbits, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for its peaked crest, short beak and frill of feathers on its breast.
The Helmet is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Helmets, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon. The breed has medium face, short face, plain-head and crested varieties. Helmet pigeons have been referenced since the early 15th century and appear to have origins in Germany. The modern varieties were refined in the latter 20th century.
The Brunner Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Brunner Pouters along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is one of the most popular blower breeds.
The Dragoon is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Dragoons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants of the wild rock dove. The Dragoon was one of the breeds used in the development of the Racing Homer. A very old breed of British origin, referred to by Moore (1735).
The Thuringian Colour pigeons are a group of breeds of fancy pigeons developed over many years of selective breeding. Thuringian Colour pigeons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed group is known for several different colours and markings. Varieties include the Thuringian Breast, Thuringian Monk, Thuringian Shield (picture), Thuringian Whitetail and the Thuringian Spot. The breed can be either plain or shell crested, but is always clean-legged.
The Barb is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Barbs, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . This breed was referred to by Shakespeare. It was also referred to with an illustration in Charles Darwin's Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication. It has been marked as cruel by many organisations due to the size of its beak which means it has trouble feeding its young and surviving.
The Scandaroon is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Scandaroons, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is also known as a Nuremberg Bagdad.
The Stralsund Highflyer is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Stralsund Highflyers, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon.
The Reverse-wing Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Reverse-wing Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon . The breed is known for its eye-catching markings.
