The Dragoon pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon that has been developed over many years of selective breeding. It originates from the United Kingdom and is known for its unique physical appearance and flying abilities. The Dragoon pigeon, along with other domesticated pigeons, is a descendant of the wild rock dove (Columba livia). This breed has played a significant role in the development of the Racing Homer.
Origin
The Dragoon pigeon breed originated in the United Kingdom through multiple selective breedings. The first description of Dragoon pigeons can be traced back to the Columbarium of John Moore, which was written in 1735. Dragoon pigeons were developed by crossing different pigeon varieties to create a breed that possessed specific traits desired by fanciers.
Breed Characteristics
The Dragoon pigeon is a medium-sized bird with a bold and erect posture. It has a broad and full breast, and the body is of medium length. The head is wedge-shaped, with a broad skull and a stout, blunt beak. The eyes are large and prominent, typically blood-red in color. The ceres, which are the fleshy, waxy parts above the beak, are small and finely laced.
Dragoon pigeons come in various colors, including black, red, yellow, blue, silver, and more. Each color variety can have different markings and patterns, adding to their visual appeal. The breed is known for its distinct large peg-shaped wattle and its erect and bold stance.
Temperament
Dragoon pigeons are active, alert, and watchful birds. They are known for their strong flying abilities and agility in the air, which makes them excellent performers in pigeon flying competitions. While they are not known for their docility, they can be trained and handled with proper care and patience.
Preferred Living Conditions
Dragoon pigeons can adapt well to various living conditions, including both urban and rural settings. They require comfortable accommodation with adequate space to fly and exercise. Access to a clean and well-ventilated loft is essential to maintain the health and well-being of these pigeons.
Usage
Dragoon pigeons have been selectively bred for their flying abilities, making them popular for pigeon flying competitions. They are known for their impressive aerial acrobatics and are valued for their performance in races and shows. While not as highly valued as some other pigeon breeds, they have played an important role in the development of racing pigeons.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Breed Name | Dragoon Pigeon |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Breed Type | Fancy pigeon |
| Size | Medium-sized |
| Temperament | Active, alert, agile |
| Common Colors | Black, red, yellow, blue, silver, and more |
| Special Characteristics | Erect posture, large peg-shaped wattle |
| Preferred Living Conditions | Clean and well-ventilated loft with space to fly |
| Usage | Pigeon flying competitions |
Interesting Fact: Dragoon pigeons were once the most popular breed in the UK and have been a significant part of pigeon fancying history.
