The Lahore pigeon is a type of fancy pigeon that is quite large, but gentle and mild-mannered. It is considered one of the most popular ornamental pigeons around the world and many people keep them as pets. The Lahore pigeon was once bred for its meat but is now kept as a show or ornamental pigeon because of its fancy plumage and patterns. It originated in Lahore, Pakistan and became popular in the Shiraz area of Iran. In the late 1800s, the pigeon made its way to Germany and became a popular choice among pigeon enthusiasts in the 1960s. This type of pigeon was never wild and has always been a completely domesticated bird, which may explain its docile nature.
Origin
The Lahore pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon known for its impressive size and gentle nature. Lahore, Pakistan is its place of origin, and it was also bred in the Shiraz area of Iran. The origins of the breed can be traced back to the late 1800s when it was imported to Germany and gained popularity worldwide in the 1960s.
Breed Characteristics
The Lahore pigeon is a medium to large-sized pigeon, measuring approximately 27 cm (10 inches) tall and 30 cm (11 inches) long. It has a white body with coloration that spreads in an arc, extending up toward the beak and wattle and over the eyes. The head, neck, and wings are areas that produce the ornamental colors of the Lahore pigeon and are focused on by breeders for show pigeons. The head of the Lahore pigeon is broad and oval-shaped, with chubby cheeks being a desirable characteristic. The chest is plump and rounded, and show birds have heavily feathered bull-necks. The beak is stout, broad, and pinkish in color. Lahore pigeons also have feathery feet, which must always be white in show birds. Overall, the Lahore pigeon stands bold and erect with a proud posture.
| Size | Coloration | Head Characteristics | Chest | Beak | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 cm (10 in) tall 30 cm (11 in) long |
White body with various colors on head, neck, and wings | Broad, oval-shaped, chubby cheeks | Plump, rounded | Stout, broad, pinkish | Feathery, always white in show birds |
Temperament
Because the Lahore pigeon has always been a domesticated bird, it has a docile and gentle disposition. They are usually shy and easy to tame. Young pigeons quickly get used to human interactions, but early socialization is important for better taming results. The Lahore pigeon is a good breed for people new to pigeon breeding because it doesn’t have any complicated requirements. It is a complex bird, a mix of power and beauty, with strict show standards, making breeding for ornamentation more challenging compared to other types of pigeons.
Preferred Living Conditions
The Lahore pigeon has a similar diet to other types of pigeons, consisting mainly of grains such as millet, corn, barley, and wheat. Additionally, they can eat peas, poultry pellets, and seeds. It’s important to provide them with a varied diet. Grit should be mixed in their food to help with digestion. Lahore pigeons are often farmed for meat in Iran, while they are generally kept as show or pet pigeons in other parts of the world.
Usage
Lahore pigeons are highly prized and sought after by pigeon fanciers who appreciate their unique characteristics. They are often showcased in pigeon shows and competitions. In addition, the Lahore pigeon can also be trained to perform various tasks due to its intelligence. Many people keep Lahore pigeons as pets due to their gentle nature and attractive colors. They can live up to ten years or more if properly cared for, making them a practical and long-lasting companion.
Interesting fact: The Lahore pigeon is known for its delicate and tasty meat, and it is considered one of the most delicious pigeon meats available.
