Origin

The Montauban Pigeon originated in the Montauban region in southwestern France. It is believed to have been developed in the mid-19th century. The exact origin of the breed is uncertain, with some European authorities suggesting it was a cross between the crested Mondian and Runt pigeons, while others believe it arose from a large crested Mondian.

Breed Characteristics

The Montauban Pigeon is a large breed, weighing between 800g to 1000g or more. It has a long, strong, and wide body, with a nearly horizontal carriage. The plumage is abundant and loose, and the head is adorned with a crown. The pigeon has short legs and a distinctive feature of this breed is its luxurious and long hair feathers. The head is large, strong, long, and slightly flattened, with a high, wide, and slightly rounded forehead. The crown is formed by five to six rows of long, fluffy, fine, and flexible feathers that curve upwards, forming a regular semicircle. The crown is wider than the head when viewed from the front, extending about a centimeter on each side. Some individuals have very fine, long hairs ranging from 4 to 5 cm on the crown, neck, and chest, extending beyond the feathers and ending in 8 to 10 small silky threads, forming a slight rosette. The beak is medium-length, strong, and mostly straight, with a color ranging from pinkish-white to black, depending on the variety. The eyes can be pea-eyed in white pigeons and pearl-eyed in other varieties. The chest is very wide, low, and almost flat, and the back is wide, flat, long, and slightly inclined towards the rear. The wings are very long and rest on the tail. The wingspan ranges from 96 to 105 cm. The tail is very wide, flat, and consists of 12 to 16 feathers. The legs are short and thick, with smooth reddish-carmine tarsi.

Temperament

There is limited information available on the temperament of the Montauban Pigeon.

Preferred Living Conditions

There is limited information available on the preferred living conditions of the Montauban Pigeon.

Usage

The Montauban Pigeon was initially bred as a utility pigeon but is now considered a dual-purpose breed. Its long body and feathering make it unsuitable for squab production. The breed is primarily used for exhibition purposes and is valued for its unique appearance and variety of colors and patterns.

Interesting Facts

– The exact origin of the Montauban Pigeon is uncertain, with different theories proposed by European authorities.
– This breed is known for its large size, with some individuals weighing over 1000g.
– The Montauban Pigeon has a distinctive crown of feathers on its head, forming a rosette-like structure.
– This breed is valued for its luxurious and long hair feathers, although they are not desirable for squab production.
– The Montauban Pigeon is primarily bred for exhibition purposes and is admired for its variety of colors and patterns.

Key Data