South German Shield

The South German Shield Pigeon is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. They are also known by the names Bouclier de LAllemagne du Sud, Süddeutsche Schildtaube, Scudato della Germania del Sud, and Южно-Немецкий Щитковый. This breed originated in southern Germany, mainly in Württemberg, and is highly regarded for its beauty.

Origin

The exact origins of the South German Shield Pigeon are not clear, but it is believed to have been developed possibly since the 18th century or even earlier. It is a type of color German pigeon and is closely related to other German pigeon races. The breed has gained popularity not only in Germany but also in various countries in Europe.

Breed Characteristics

The South German Shield Pigeons are small-sized birds with a compact build. They have a rounded head and a relatively short beak. The entire body of these pigeons is pure white, except for the wings. The wing coverts, which are the feathers covering the wings, are colored. The main colors of the wing coverts are black, blue, red, and yellow, with black being the most common color.

These pigeons have a smooth and sedentary appearance, with a distinctive shield-like pattern created by the colored wing coverts. The rounded shape and the contrasting colors of the wings make them visually striking.

Temperament

The temperament of South German Shield Pigeons can vary from bird to bird, but they are generally known to be calm and friendly. They can be easily handled and are considered to be good-natured. They are also known to be social birds and enjoy the company of other pigeons.

Preferred Living Conditions

South German Shield Pigeons are primarily bred for exhibition purposes rather than as flying pigeons. Therefore, they do not require extensive flying space. A moderate-sized loft with enough room for them to move around comfortably is sufficient for their well-being. They are adaptable birds and can tolerate different weather conditions.

Usage

The South German Shield Pigeon is primarily bred for exhibition and show purposes, where their distinctive appearance and coloring make them stand out. Their attractive wing patterns and round shape make them highly sought after by pigeon enthusiasts and fanciers.

Interesting Facts

• The South German Shield Pigeon is considered one of the showpieces of the breed group due to its striking appearance.
• They are known for their glattfüßig (smooth-legged) trait, meaning they have smooth, unfeathered legs and feet.
• The breed has a large number of breeders, and their breeding status has remained stable at a high level.
• The South German Shield Pigeon is descended from the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), like many other domesticated pigeon breeds.