Origin
As a domesticated pigeon, the American Bohemian Pouter Pigeon is the only American pouter/cropper breed recognized in the U.S. by the National Pigeon Association.(1) It was developed, formed and shaped, primarily in Minnesota,(2) As with all domesticated pigeons, it is derived from the Rock Dove (Columba Livia), being further developed using selective breeding techniques. Its most impressive deviation from the Rock Dove is its form, with a tall erect stance and puffed out chest, as you can plainly see in the gallery below.
History
The American Bohemian Pouter Pigeon traces its roots back to Europe, with its most direct antecedents being the Steller or Stavak Pouters of Germany and Czechoslovakia, where they were first bred for their unique body shape and elegant posture. |
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German and Czech immigrants brought them to their farms in the U.S, over 140 years ago. Reverswing and Norwich Croppers were also used in the creation of the Bohemian Pouter to increase size (3)
Thanks to the dedication of breeders, the Bohemian Pouter was recognized by the National Pigeon Association as a new breed in 1994 because of its unique form. Since it is such a new creation, the actual breeders involved are known, including, Herb Berg, Vince Bednar, Merle Frank, Angela Wengert, Roger Steinbruckner, Bob Kosek, Walt Meidl, Dennis Streeter, Howard Kinsley, Richard Wiggins and Tina Rupert.(3)
Description
The American Bohemian Pouter is a medium size pigeon, yet larger than the Steller Pouter. The bib of contrasting colored feathers below the beak is smaller than the Steller Pouter's.(4) It stands tall, more than a foot in height, on long legs set to the back. It stands in a nearly vertical position. The birds are pearl eyed and ganzel marked (magpie), with some having a colored spot on the top of the head.(3) The crop, when fully inflated, gives that special pear shaped balloon chest.(2) Its body is slender but strong, with a smooth curve from the chest to the tail. The feathers are tight and shiny, coming in many rich colors. The beak and toe nails are horn colored.The bird’s wings rest neatly over its back, and the tail is narrow but well-shaped. To meet breed standards, the bird must show symmetry, a clean stance, and strong feather condition.(1) With these conditions met, the American Bohemian Pouter brings a unique mix of grace and flair, making it admired in the fancy. While not specifically called for in the adopted standard of perfection, to encourage further development of the breed, should breeders desire to develop and show a crested type, the crested birds may be shown in their own class. However, any crest must be of a definite type. (5) The American Bohemian Pouter is more than just a pretty face. It is an active but not aggressive bird in the loft, and has a soft cooing song that matches its friendly and calm personality. Many owners say their pouters enjoy gentle interaction with people and are curious about them.(6)
Distribution
The American Bohemian Pouter is limited to the United States. It has not been recognized in Europe(7) probably because of its resemblance to the Elster and Steller Pouters, which were used during the breed's creation. The Steller and Elster pouters are still found in Europe and the standard for Steller is very similar to that of the National Pigeon Association's (NPA) standard of 2000 of the American Bohemian. The heyday of the breed was during the 1990s, after the NPA formally recognized it as a distinct breed and the American Bohemian Pouter Club was established. The standard that was adopted was nearly identical to the working standard adopted by the original breeders during 1982 and remained the same through the NPA 2000 standard. The supporting club has since been disbanded.(8) and the NPA dropped them from their standard set of 2002. Yet, American Bohemian Pouters were shown at the American Pigeon Association's National show in Oklahoma City in 2026. |
References
1 Encyclopedia of Pigeon Standards, National Pigeon Association, 2000
2 Pigeons of North America in the 21st Century, National Pigeon Association, 2004
3 Pigeon Debut 1982 February, Dick Ducket, the Apple Pie of Pouters
4 Pigeon Debut 1994 February, The Apple Pie of Pouters – The American Bohemian Pouter. Ricky Ducket
5 American Pigeon Journal, Herb Berg, The Bohemian Pouter in America – A rebirth, 1989 December
6 https://www.farmingplan.com/american-bohemian-pouter-pigeon/
Suman K Mandal / April 7, 2023
7 EE-Liste der Rassetauben, ELRT,Entente Européenne d’ Áviculture et de Cuniculture, 2012
8 Purebred Pigeon 2023 september/October The Return of the American Bohemian Pouter, Ryan Bateman |
