Hungarian House Pigeons the Gentle Giants

By Robert "Bob" Nolan –Dana Point, Calif.

Giant Hungarian House Pigeons are one of the most unique of all our hundreds of varieties of domestic pigeons. What is so unique about them one might ask? Well as their name implies these birds are truly giants among the denizens of the pigeon world. It is not uncommon for them to have a wing span of upwards to three feet. They do not have the concentrated body weight of say a King but they are NOT a breed of fluff and optional illusions. When one holds a House Pigeon it takes two hands (the only way to hold them). There is no doubt you have a solid, powerful pigeon in your grasp. Their amazing size impresses all who view them for the first time. Size matters for the standard calls for 25 points to be awarded for body size. This does not mean just length but rather length and shape. For example the judge is not looking for the long narrow body of an Old German Cropper. He is looking rather for a body resembling the shape of a good English Trumpeter. Meaning broad shoulders and heart shaped when observed from the back. From the side view good depth from chest to back showing plenty of under body is much sought after.

FEATHER ORNAMENTS IMPORTANT

We are looking, however, for more than just a huge pigeon. Once we have the desired body style we need to breed beautiful feather ornaments on the bird. A nice high crest positioned on the top of the head for maximum height is a must. A perfect crest is awarded 12 points. The crest must also wrap from side to side and end in medium size rosettes. Rosettes the sizes of a Komorner Tumbler are not desired as they more often than not cause a break in the mane.

Muffs, which are accorded 14 points, are most assuredly an important feature on a bird of such imposing proportions. Proper muff size and shape give the House Pigeon balance as well as beauty. Imagine a House Pigeon with West of England size muffs and it would be all out of proportion. Unfortunately this is an area where the breed needs lots of work. Most are still poor in muffs although there are many with good length. However, they are more often than not lacking in shape and fail to have the hocks blending smoothly into the muffs like on a top quality Swallow or Trumpeter.

Hardness of feather is another important area. Without hard packed feather the crest will hang down the neck and look loose and unkempt. Loose body feather is also undesirable as it gives the bird a sloppy look.

Temperament and station

As the title of this article suggests the breed is quite gentle in temperament. It is a good thing for if a bird with this size and strength had the aggressive nature of some of our Spanish Pouters no one would be safe in the loft. Imagine the havoc a bird of these dimensions could cause if it has an aggressive temperament. Along with temperament station comes into play. The breed for the most part looks alert and stands quite upright at 45 degree angle with the tail slightly off the ground. Wing flights are required to be held above the tail and slightly shorter than the tail.

Colors available in

House Pigeons in their native Hungary are most commonly found in black splash and white. These two colors often win the highest awards. Good quality specimens can also be found in black self. More difficult to find with large size are the yellows and reds although I have seen some. Occasionally a good blue bar will show up in competition. I have seen baldheads in the Budapest area but only in black. One of the most attractive patterns but also the rarest is the magpie mark. The Germans have been major purchasers of the magpie marked House Pigeons until now they are almost impossible to find in their homeland. Generally speaking the quality of color in the breed is just average. No inky blacks or Carneau reds come to mind. Perhaps the fact we only award 10 points for color might account for color being an after thought. Mike Owen in Arkansas has introduced toy stencil into the breed but they are a work in progress in order to regain their regal size.

Style and Type

Style and type can sometimes be an elusive thing to define. Perhaps the English Trumpeter standard says it best: The E.T.features must be blended so that they flow smoothly together without interruption. The bird does not appear to be made up of separate distinct parts; rather it has the look of a singular, unified whole. Certainly the same can be said of the Giant Hungarian House Pigeon. Tight feather, alertness, proud station, huge size, beautiful muffs, a high crest and lovely color all go into style and type and give the blend and balance of the beautiful House Pigeon of today.