The Belgian racing pigeon, often hailed as the “King of the Skies,” stands as one of the most prestigious and accomplished breeds in the world of pigeon racing. With a rich history in pigeon breeding and racing, Belgium has consistently produced pigeons that excel in both short and long-distance races.
Top Belgian Racing Pigeon Breeds
Here is a list of the most famous Belgian racing pigeon breeds, each of which has gained significant recognition in the world of pigeon racing:
Janssen Breed
- History: The Janssen family in Belgium began breeding racing pigeons in the early 20th century, creating the renowned Janssen breed.
- Characteristics: Janssen pigeons are celebrated for their exceptional speed and endurance, especially in short to medium races. Additionally, these birds are known for their intelligence and quick returns to their home lofts.
- Achievements: As a result, Janssen pigeons have won numerous international races, solidifying their reputation as one of the most famous racing pigeon breeds worldwide.
Van Loon Breed
- History: Louis Van Loon, a skilled breeder from Belgium, developed this breed.
- Characteristics: Van Loon pigeons are known for their speed and adaptability to various weather conditions, making them strong competitors in medium-distance races.
- Achievements: Consequently, this breed has succeeded in many international competitions, earning a reputation for high quality.
Hofkens Breed
- History: Karel Hofkens developed this breed through precise crossbreeding to achieve exceptional speed.
- Characteristics: Hofkens pigeons are recognized for their ability to fly at very high speeds, making them ideal for sprint races.
- Achievements: Thus, these pigeons consistently perform well in major competitions, making them popular among breeders and racers.
De Klak Breed
- History: Henk De Klak, a Belgian breeder, created this breed to combine endurance with speed.
- Characteristics: De Klak pigeons are admired for their strong build, well-aligned feathers, and impressive endurance in races.
- Achievements: Therefore, this breed has won multiple European races and stands out as one of the top breeds in the sport.
Bolt Breed
- History: Named after the Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, this breed quickly gained fame as one of the newest Belgian racing pigeon breeds.
- Characteristics: Bolt pigeons are among the fastest, thanks to their genetics focused on extreme speed.
- Achievements: Notably, one of these pigeons set a world record for price, highlighting its immense value in the racing community.
Staf Van Reet Breed
- History: Staf Van Reet focused on speed and endurance when developing this breed in Belgium.
- Characteristics: Staf Van Reet pigeons are distinguished by their exceptional speed and competitiveness in short to medium-distance races.
- Achievements: As a result, this breed has won numerous pigeon racing awards, making it a favorite among breeders.
Notable Achievements of the Belgian Racing Pigeon
Pigeon “Bolt”
- Breed: Janssen
- Achievement: “Bolt” is one of the most famous racing pigeons worldwide, selling for a record-breaking €310,000. Winning many important races, this pigeon symbolizes excellence in the sport of pigeon racing.
Pigeon “Armando”
- Breed: Van Loon
- Achievement: “Armando” gained widespread fame when it sold for over €1 million, setting a new record. Known for its success in long-distance races across Europe, “Armando” ranks among the greatest racing pigeons in history.
Pigeon “New Kim”
- Breed: Mixed Breed (from famous Belgian lines)
- Achievement: “New Kim” broke records as the world’s most expensive racing pigeon, selling for €1.6 million in 2020. Renowned for its speed and strength, this pigeon excelled in European racing competitions.
Global Impact of Belgian Breeds
Belgian racing pigeons have made a significant impact far beyond their home country. Breeders across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia have imported these birds to enhance the quality of their local breeds. Not only do these pigeons represent racing excellence, but they also contribute valuable genetics for improving other breeds.
Victory in the Barcelona International Race
- Achievement: Belgian racing pigeons have achieved numerous successes in the Barcelona International Race, one of the most challenging and longest pigeon races in the world. These pigeons are known for their ability to cover long distances at high speeds while maintaining precise homing accuracy.
- Significance: Winning this race enhances the international reputation of Belgian pigeons and underscores their strength and endurance.
Winning the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race
- Achievement: Belgian pigeons have secured multiple victories in the South African Million Dollar Pigeon Race, one of the most prestigious and expensive pigeon races in the world.
- Significance: These victories bolster the global reputation of Belgian pigeons and demonstrate their ability to compete in diverse environments.
Excellence in Medium and Long-Distance Races
- Achievement: Belgian pigeons excel not only in speed races but also in medium and long-distance races. Some Belgian pigeons have achieved remarkable results in races ranging from 500 to 1,000 kilometers.
- Significance: This excellence reflects the adaptability of Belgian pigeons to various types of races, making them one of the most versatile and successful breeds.
Contribution to the Development of Pigeon Racing
- Achievement: Belgium is recognized as one of the leading countries in pigeon racing. Belgian breeders have played a significant role in developing race standards and training methods.
- Significance: Belgian innovations in this field have helped improve the quality of races globally and elevate the level of competition.
Global Fame and Spread of Belgian Pigeons
- Achievement: Thanks to numerous achievements, Belgian pigeons have become highly sought after by breeders worldwide, with exports reaching Asia, America, and Europe.
- Significance: The global spread of Belgian pigeons reflects their success and ability to adapt to different environments and races.
These achievements highlight the status of Belgian racing pigeons as one of the best breeds in the world and underscore Belgium’s importance as a hub for pigeon breeding and the development of this storied sport.
