Detailed profile of this breed: origin, year of creation, recognised varieties and official approvals.
Breed summary
A medium-sized fancy pigeon bred for show and companionship. It presents a compact, symmetrical silhouette with a distinctive hood-like feathering around the head, giving a neat 'nun' appearance. Size typically ranges from 28 to 32 cm in length; wings are carried tightly against the body; average weight 320–420 g. Temperament is calm and tolerant, making it a good loft bird and suitable for beginners. In competitions, judges assess balance, feather quality, head hood, and overall condition. Typical life expectancy with good care is around 6–12 years. Reproduction: usually 1–2 eggs per clutch, 2–3 clutches per year under favorable conditions.
Detailed origin
Originated in Germany during the 19th century as part of the hooded/nun-type pigeons. Bred by fanciers seeking a neat, ceremonial appearance reminiscent of a nun's hood. The breed spread to neighboring regions in Europe in the late 19th to early 20th century and was standardized by show committees in Germany and other countries in the early 20th century. Throughout its history, it benefited from crosses with related hooded types to refine head shape and plumage while maintaining a calm temperament as a domestic show pigeon.
Detailed description
Head: relatively small and rounded with a compact hood formed by feathering over the forehead and crown; beak short and straight; eyes bright and alert. Neck and body: short neck, well-rounded chest, medium-length back; wings short to medium and lie close to the body; tail of medium length, full but not lavish. Plumage: smooth, close-fitting plumage; colors vary with lines and pied patterns; leg feathering is variable depending on the line; the head hood is the breed's distinctive feature. Feet and stance: small to medium legs, toes well developed; stands upright with balanced posture. Care: regular grooming to keep the hood crisp; balanced diet and clean loft conditions support feather quality and health.