The Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a breed of domestic fancy pigeon from Netherlands. It is one of the older pigeon breeds which was developed over many years of selective breeding.
The breed is likely dates back to the Middle East, Greece or India for its origins. The Dutch sailors probably brought the Capuchines back to Holland no later than the 1500s by Dutch sailors. We know of its presence in Holland in the 1500’s by its depiction in several of the Dutch Masters works of art.
The breed was imported into the United States in the 1960s. Currently it is available in it’s native area and some other countries, but it’s considered as pretty rare breed. Read some more information about this beautiful bird below.
Old Dutch Capuchine Pigeon Characteristics
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a small to medium sized bird and it’s body is desirably carried horizontally. These birds have well rounded head which is broad enough at the back to be fit for a broad hood.
Their eye’s iris is pearl white and rather sprightly. And the ceres are red to flesh colored and are of fine texture. Their beak is medium in length which posses fine wattles, and the beak slightly curves at the tip.
Neck of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is of medium length and it narrows to smoothly blend into the shoulders and breast. Their back is broad and gradually tapers off towards the rump.
Their breast is broad, full and is lifted just in front of the beak’s tip. And their wings are not overly long and are nicely carried up. Legs of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon are medium in length and are bright red in color. Their shanks and toes are featherless. The tail is narrow and well closed and short compared to the proportioned length of the body.
The breed comes in in black, yellow, red, blue with black bars, silver with dark dun bars, mealies with red bars, white self and cream with yellow bars.
Average mature body weight of the Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is between 310 and 370 grams. Photo and info from PigeonSpot and Wikipedia.
Uses
Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a fancy pigeon breed. It is used for exhibition and ornamental purposes.
Special Notes
The Old Dutch Capuchine pigeon is a very beautiful bird with good temperament. It is a graceful bird with exceptional qualities.
It is especially known for it’s head crest and it’s unique hood. It is a pretty old breed and raised mainly for exhibition purpose and also for ornamental purpose. The breed is also very good for raising as pets.
However, review full breed profile of these birds in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Old Dutch Capuchine |
| Other Name | None |
| Breed Purpose | Exhibition, ornamental and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, good temperament, graceful birds with exceptional qualities, known for it’s head crest, unique hood, good for exhibition purpose, good for ornamental purpose, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Small to medium |
| Weight | 310 to 370 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | All climates |
| Flying Ability | Good |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Netherlands |
