The Old German Cropper pigeon is an old breed of domestic pigeon that originated in Germany and Hungary.
It is known as Altdeutscher Kröpfer in it’s native area, and the breed was actually developed over many years of selective breeding.
This breed and all other varieties of domesticated pigeons, all are descendants from the rock pigeon. It is such an old breed that some people think it as old as the Old Holland Pouter.
The Old German Cropper pigeon breed is said to be similar to the Hungarian Giant Cropper and probably traces back to a common ancestry.
Currently the breed is raised mainly for exhibition purpose. And it is available to some other countries outside it’s native area. Read some more information about the breed below.
Old German Cropper Pigeon Appearance
The Old German Cropper pigeon is a large breed. It is a very beautiful breed and is the longest of all domesticated pigeon breeds. It has a large well-inflated globe that is oval to round in shape.
These birds usually stand with the front of their body raised in a semi-erect station and the rest of their body carried close and parallel to the ground.
They have very long wings which should ideally extend beyond the tail. They should be well closed and not show a “sail like effect”, that is caused by raised secondary feathers that break the smooth wing line.
Legs of the Old German Cropper pigeon are fairly short without showing the birds thighs that are covered by the undercarriage feathers.
The breed comes in black, white, dun, cream, red, yellow, silver, mealy, blue in bar and check and lark. These birds are self-colored, but also can be found in splash or a random mixture of white and colored feathers.
As a large breed, average live body weight of the mature birds is about 700 to 750 grams. Photo from Pigeons Fall and info from Wikipedia.
Uses
The Old German Cropper pigeon is an exhibition breed. It is raised mainly for show or exhibition purpose, and also good for ornamental purpose.
Special Notes
The Old German Cropper pigeon is a large and powerful breed. Although it has a large body, but it does not have a heavy body.
Feather development of these birds should be smooth and neat without being tight. They are raised mainly for exhibition purpose, but also good for ornamental purpose.
The breed is also good for raising as pets. However, review full breed profile of these birds in the following chart.
| Breed Name | Old German Cropper |
| Other Name | Altdeutscher Kröpfer |
| Breed Purpose | Show, ornamental and pets |
| Special Notes | Beautiful birds, powerful, large body, raised for exhibition purpose, good for ornamental purpose, good for raising as pets |
| Breed Class | Large |
| Weight | 700 to 750 grams |
| Climate Tolerance | Native climates |
| Flying Ability | Average |
| As Pets | Good |
| Color | Many |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country/Place of Origin | Germany and Hungary |
