| Pigmy Pouter | |
| Status: | Common |
| Country: | England |
| Usgroup: | Fancy |
| Note: | The pigmy pouter is a smaller version of the English Pouter hence the name "pigmy" |
The Pigmy Pouter is a breed of fancy pigeon developed over many years of selective breeding. Pigmy Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia).[1]
Noted British poultry breeder Sir John Sebright (who later bred the Sebright Bantam) is believed to have first bred the Pigmy Pouter, though the issue is debatable.[2]
Although the pigmy pouter has been heralded as a bizarre creature and its popularity has not increased much from its introduction to North American society, it still has a dedicated fanbase gathered together by groups such as the American Pigmy Pouter Club and The Canadian Pouter and Cropper Combine. Its low popularity makes obtaining such a bird a difficult task in North America. However, dedicated breeders have been striving to increase the bird's popularity and make it the most prevalent show bird.