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Dutch Tils (Haagse
Tilduif)
The Hague Thief Pouter
by Rene Kruter of Holland
The Hague Thief pigeons are a special breed originally made
out of 1/3 old type Valenciano from Argentina, 1/3 the old
breed Oploper (ancestor of the Holle cropper)
and 1/3 Racers. The last 50 years the old type have not
changed much, just selecting on thieving. Still they call them crossbreeds but
actually the breed is older than most Spanish breeds. Only during the
last 15 years have many breeders crossed in different Spanish breeds. I still
keep the "Old Tils" and I am trying to preserve them. They are very
viral. My birds must be 15 years or older now and still flying, thieving and
breeding.
This
breed was developed before the beginning of the 20th century. The Dutch
thieving sport is possibly much older then the Spanish Thief Pouters brought
back to Holland by Dutch sailors. The game is much more exciting due to the
intelligence and temperament of this breed. The old Haagse
Tilduif is disappearing here rapidly and is the best thieving pouter I’ve
seen so far. I think the difference
between these old Tills and all the new crosses and creations is that they
have been selected for thieving for 50 years and during that time Hague had
hundreds of Tils on the roofs in every township. This was very tough
competition, which created selection of only the very best and you just don't
see that anymore.
When it comes to birds of prey, they
just outsmart them. Beautiful to see. Every year I lose some Picas, Gaditanos
and other breeds but I have never lost a Tilduif.
The photos below are of the old style
Tils.