Circus Lofts

Home of the aerial performers

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The Hague Thief pigeons are a special breed originally made out of 1/3 old type Valenciano from Argentina, 1/3 the old breed Oploper (ancestor of the Holle cropper) and 1/3 Racers.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.
 

Photo by Rene Kruter

Photo by Rene Kruter

   

Photo by Rene Kruter

Photo by Rene Kruter

   

Photo by Rene Kruter

 
   

If you are interested in Dutch Tils or other Pouter breeds, feel free to join us in the Yahoo Pouter Group 

Circus Lofts Home