Introduction to Jacobins

by Clint Robertson

 

The Jacobin is one of the oldest of Fancy Pigeon breeds, believed to have origins in India many hundreds of years ago with emphasis being placed upon feather length in the hood and collar. It was not until the Jacobin became popular in Scotland and England in the 1700’s and 1800’s that more emphasis was placed on carriage.

In 1911 Canadian Roy Boug appeared on the scene and the Jacobin Revolution and evolution really took off. Along with Roy Boug, two other Canadians named Paul McNorgan and Ed McLean started in the breed and these three became known to the Jacobin world as the “Great Canadian Trio”. The Jacobins these men bred were revolutionary - nothing like anything that had been bred before. Each one of these men stamped his strain of Jacobins with his own style which has carried on down in certain strains of Jacobins to this day. Stock from these men became the most sought after in the world.

In full feather at the peak of condition a good Jacobin is truly a sight to behold. I can still remember the first Jacobin I saw at a show and I was hooked.

Jacobins do require more space than most other breeds  if you want to breed and condition them successfully. They are however just as hardy as any other breed and will thrive with proper care. No special feed is required and the cold keeps their feathers healthy which makes them a good bird for our colder climates in Canada.

Although many breeders choose to use foster parents they do raise their own young quite well if given the chance.

Red, Yellow, White, Black, and Splash were the first known colours followed by Blue and Silver. In the 1970’s new colours were introduced which has given the breed even greater appeal. We now see wonderful Jacobins in Andalusian, Almond, Brown, Opal, Cream, Mealy, Reduced and more.

Canada has two active Jacobin clubs at present. The Canadian Jacobin Club(1914), and the Central Canadian Jacobin Club(1986). The Canadian National Jacobin Show is Canada’s premier Jacobin show and rotates to a different region of Canada each year and provides the best competition and the best judges in the breed. A Master Breeder program established by the Canadian Breeders awards points at designated shows to the breeders of winning birds.

Good Jacobins can be found throughout Canada and obtaining top stock in any colour is possible without leaving the country. We take pride in the fellowship of our Jacobin breeders in this country and how they will go out of their way to help new breeders get started.

If you want a proud breed with elegance and variety and breeders that offer support, Jacobins could be a great addition to your loft.

Clint Robertson      Email: clint@jacobins.ca