Slobberknocker Lofts

German Trumpeters in America

Written by David Arthur

I would like to use this article to discuss the status of some of the German Trumpeter breeds in the United States today. These breeds have a rich history, and have enjoyed varying levels of popularity in the United States over the last several decades. If anyone has disagreements about anything in this article, please let me know, as I am only trying to generate some much needed publicity for these breeds from within the fancy.

First, the breeds of fancy pigeons that fall under the German Trumpeter classification are: Altenberg, Bernberg, Dresden, Franconian, German Beak Crested, German Double Crested, German Fork-tailed, Germerican, Harzburg, Schmolln, and Vogtland Trumpeters. Note, due to the particulars of the German language, many of these breeds have the suffix –er added to their name, as the names reflect the city or region where the breed originated, i.e., Altenberger, Bernberger, etc. Due to other nuances of the German language, as well as varying geographical regions, many of the names are spelled several different ways. (For example, Bernburg Trumpeter vs. Bernberg Trumpeter.)

It is interesting to note that a national club exists in the United States for all of these breeds. It is usually the case that national specialty clubs represent only one breed of fancy pigeons, even if there are other closely related breeds available. (The pouter and cropper clubs are another exception to this.) The National German Trumpeter Club was organized in 1976, and is affiliated with the NPA. Contact me at the address listed at the end of this article for more information on the NGTC.

Most people have seen a German Trumpeter of one variety or another at a pigeon show, but few breeders take on these breeds in their own lofts. It really gets to me to hear people comment “Look how beautiful they are,” and then keep walking. No one ever remarks that they don’t like them, or that they are not impressed, but they also don’t often want to try them out either. Some of the more ornamented varieties, like the German Double Crested Trumpeter do represent a great challenge to the fancy pigeon breeder. Actually, such a challenge exists with any breed of fancy pigeons, and the important thing to study about a particular breed really is the personality they possess.

I have had many people ask me what the personality of the German Trumpeters is like, with the impression that they are wild or unfriendly. In reality, their temperament is very even and peaceful, like a very calm variety of field pigeon. After raising about 30 different breeds of fancy and performing pigeons over the years, I would have to say that the German Trumpeters start out with a very nice personality, and respond to interaction and training better than many breeds. They can be quite wild, if a breeder does not work with them much at all, but they can be rather tame, if you are willing to work with them regularly. I begin working with young birds while they are still in the nest, and I now have several birds that will allow me to “pet” them as I walk by, and some that don’t even move when I do it!

These birds also are good parents, especially for being so ornamented. They are not extremely aggressive, but they are quite prolific. I have never used any feeders to raise the young, as they weren’t necessary. I will admit that they are not “squab factories”, but they are not utility breeds. They do not fertilize every egg, or raise every young one without a problem, but they really do very well over all. (I never have a shortage of extra birds for very long!) They are usually very attentive parents, and they protect the nest if I intrude, rather than abandoning it as some of the flightier breeds do. I also find it interesting that the “orphans” are always taken care of by several birds that are not related to them. I notice that any time a pair abandons young ones, another pair with no young usually assumes responsibility for them entirely! I have seen other breeds do this, but not as readily as these birds.

In talking to other breeders of German Trumpeters, I have come to understand that our birds are evolving into their own “American” versions. I hear that breeders in Germany (and elsewhere in Europe) have concentrated on the size with their birds, and they are averaging bulkier birds than we are in the United States. It is not very frequent that these birds are imported into this country, but it does happen from time to time. With some of the rare fancy breeds, the only way to get a decent example of the breed is to import birds. I have never had to import these birds, and I have some fine examples of them in my loft. These birds have been established in the U.S. long enough that there are master breeders of several of the varieties of German Trumpeters in this country already.

The various breeds of German Trumpeters have enjoyed a good level of popularity at different points in the last few decades, but most of them have become quite rare in the U.S. in recent years. I remember seeing lots of Bernberg Trumpeters in the 1980’s, and the Bernberg and Dresden Trumpeters enjoyed much popularity throughout the 1970’s. The German Trumpeter breeder has almost become an island unto himself nowadays. Even at national shows, these birds are not making the showing that they deserve. What we need now is a new generation of German Trumpeter enthusiasts to get involved with these breeds and give new life to these breeds before they disappear. The German Trumpeters all appear on the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club breeds list, but I would like to see the day that some of these breeds get enough support among their breeders to be removed from that list and supported by their own specialty club. Until then, my thanks to the National German Trumpeter Club, and the Rare Breeds Pigeon Club for their support of the fanciers that keep the German Trumpeters.

For anyone seeking information about German Trumpeter breeds or the National German Trumpeter Club, please contact me at the following address:
Dave Arthur
Arthur Lofts of NE
2105 Leisure Lane
Bellevue, NE 68005
I can also be reached by Email with any questions, and I’m always happy to talk pigeons with anyone!