Although many different pigeon breeds have been imported over the years from England, Germany, Holland and other European countries, it was only during the late 1980's that local fanciers became aware of the quality of various fancy pigeons in the USA. Since 1990, some of the best Modenas, Show Kings, English Longfaced Tumblers, American Show Racers, Chinese Owls, Trumpeters, Carneaux and other breeds have been imported from the United States. Massive imports of some of the finest Modenas in both Schietti and Gazzi followed during the late 1990's. Within two short years, the whole complexity of the Modena as we knew them, changed, and today there is hardly any of the old version of this breed left in lofts. Specialist Clubs in various breeds adopted the American Standard of these breeds and to date these breeders and clubs are still in very close contact with the Americans and the various clubs.

Special Awards on Shows

A special feature of Regional and Championship Shows is the “Top Seven Awards” where interbreed judging takes place. Breed judges ascertain the Champion bird in each breed. The Breed Champions (there may be 70 of them if there are 70 different breeds on show) are then judged by a Senior “All Round” Judge to find the seven best pigeons on show, namely the Grand Champion Pigeon on Show, Reserve Champion Pigeon on Show, Best Old Bird on Show, Reserve Best Old Bird on Show, Best Yearling on Show, Reserve Yearling on Show and Best Opposite Sex to the Reserve Yearling. The interbreed judging is the most thrilling event of the National Championship Show each year, and to obtain such an award is a breathtaking experience that is difficult to describe to others. To exhibit the Grand Champion Pigeon in South Africa may happen only once in the lifetime of a fancier.