https://www.facebook.com/103438818645864/

Wanneroo Racing Pigeon Club, 139 Benmuni Road Wanneroo ( Nanavich Park ), Perth (2026)

13/10/2026

FEATURED BLOODLINE OF THE DAY

THE HISTORY OF THE TOM VAN GAVER PIGEON BLOODLINE

BY TED’S LOFT TV

The world of Belgian pigeon racing has produced many influential fanciers and breeding families, and Tom Van Gaver is among the names that have attracted international attention. Known for his competitive achievements and the development of distinguished racing pigeon families, Tom Van Gaver has built a reputation through years of racing experience, selective breeding, and continuous evaluation of performance.

His story is closely connected to his father, Marnik Van Gaver, with whom he developed a successful racing partnership. Together, they represent a family tradition built around the pursuit of excellence in the demanding world of racing pigeons.

FROM FAMILY TRADITION TO NATIONAL SUCCESS

Tom Van Gaver's journey in pigeon racing began within a family environment where the sport was already deeply established. His experience developed through practical involvement in racing, breeding, and selecting pigeons capable of performing under competitive conditions.

Before establishing the current partnership with his father, Tom raced as part of the De Vroe-Van Gaver combination, also known as DVV Pigeons. This partnership achieved significant results, including 1st National Jarnac in 2015 against 4,559 pigeons and the 2016 KBDB National Long Distance Champion title.

Following the end of the partnership and the sale of the existing stock at the end of 2017, Tom began a new chapter alongside his father, Marnik. Their renewed collaboration quickly demonstrated its potential when they secured 1st National Brive in the yearlings category in 2018, competing against 4,412 pigeons.

These achievements helped establish the foundation of the Van Gaver name as a recognized presence in Belgian pigeon racing.

THE BLOODLINES BEHIND THE SUCCESS

The reputation of a successful racing loft is rarely built around a single pigeon. Instead, it develops through generations of selection, carefully planned breeding combinations, and the ability to reproduce desirable characteristics.

The Tom and Marnik Van Gaver breeding program is associated with several notable families, including the Finn, Tetske, and Ricky lines. These names have become important reference points among fanciers interested in understanding the origins and development of the Van Gaver pigeons.

Among these families, Finn is particularly recognized for his racing and breeding significance. His reputation extends beyond individual performance because of the interest in his descendants and their potential contributions to subsequent generations.

The Tetske family represents another part of the loft's breeding history, illustrating the importance of maintaining and developing established pigeon families. Meanwhile, the Ricky family forms part of the broader selection program through which the Van Gavers continue to develop competitive racers and breeders.

However, the true value of any bloodline cannot be determined by its name alone. Racing records, breeding results, the quality of individual descendants, and consistency across generations remain essential considerations when evaluating a pigeon family.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BREEDING AND SELECTION

One of the most important lessons from the Van Gaver story is that successful breeding requires more than acquiring pigeons with impressive pedigrees.

A distinguished racing pigeon may possess exceptional individual qualities, but the long-term value of that bird becomes clearer when its offspring and later generations are evaluated. Breeders must determine whether desirable characteristics can be reproduced consistently and whether descendants can perform under the conditions for which they are intended.

This requires careful recordkeeping, honest assessment, and a willingness to make decisions based on results rather than reputation.

The Van Gaver name also illustrates the importance of continuity in a breeding program. Established families provide a foundation, but each generation must still be evaluated individually. Not every descendant of a champion will become a champion, and not every successful pairing will produce the same results in another loft.

For serious fanciers, understanding these distinctions is an important part of developing a sustainable breeding strategy.

INTERNATIONAL INFLUENCE AND THE VALUE OF A BLOODLINE

Belgium has long been recognized as one of the historic centers of competitive pigeon racing. Its racing culture has influenced fanciers throughout Europe and beyond, creating international interest in pigeons with proven competitive backgrounds.

The Van Gaver families have attracted attention from fanciers interested in incorporating established Belgian racing genetics into their own programs. Yet introducing a recognized bloodline into a loft is only the beginning of the process.

The resulting pigeons must still be evaluated according to the breeder's objectives, local climate, training methods, race distances, health management, and overall loft system.

A family that performs exceptionally well in one environment may require a different breeding strategy or management approach in another. This is why experienced fanciers study not only a pedigree but also the performance of individual birds and their descendants.

LESSONS FOR EVERY PIGEON FANCIER

The history of Tom Van Gaver offers several important lessons for those who want to improve their own racing programs.

First, proven results provide a stronger foundation for selection than reputation alone. Second, breeding records help reveal which pigeons contribute consistently to future generations. Third, successful breeding requires patience because the value of a family becomes clearer over time.

Finally, genetics must be considered alongside management. Nutrition, conditioning, health, recovery, training, and race conditions all contribute to a pigeon's overall performance.

No bloodline can guarantee victory, and no famous breeder's system should be copied without considering the needs and circumstances of one's own loft.

The most valuable approach is to study successful programs, understand the principles behind their decisions, and develop a system supported by observation and reliable records.

A LEGACY BUILT THROUGH GENERATIONS

Tom Van Gaver's story, together with his father Marnik, reflects the combination of family tradition, competitive ambition, and selective breeding that continues to shape modern Belgian pigeon racing.

From the achievements of the De Vroe-Van Gaver partnership to the subsequent success of the Van Gaver combination, their journey demonstrates the importance of experience, adaptation, and continued evaluation.

The Finn, Tetske, and Ricky families form part of the story that has drawn attention to their breeding program. Their significance lies not simply in the recognition of their names but in the ongoing effort to understand, preserve, and develop useful qualities through successive generations.

For every pigeon fancier, the central lesson remains the same: a bloodline's history can provide valuable insight, but its future depends on the quality of breeding decisions and the results achieved over time.

Study the bloodline. Understand the breeding. Evaluate the performance. Build your own system.

Because in pigeon racing, a famous pedigree may open the door, but consistent performance is what builds a lasting legacy.

12/10/2026

FEATURED BLOODLINE OF THE DAY

THE HISTORY OF THE ANDRÉ LIETAER PIGEON BLOODLINE

BY TED’S LOFT TV

THE BEGINNING OF A LEGACY

The history of André Lietaer is an important chapter in Belgian pigeon racing, particularly in the demanding discipline of long-distance competition. His name became associated with a family of racing pigeons developed through careful selection, proven performances, and generations of purposeful breeding.

Born in 1938, André Lietaer grew up in a family already deeply involved in pigeon racing. His father had been a fancier since 1927, providing André with an early introduction to the sport and its traditions.

André began his independent racing career in 1954. Like many successful fanciers, he started modestly, working with a relatively small number of pigeons and gradually learning the importance of observation, selection, and consistency.

His early pigeons included Stichelbaut and Sion bloodlines, which contributed to the foundation of his developing loft. Over time, his attention increasingly turned toward the challenges of long-distance racing, where endurance, orientation, physical condition, and the ability to return home under difficult circumstances become especially important.

THE FOUNDATION PAIR THAT SHAPED THE LIETAER FAMILY

Among the most significant birds in André Lietaer's history were two pigeons that became the foundation of his famous family.

The first was “Wittekop,” ring number BE 3500960/54, a pure Stichelbaut c**k.

The second was the “Verhaeghe hen,” ring number BE 3444671/55, whose origins were associated with the Sonneville family of Rekkem and included connections to Tourcoing, Stichelbaut, and Vermaut pigeons.

Together, these birds became highly influential in the development of the Lietaer family.

Their descendants produced several important racers and breeders, including birds connected to the famous “02,” “Limoges,” and “Zemer.”

The significance of this foundation pair lies in its lasting genetic contribution. Their influence extended beyond a single generation, helping establish a family whose members became recognized for their performances in Belgian racing.

Their story illustrates an important principle in pigeon breeding: a foundation bird's value may become even more apparent through the quality of its descendants.

LIMOGES: A REMARKABLE LONG-DISTANCE RACER

One of the most celebrated pigeons associated with André Lietaer was “Limoges,” ring number BE 3001771/64.

Limoges established an impressive racing record, including high placements in major Belgian national competitions. Among its documented achievements were ninth National Brive against 2,949 pigeons and fifth National Brive against 3,084 pigeons.

In 1969, Limoges earned recognition in the KBDB national ace-pigeon rankings and received a gold medal at the Olympiad in Poland in the Sport Long Distance category.

These achievements helped establish the importance of the Lietaer family among enthusiasts of demanding long-distance racing.

Limoges was more than a successful competitor. Its place in the history of the strain reflects the importance of selecting birds that can demonstrate their quality against large and competitive fields.

For breeders, such a record also raises an important question: can the qualities displayed by a successful racer be transmitted consistently to its offspring? That question is central to the long-term development of any breeding family.

ZEMER: ANOTHER OUTSTANDING NAME

Another celebrated pigeon in André Lietaer's history was “Zemer,” ring number BE 3001732/65.

Zemer achieved notable results, including eighth National Montauban against 1,711 pigeons and first prize from Poitiers against 143 pigeons.

Its achievements extended to the international stage. Zemer placed among the leading Olympic pigeons in the Sport Long Distance category at the 1970 Brussels Olympiad and again at the 1972 Düsseldorf Olympiad.

Zemer's pedigree was also significant. Its sire, “Zwarten 915/62,” was a grandson of the famous Wittekop foundation pair.

This connection demonstrates how the influence of important foundation birds can continue through subsequent generations.

The achievements of Zemer helped strengthen the reputation of the Lietaer family and demonstrated the value of preserving and studying successful breeding lines.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PIGEON KNOWN AS 02

The pigeon known as “02,” ring number BE 3001602/71, was another notable bird connected to the foundation family.

Its recorded performances included third prize from La Souterraine against 2,177 pigeons and third prize from Poitiers against 1,603 pigeons.

The history of 02 further demonstrates the continuing influence of the Wittekop and Verhaeghe foundation pair.

In established breeding families, a pigeon does not need to be the most famous racer in the loft to have historical significance. Its value may also come from its position in the pedigree and its contribution to subsequent generations.

For students of pigeon genetics and breeding, these family relationships are worth examining carefully. They help explain how particular lines developed and why certain ancestors remain important in a strain's history.

CROSSBREEDING AND THE INTRODUCTION OF JANSSEN BLOOD

Although the foundation pair was central to the development of André Lietaer's pigeons, his breeding program was not limited to a single family.

He also explored the potential of other established bloodlines, including direct Janssen pigeons from Arendonk.

The introduction of outside blood was part of an effort to develop useful combinations while maintaining the strengths of his existing family.

One notable pigeon associated with this period was “Dirk,” ring number BE 3288636/88.

Dirk produced an impressive racing record, including seventeenth National Montauban against 6,721 pigeons and seventy-first National Brive against 21,012 pigeons.

These results illustrate how a carefully selected cross can contribute to the development of a successful racing family.

However, crossbreeding should never be viewed as an automatic shortcut to success. The outcome depends on the individual birds, their genetic compatibility, their health, and the qualities expressed by their offspring.

The lesson from André Lietaer's approach is the importance of making breeding decisions based on evidence rather than relying solely on the reputation of a particular bloodline.

FROM LOCAL COMPETITION TO LONG-DISTANCE RECOGNITION

André Lietaer's development as a fancier was gradual.

He initially competed over shorter distances before becoming increasingly involved in long-distance racing during the 1960s.

In 1965, he began pursuing the long-distance discipline more seriously. His early successes encouraged him to expand his efforts and continue developing pigeons suited to more demanding races.

Long-distance racing presents challenges that cannot be measured by speed alone. Pigeons must cope with changing weather, wind direction, temperature, fatigue, and unfamiliar terrain while maintaining their ability to navigate home.

Success therefore requires a combination of inherited potential, physical preparation, experience, and sound management.

The achievements of Limoges, Zemer, 02, and Dirk helped establish André Lietaer's reputation in this demanding field.

His story reflects the work of a fancier who continued refining his approach rather than depending entirely on the reputation of his earliest successes.

THE ENDURING LEGACY OF ANDRÉ LIETAER

The importance of the André Lietaer bloodline rests on the combination of outstanding individual racers, influential ancestors, and a breeding program developed across generations.

The Wittekop and Verhaeghe hen foundation pair played a central role in the family's development. Their descendants helped establish a recognizable racing family, while selected introductions from other bloodlines contributed to its continued evolution.

André Lietaer's achievements were also recognized in later years. Historical records cited by P**A identify him as the first European Ace Pigeon in the Great Long Distance category in 2004, with a seventh-place ranking in the KBDB national ace-pigeon standings for that category.

Such recognition demonstrates the enduring place of his work in European pigeon racing history.

For modern fanciers, the Lietaer story offers more than a list of famous names and race results. It provides an opportunity to study the relationship between pedigree, individual performance, breeding decisions, and long-term selection.

LESSONS FOR TODAY'S PIGEON FANCIERS

The history of André Lietaer offers several important lessons.

First, understand the foundation of your breeding family. Knowing the ancestry and documented performance of your pigeons can help guide future pairings.

Second, distinguish racing ability from breeding ability. A champion racer does not automatically become an exceptional breeder. The quality and consistency of its offspring must be evaluated.

Third, introduce outside blood with a clear objective. Crossbreeding should address a specific breeding goal rather than simply follow a popular name or trend.

Fourth, maintain accurate records. Pedigrees, race results, health history, and offspring performance help identify which pairings are producing the desired qualities.

Finally, remember that bloodline is only one part of success. Nutrition, training, recovery, orientation, health, loft management, and race conditions all influence a pigeon's performance.

No bloodline guarantees a champion. Even the most respected families must be evaluated within the individual fancier's own breeding and racing system.

CONCLUSION: A LEGACY BUILT GENERATION BY GENERATION

André Lietaer's story is a testament to patience, observation, and purposeful breeding.

From the influence of his father's early involvement in pigeon racing to the development of the Wittekop foundation family and the achievements of Limoges, Zemer, 02, and Dirk, his history demonstrates how a carefully developed family can leave a lasting mark on the sport.

For today's fanciers, the real value of studying the Lietaer bloodline is not simply the desire to own a pigeon with a famous name. It is the opportunity to understand the principles behind its development: preserve proven qualities, evaluate every generation, record results, and make informed breeding decisions.

A pedigree can tell us where a pigeon comes from, but its actual value must be assessed through performance, breeding results, and consistent observation.

Because in pigeon racing, champions may establish a bloodline's reputation, but the careful work of breeders determines how that legacy continues.

10/10/2026

FEATURED BLOODLINE OF THE DAY

THE HISTORY OF THE JOS AND JULES ENGELS PIGEON BLOODLINE

BY TED’S LOFT TV

In the rich history of Belgian pigeon racing, few family names have earned lasting recognition through generations of dedication, selective breeding, and competitive success. Among them are Jos and Jules Engels, whose story is closely connected to the development of one of Belgium’s respected racing pigeon families.

The Engels legacy began with their father, Flor Engels, who started racing pigeons in 1947. What began as a personal passion gradually developed into a serious racing and breeding operation. His sons, Jos and Jules, grew up surrounded by pigeons and learned the principles of the sport through years of practical experience. Under their father’s influence, they developed an appreciation for quality breeding, careful observation, and the importance of proven racing performance.

As the years passed, the Engels family established a reputation for producing competitive pigeons, particularly for middle-distance and longer middle-distance races. Their success was not built overnight. It was the result of continued selection, experience, and the gradual development of a family of pigeons capable of producing outstanding racers and valuable breeders.

One of the most significant pigeons associated with the Engels family was “Den 231,” ring number B86-6616231. Recognized as an influential breeding bird, Den 231 became an important foundation of the Engels strain. His significance extended beyond his own identity, as his descendants contributed to the development and continued success of the family’s breeding program.

Another notable pigeon was “De 178,” ring number B94-6495178, whose influence further strengthened the Engels breeding family. These pigeons became important references in the history of the strain, illustrating how exceptional breeders can leave a lasting impact through their descendants. Their legacy reflects a fundamental principle of successful pigeon breeding: the value of a bird is measured not only by its own performance but also by its ability to reproduce quality in subsequent generations.

The Engels family's reputation was supported by achievements in competitive racing. Their loft recorded numerous provincial victories and important national results, demonstrating the competitive strength of their breeding program. In 2015, Jos and Jules Engels achieved first national Limoges against 15,013 old birds, adding another notable accomplishment to their history.

Such results helped bring international attention to the Engels bloodline. Fanciers from different countries became interested in acquiring descendants of their pigeons, hoping to incorporate the family's established genetics into their own breeding programs. As a result, the Engels name became familiar among pigeon enthusiasts seeking Belgian racing bloodlines with a documented history of competition and breeding influence.

However, the real significance of the Engels strain goes beyond famous names and impressive pedigrees. Its history highlights the importance of evaluating individual pigeons, studying breeding results, and maintaining accurate records. A pedigree can provide valuable information about a bird’s ancestry, but actual performance and the quality of its offspring remain essential considerations when determining its breeding value.

The Engels family also represents the importance of continuity in pigeon racing. Following the passing of Flor Engels in 2002, his sons continued the family tradition. Jos eventually retired from racing and passed away in 2019, while Jules continued the Engels legacy alongside his son Yves.

Their story demonstrates how knowledge, experience, and breeding principles can be passed from one generation to another, preserving a family's contribution to the sport.

For modern fanciers, the history of Jos and Jules Engels offers an important lesson. Famous bloodlines should not simply be admired or purchased because of their reputation. They should be studied, evaluated, and carefully integrated into a breeding system that considers the individual bird, the racing environment, and the goals of the loft.

The Engels bloodline remains a meaningful part of Belgian pigeon racing history because it represents years of dedication to developing competitive pigeons and preserving valuable breeding genetics.

From Flor Engels' early beginnings to the influence of Den 231 and De 178, the story of Jos and Jules Engels reminds us that lasting success in pigeon racing is rarely the product of a single champion. It is built through generations of careful selection, practical knowledge, and a commitment to improving the quality of every new generation.

The legacy of the Engels family reminds every fancier that behind a respected bloodline lies a history of patience, observation, and generations of work.

08/10/2026

FEATURED BLOODLINE OF THE DAY

THE HISTORY OF THE FRANS RUTTEN PIGEON BLOODLINE
BY TED’S LOFT TV

The name Frans Rutten is associated with the rich Dutch tradition of long-distance and marathon pigeon racing, where endurance, reliability, and the ability to perform under demanding conditions are highly valued.

The Rutten family’s pigeon culture is rooted in the Netherlands, a country with one of the world’s deepest traditions in racing pigeons. Like many successful Dutch lofts, the development of the Frans Rutten strain was not built around a single fashionable pigeon, but through years of selection, breeding, racing, and careful evaluation of performance.

THE FOUNDATION OF THE RUTTEN FAMILY

Frans Rutten became known within the pigeon sport for developing pigeons capable of handling demanding races. The emphasis was placed on quality, endurance, health, and consistency—characteristics that are particularly important in long-distance competition.

Rather than simply breeding for appearance, successful Dutch marathon families traditionally focused on pigeons that could prove themselves on the road. A bird that could repeatedly return from difficult races had far greater breeding value than one possessing only an attractive pedigree.

This philosophy became an important part of the reputation surrounding the Rutten pigeons.

BREEDING FOR ENDURANCE

One of the most important characteristics associated with marathon-oriented Rutten pigeons is stamina.

Long-distance racing demands much more than raw speed. A pigeon may encounter heat, changing winds, unfamiliar territory, dehydration, fatigue, and hours of continuous flight. The ability to remain focused and continue searching for home becomes critical.

For this reason, the breeding philosophy behind successful marathon lofts often centers on pigeons that demonstrate:

Strong physical condition
Excellent orientation
Mental toughness
Recovery ability
Endurance over long distances
Consistent returns
Strong breeding potential

These qualities help explain why established Dutch marathon bloodlines continue to attract attention from fanciers around the world.

PERFORMANCE COMES FIRST

The real value of any bloodline is ultimately demonstrated through performance.

A famous name or impressive pedigree can create interest, but it is the results of the pigeons themselves that determine whether a family deserves a place in a serious breeding program.

The Rutten philosophy reflects an important lesson in pigeon racing:

A pedigree tells you where a pigeon came from. Performance tells you what the pigeon can do.

This principle remains especially important when evaluating marathon pigeons.

THE VALUE OF THE BLOODLINE

The influence of established Dutch marathon families is not limited to their original lofts. Over generations, breeders around the world have incorporated successful Dutch genetics into their own breeding programs.

The attraction is understandable. Fanciers searching for endurance bloodlines often look for families with a history of surviving and performing in demanding races.

When properly crossed with compatible families, such genetics can contribute valuable qualities to a breeding program. But, as always, results depend on the individual pigeon, the quality of the breeding pair, and the management system of the fancier.

MORE THAN A NAME

The story of Frans Rutten is a reminder that a bloodline is more than a label attached to a pedigree.

Behind every recognized family are years of:

Selection.
Breeding.
Observation.
Racing.
Failure.
Improvement.
And patience.

That is how a pigeon family earns its reputation.

For today's fancier, the lesson is simple: do not choose a bloodline only because the name is famous. Study the performance, characteristics, family history, and compatibility with your own system.

THE RUTTEN LEGACY

The Frans Rutten name represents an important part of the Dutch marathon pigeon tradition and the continuing pursuit of pigeons capable of performing when races become difficult.

For breeders and racers interested in endurance-oriented pigeons, the Rutten family offers another example of how generations of careful selection can create a recognizable and respected racing family.

And perhaps the most important lesson remains the same:

Champions are not created by names alone.

They are created through good genetics, intelligent selection, proper management, patient breeding, and the courage to let performance speak for itself.

06/10/2026

FEATURED BLOODLINE OF THE DAY

THE HISTORY OF THE JOHAN DEN HARTOG PIGEON BLOODLINE
BY TED’S LOFT TV

In the world of Dutch pigeon racing, some lofts become recognized not simply because they produce fast pigeons, but because they repeatedly produce ace pigeons, champions, and breeding birds capable of passing their quality to the next generation.

One of those names is Johan den Hartog & Son of Culemborg, Netherlands.

Johan den Hartog and his son Thomas built a highly respected racing pigeon family in Culemborg, competing in the demanding Afdeling 7 Midden-Nederland. Their success was remarkable considering that Johan also had a busy professional life, while Thomas helped develop and manage the loft.

THE RISE OF THE DEN HARTOG LOFT

The Den Hartog story is particularly impressive because of its consistency.

From 2010 onward, the loft became one of the leading combinations in Afdeling 7. During the period from 2010 to 2021, Johan den Hartog & Son won the prestigious Keizer General title eight times, together with three second-place Keizer General finishes.

Their performances were not limited to local championships.

The loft developed pigeons that competed successfully at provincial, national and WHZB levels, producing a remarkable collection of ace pigeons.

Among their most famous performers were:

“Anna”
1st National Ace Sprint NPO 2016

“Silver Lady”
1st National Ace Long Distance NPO 2019
1st WHZB Ace Old Birds 2019

“Mandy”
1st National Ace All Round Old WHZB 2019

“Shanice”
1st National Ace Sprint NPO 2019

“Golden Heidi”
2nd National Ace Sprint/Middle Distance WHZB 2020

“Lorena”
2nd Best Hen WHZB All Round 2012

“Blue Wonder”
3rd Best C**k WHZB 2015

These results demonstrate that the Den Hartog family was capable of competing across different categories rather than relying on a single type of race.

THE GENETIC FOUNDATION

One of the most interesting aspects of the Johan den Hartog family is that it was not built around only one famous bloodline.

Reports on the loft identify important foundations and crosses involving Heremans–Ceusters, Roger & Edd Grootjans, Danny Van Dijck and Marcel Wouters, among others.

The Den Hartog breeding philosophy appears to have focused heavily on selecting proven performers and moving the best racing pigeons into the breeding loft.

That strategy became particularly important because children and grandchildren of their successful racers subsequently demonstrated their quality in the racing loft.

This is an important lesson in breeding:

A champion is valuable not only because of what it wins, but because of what it can reproduce.

GLORIUS AND MANDY

Among the important breeding combinations associated with the later Den Hartog family was the super couple “Glorius” x “Mandy.”

Their offspring included pigeons such as “Nova” and “Braxton,” with Nova becoming a highly consistent hen and Braxton recording multiple top results.

“Lieke,” another important Den Hartog hen, became especially significant in the breeding loft. She won four first prizes and numerous top-100 positions and was subsequently used as a producer of further successful pigeons.

This illustrates how the Den Hartog family developed beyond individual champions into a breeding structure where successful families were repeatedly reproduced and tested.

SUCCESS THROUGH OTHER LOFTS

The influence of Johan den Hartog pigeons did not remain exclusively in Culemborg.

Their pigeons and descendants have appeared in the pedigrees of successful racing pigeons in other lofts.

One documented example involves Maurice van der Kruk, whose pigeons became part of the Den Hartog breeding program from around 2012. The Van der Kruk influence was subsequently incorporated into the Den Hartog family.

This is another important characteristic of modern European pigeon breeding:

Great families are continuously developed through intelligent crossing, selection and performance testing.

THE END OF AN ERA

In December 2023, the Den Hartog loft entered a major transition, with the best breeders and racers being offered through auction. This included several of the National Ace pigeons that had helped establish the reputation of the loft.

However, the story did not simply disappear.

In 2025, Johan and Thomas were still achieving strong results at club level, including championships in Vitesse, Midfond, Dagfond, Young Birds, Natour and General classifications. Johan also recorded major Section 7 results, including 1st Quievrain against 13,705 pigeons and 1st Niergnies against 6,194 pigeons.

So even after major changes in the loft, the quality of the family continued to show itself.

THE LEGACY OF JOHAN DEN HARTOG

The history of Johan den Hartog is not simply a story about one champion pigeon.

It is the story of selection, consistency, breeding strategy and years of testing.

From Culemborg came a family of racing pigeons that produced national ace pigeons, provincial champions, WHZB stars and successful breeders.

Names such as Anna, Silver Lady, Mandy, Shanice, Lorena, Blue Wonder, Golden Heidi and Lieke became part of the Den Hartog legacy.

And perhaps the greatest lesson from this loft is simple:

Champions can win races, but a true bloodline is built when champions continue to produce champions.

The Johan den Hartog family therefore deserves its place among the notable modern Dutch racing pigeon families whose influence extends beyond one season, one race, or one loft.

The race results prove the performance.
The breeding results prove the bloodline.
And generations of successful pigeons create the legacy.

BY TED’S LOFT TV

For educational and historical reference for pigeon fanciers. Bloodlines can vary between individual pigeons, breeders and crosses, so pedigree and actual performance should always be verified.

Sources: Dutch Pigeon Federation (NPO), Herbots, and documented Dutch pigeon-racing reports.

Address

139 Benmuni Road Wanneroo ( Nanavich Park )
Perth, WA
6065

Telephone

+61427945015

Website

facebook.com

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wanneroo Racing Pigeon Club posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Wanneroo Racing Pigeon Club:

Wanneroo Racing Pigeon Club