Breeding Logic: Why “good genes” do matter… but never determine everything.

In my previous blog on breeding, I explained that pairing pigeons is never a simple equation. Still, in recent years, the world of genetics has taken huge steps forward, and that makes the breeding game even more fascinating.

And yes, to be fully honest: I have bred my entire life based on my own vision and science. That combination has brought me beautiful results for over fifty years. But I am also the first to admit: the moment you think you know it all, the pigeons will correct you. That is the true nature of this sport.

Today, we continue where Blog 3 ended:

The quality genes in our pigeons, what they tell us, what they prove, and what they absolutely cannot predict.

1. The Science: Quality Genes Exist

Let’s be clear from the start:

Yes, there is scientific evidence that certain gene variants appear more frequently in champion pigeons.

Research platforms such as PiGen have tested thousands of pigeons: winners, national champions, OLR finalists, foundation breeders.

Time after time, the same patterns appear:

These are not opinions. These are published data, tested by specialists.

2. Champion Pigeons Carrying These Markers

Here are a few concrete examples, this makes it real and tangible.

Boxster
Genotype: LDHA-AA + DRD4-CCCT
Why special?
Extremely rare combination.
Classified by PiGen as highly favourable and unique.
A true foundation Sire for explosive speed.

Armando and Jef
Genotype: DRD4-CTCT
Why special?
This variant has proven influence on racing performance.
Ace pigeons carry this genotype more often.
Armando and Jef were long-time symbols of world-class long-distance performance.
Jef, 1st International Barcelona 2019, tested CTCT, combined with LDHA-AB.

Yelena and Superboy
Genotype: LDHA-AA
What does it mean?
A strong marker in pigeons that keep going under ZLU-type conditions, even under toughest weather.
Both birds are iconic performers.
Noticeable: the A-variant appears frequently in top racers and even more in elite breeders.

The Best Kittel Family
Genotype: CRY1-dominant line
In short:
The Best Kittel line carries an extremely strong CRY1 signature.
Best Kittel himself carries AGTT, as do Junior, Best Kittel II and Daniel.
The rare TTTT profile appears in absolute superstars:
Victory Best Kittel (1st Super Ace Victoria Falls), Shakira, Olympic Shakira, Shakira II

Sources: De Duif, PIPA Elite Center, Etienne Meirlaen, Gebr. Scheele, Dirk Van den Bulck

3. The Other Side of the Medal

And now I step forward as Gerard myself:

“Good genes alone do not make a champion. No pigeon comes home only because it carries an AA variant. A real topper needs more than a single marker.True champions combine many essential qualities”.

That is why I want to state it crystal clear:
Quality-gene testing is a valuable tool, but never a prediction.
Pigeons without a “top genotype” can fly like rockets.
Pigeons with perfect markers can fail.

Why? Because so many other factors come into play: the fancier’s skill, environment, feeding, care, motivation, health, training, weather… and a little luck.

A champion is not only born. A champion is also made, by your hands, your care, your decisions.

A Big Thank-You and an “Insane” Giveaway!

As promised at the start of this blog, we want to close this year with something special.

8 December is an important date for us. Last year, on that day, we officially ended our active racing career in the Netherlands, a big step, but one we look back on with pride. We closed that chapter with a beautiful auction, full of emotion, gratitude and joy.

This year, on 8 December, we launched a unique giveaway of 8 pigeons from our Schalkwijk Pigeons breeding loft.

With the highlight: a direct son of our own “Orange Oill”, a true Schalkwijk special.
This giveaway is exclusively for our followers.

Want to participate?

Go to our Facebook or Instagram post of Schalkwijk Pigeons, click this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1GCrJ2petC/ and follow the instructions in the caption.

Take part, share it, and who knows, a real Schalkwijk Pigeon may soon join your breeding loft.

On behalf of all of us, Gerard, Katiuska & Maxime: Enjoy Christmas, enjoy pairing your breeders, enjoy the smell of tobacco stems and new beginnings. Because that is what pigeon sport truly is: looking forward with hope, carried by what lives under your wings today.

Merry Christmas and our very best wishes for a healthy and successful 2026!

See you in the next blog,

Gerard Schalkwijk
Schalkwijk Pigeons