Piacentino
Piacentino is an Italian domestic pigeon breed associated with Piacenza and the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It belongs to the broad group of utility and form pigeons developed from Columba livia, historically useful for squab production and later maintained by exhibition breeders. The type is generally substantial and smooth-feathered, with a strong body and balanced carriage rather than the extreme features of pouters, frills, or tumblers. Recognized colors and markings can differ by national standard, so local show rules matter when evaluating birds.
People keeping Piacentini usually manage them as heavy fancy or utility pigeons. They benefit from roomy nest boxes, stable pair housing, and perches that do not force awkward landings. Good breeding stock should have size without clumsiness, clean breathing, normal fertility, and steady parenting. Because the breed is regional, buyers may need to work with specialty clubs or preservation-minded breeders to find unrelated birds. Weight should be maintained through regular grain feeding and exercise, not by allowing birds to become fat in a crowded loft.
Colors: Almond, Ash Red, Bar, Barless, Black, Blue, Brown, Checker, Dilute, Dun, Grizzle, Indigo, Mottle, Opal, Pied, Recessive Red, Red, Silver, Splash, Spread, White, Yellow
