Viennese Short-Faced Tumbler

The Viennese short-faced tumbler is one of the classic European short-faced pigeon types, associated with Vienna and selected for a very compact head, short beak, bright expression, and tight body. Although tumbler ancestry gives the name, many short-faced lines are now primarily exhibition pigeons. The breed is admired for precision of face and balance, but that precision also makes moderation important.

Careful breeding is essential because extreme short face can affect feeding and rearing. Some pairs may need close observation when raising squabs, and breeders should favor birds that remain healthy, fertile, and capable rather than simply shorter in beak. Housing should be secure and calm, with feed and water arranged so small-faced birds can use them easily. Show selection includes head width, beak setting, eye, body compactness, and color. Buyers should see mature birds, since the face and skull can look different as youngsters develop.

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