Top Racing Pigeon Bloodlines That Are Dominating the Sport

If you’ve been in the sport of pigeon racing for a while—or you’re just getting started—you’ve probably heard fanciers throwing around names like “Kittel,” “Bliksem,” or “Harry.” But what makes these top racing pigeon bloodlines stand out? And more importantly, which racing pigeon strains have been consistently winning in the past five years?

Let’s break it down like we’re having a chat in the loft, because knowing the right bloodlines can be a game-changer for your success on race day.

🕊️ Why Bloodlines Matter in Pigeon Racing

In pigeon racing, not all birds are created equal. The bloodline of a racing pigeon plays a huge role in how well it performs in different types of races—whether it’s a quick 150-mile sprint or a grueling marathon over 500 miles. Great breeders focus on maintaining and improving specific traits like speed, stamina, homing instinct, intelligence, and recovery time.

When you start with proven genetics, you’re already a step ahead of the competition.

🏆 The Top Racing Pigeon Bloodlines (Past 5 Years)

Here’s a rundown of the most dominant strains in recent years. These bloodlines have proven themselves time and time again in national and international competitions.

1️⃣ Dirk Van Den Bulck – The Kittel Dynasty

If there’s one bloodline that’s been on fire lately, it’s the Van Den Bulck family—especially the line of “Kittel”, a 1st National Ace Pigeon KBDB Sprint. Birds from this line offer explosive speed, strong orientation, and excellent results in sprint races.

You’ll also hear about “Greipel”, “Olympic Rosita”, and other birds from this family being used successfully in breeding lofts around the world. Whether in Belgium, the UK, or Asia—Van Den Bulck birds are everywhere.

2️⃣ Leo Heremans – The Speed Machine

Another powerhouse bloodline is the Leo Heremans strain. Birds like “De Jan”, “Rossi”, and “Nieuwe Olympiade” have bred champions across the globe. These birds are especially potent when crossed into other families, bringing speed and sharp intelligence into the offspring.

Many top-performing lofts today are blending Heremans lines with Van Den Bulck or Vandenabeele birds for maximum results.

3️⃣ Gaby Vandenabeele – The Time-Tested Classic

Although Gaby himself retired from racing, his bloodlines continue to thrive in top-level competition. His famous “Bliksem” line, known for combining speed with endurance, is still being used as a foundational breeding source.

If you’re looking for strong middle-distance performers that also bring consistency over time, Vandenabeele blood can be a smart choice.

4️⃣ Jos Cees / Jozef Ceusters – The Perfect Cross

This family might fly under the radar for some, but it’s quietly dominating behind the scenes. Often seen as a complement to Van Den Bulck and Heremans lines, Jos Cees birds bring balance and stamina to a loft.

Their versatility makes them a favorite among fanciers who like to experiment with pairings for hybrid vigor.

5️⃣ Gino Clicque – Strength for Mid-Distance

Known for birds like “Rudy” and “Golden Prince”, Gino Clicque’s pigeons excel in middle-distance races. His birds are known for raw power, quick recovery, and strong returns even in challenging weather conditions.

They’re particularly effective when crossed with faster sprint lines like Heremans or Van Den Bulck.

6️⃣ Jan Hooymans – The Legendary “Harry”

“Harry” is a name every fancier knows. This bloodline continues to shine thanks to its mix of speed and durability. Jan Hooymans’ birds are ideal for mid to longer distances and are often used to inject new life into slower-performing lofts.

Many top-level birds today have a bit of “Harry” blood in their veins.

7️⃣ Jelle Jellema – The Long-Distance King

When it comes to marathon races, Jelle Jellema’s strain is second to none. Birds like “Romee”, “Zwart Goud”, and “Orion” have legendary endurance and mental toughness. These birds are bred for the toughest races—often over 700 miles—and still clock early.

If your goal is long-distance glory, you’ll want some Jellema blood in your loft.

🔄 Crossing Bloodlines: The Real Magic

Here’s a little insider tip—most of today’s champions aren’t just from one pure bloodline. They’re strategic crosses. A common winning formula is:

Van Den Bulck x Heremans x Vandenabeele

Why? Because you get the perfect blend of sprint speed, recovery strength, and race intelligence.

If you want to build a competitive loft, start thinking like a breeder—not just a buyer. Select bloodlines that complement each other and suit your race distances and local terrain.

🧠 Final Thoughts From Your Loft Mentor

At the end of the day, bloodlines give you an edge—but how you train, feed, condition, and manage your birds is what brings home the wins. These top bloodlines are a fantastic place to start or improve your breeding base, but your system, consistency, and attention to detail are what make champions.

Stay sharp, trust your instincts, and keep learning. That’s how you rise in this sport.