Breed History
The French Mondain was originally developed in France as a utility (meat) pigeon and was bred by crossing Runts or Montaubans with Field Pigeons and Pouters. The French Mondain is available in two different styles. The American and European French Mondain are actually two different breeds that share the same name. The Mondain was named Mondain because in French it means "worldly or "earthly". This "earthly" pigeon prefers to walk on the ground rather than to fly and to perch on high surface. In South Africa the breed is known as the "Gros Mondain".
The overall impression of a Gros Mondain should be one of great size and roundness. The bird must have a deep broad chest, short body and appear low on the legs. The mass should be at least 1 kg , height 30cm and length 32cm. The size & overall appearance counts a total of 20 points. The body (short and massive) 15 points and the breast (deep and prominent) 15 points.
The plumage of the Gros Mondain should be clean, short, compact and dense, giving a trim appearance with a slight looseness near the legs, which gives the impression of greater depth to the body with shorter legs. All colours are acceptable. Patterns should be clear and the colours rich.
Due to the size of the birds they are not very popular in South Africa, but they are the most popular of all the utility breeds. I have a passion for heavy breeds, and have obtained judging tickets for all the heavy breeds. I started with Gros Mondains during 2007.
The overall impression of a Gros Mondain should be one of great size and roundness. The bird must have a deep broad chest, short body and appear low on the legs. The mass should be at least 1 kg , height 30cm and length 32cm. The size & overall appearance counts a total of 20 points. The body (short and massive) 15 points and the breast (deep and prominent) 15 points.
The plumage of the Gros Mondain should be clean, short, compact and dense, giving a trim appearance with a slight looseness near the legs, which gives the impression of greater depth to the body with shorter legs. All colours are acceptable. Patterns should be clear and the colours rich.
Due to the size of the birds they are not very popular in South Africa, but they are the most popular of all the utility breeds. I have a passion for heavy breeds, and have obtained judging tickets for all the heavy breeds. I started with Gros Mondains during 2007.