The Rutz Family: Unrivaled Leaders in European Pigeon Racing
The name of the Rutz family has become synonymous with excellence in marathon competitions across Europe. With an impeccable reputation, Rutz & Sons stand out as world-class elite breeders. Their remarkable performances in national, international, and European competitions demonstrate unparalleled dedication and ambition. Their loft in Altheim reflects a commitment to excellence, and their passion for pigeon racing is unmistakable.
Twin brothers Jens and Sven Rutz (39 years old) have successfully taken over the family business from their father, Karl-Heinz (72 years old), who retired due to health reasons. Under their leadership, the Rutz family has achieved results that surpass the dreams of many breeders, being regarded by many as the most formidable competitors in Germany. Their professionalism and passion for pigeons have placed the family among the elite of European pigeon racing, continuing to set high standards in the field.
Remarkable Achievements
In 2022, the Rutz family dominated German competitions by winning the National Marathon Championship of Germany, securing top places in all seven international stages and earning numerous prestigious awards, including:
- 1 Nat. Ace Hens
- 1 Heinz Seegmüller Cup
- 1 Mediterranean Cup
- Top three spots in AS Barcelona for three consecutive years.
In 2021, although they were favorites for the national title after four international stages, the family decided to pause competitions to focus on the new members of their family—Jens's twin children. This family sacrifice, combined with technological innovations implemented in the loft (automated control and feeding systems), contributed to their astounding success in 2022 when they once again became National Champions.
Performances at the Barcelona Race
Barcelona is considered the flagship race for the Rutz family, where they have excelled over the years. Notable achievements include:
- 1st, 3rd, and 4th national Barcelona in 2008.
- 2nd International Barcelona in the same year.
- Top three spots in AS Barcelona in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Between 2016 and 2022, the family entered 220 pigeons in the Barcelona competition, with 143 classified internationally—a remarkable performance rate of 65%.
National and International Track Record
The Rutz loft’s achievements are validated by an impressive track record, which includes multiple national and international titles:
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National Championships 2018-2022:
- 1st National International Marathon 2022
- 1st National Mediterranean Cup 2020, 2022
- 1st National ACE Barcelona 2019-2021, 2020-2022
- 1st National ACE Marseille 2020-2022
- 1st National Heinz-Seegmüller Cup 2019, 2022
- And many other podium finishes in prestigious competitions.
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Races Won:
- 1 International Pau 2006
- 1 National Barcelona 2003, 2008
- 1 Regional Bordeaux 2005, Narbonne 2022
- 1 National Tarbes 2022.
The Impact of Rutz Pigeons in Other Lofts
Rutz pigeons excel not only in their own loft but also bring success to other breeders. Between 2018 and 2022, their pigeons contributed to major competition wins, including:
- 1st International Pau 2022 – Ernst and Sons Winterbach.
- 1st National Marseille 2022 – SG Weis-Huber-Lauer.
- 1st Regional Perpignan 2022 – Martin-Spang Völklingen.
The Rutz family continues to set an example of excellence in pigeon racing, demonstrating that passion, innovation, and hard work can lead to spectacular achievements. Their impressive track record and the high standards they maintain reinforce their position as unrivaled leaders in the world of European marathon racing.