Abroad, much attention is paid to sport pigeon breeding. European people have been engaged in this activity for a long time and there is a whole pigeon industry that involves selecting, laboratories and methodology. Nonetheless, we believe that there is no difference in breeding sport and decorative birds. The success is based on correct breeding. In fact, sport pigeons need to be strong, smart and agile. These features can be witnessed at contests. Our pigeons from the Kharlashin race don't have to have an attractive exterior, a good sport pigeon is the one that possesses good exterior and sport features.

In the mid 80s, we purchased several European and American races, but they don't show great results at competitions. Only adequate breeding can improve the situation. We believe that our breeding techniques are more up-to-date and adequate than the ones foreign pigeon breeders adopt.

What's more, our pigeons live and contest in hard Russian weather conditions—old winter and even summer, fogs, northern winds, etc. Also mind that 70% of the pigeon flights take place over forests, which means that the birds also have to cope with predators. It enhances the strength and agility of our Russian pigeons.

Year in and year out, the pigeons from the Kharlashin race make progress whereas foreign pigeons have virtually stopped advancing, despite the fact that there are so many pigeon breeders abroad. In contrast, in Russia we have about a hundred of them. No doubt, we will have great worldwide achievements in future.

We appeal to all pigeon breeder to join the discussion. We hope that together we will be able to change things for the better.