There are two varieties of German Owls in the United States, the German Shield Owl and the German Colored Tail Owl. Because both varieties share all the same characteristics except for marking features, both varieties are dealt with in this standard. These differing features are discussed under the heading of Color and Markings.

Origin: Germany, related to the African Owl.

General Impression: A medium sized pigeon. The close fitting short beak and the well developed shell crest are typical characteristics of the breed.

Head: Roundish, wide with a vaulted forehead and full shell crest terminating at both ends with a rosette.

Eyes: Large, lively, dark in color and surrounded by a fine, light colored cere.

Beak: Close, of a short length. The beak should blend with the forehead in order to form a blunt angle (giving the appearance of an unbroken line). The beak should be flesh colored and the wattle should not be well developed.

Neck: Short and strong, carried slightly backwards and the throat should show a small gullet (dewlap).

Throat Frill: The frill extends from the top of the neck and continues into the breast. The feathers of the frill should inter-lock (bifircated).

Breast: Broad, and tapering towards the back.

Wings: Strong. lying closed to the body. The wings should cover the back and rest on the tail.

Legs: Short with the shanks hardly visible. The feathers should not extend into the legs and toes.

Plumage: Well developed, tight, and lying flat with the exception of the shell crest and throat frill.

Colors and Markings

Shield Owl: Black, red, yellow, light to dark blues and silvers. The colors must
be pure and clear and show an even tone throughout. Barred and checkered birds are also recognized and these markings should be well defined; blue with black bars, blues with white bars, blue checkered, red barred, red checkered, yellow barred, yellow checkered, silver with dark bars, and silver checkered. The wing shields are colored as are the thumb feathers, with the remaining plumage being pure white. The seven to ten flight feathers are white and an even number of white flights should appear on each wing (7X7; 8X8; 9X9; 10X10)

Tail Owl: Black, red, yellow, light to dark blues and silvers. The colors must be pure and clear and show an even tone throughout. The tail is colored with the remaining plumage being pure white.

Order of Evaluation: Body - Head and beak formation - Shell crest -Throat frill - Color and markings.