[1] Kings along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons are all descendants from the rock dove (Columba livia).

The breed also has a variety bred for exhibition purposes at pigeon shows.

It is called the Show King to distinguish it from the purely utility variety.

[2] The King is a dual purpose breed that originated in the United States.

[3] They were developed during the 1890s by crossing four older varieties: the Duchess for grace; the Homer for alertness; the Maltese for compactness and style; and the Runt for body and size.