Pigmy Pouters, along with other varieties of domesticated pigeons, are all descendants from the rock pigeon (Columba livia).

[1] Noted British poultry breeder Sir John Sebright (who later bred the Sebright Bantam) is believed to have first bred the Pigmy Pouter, though the issue is debatable.

[2] Although the pigmy pouter has been heralded as a bizarre creature and its popularity has not increased much from its introduction to North American society, it still has a dedicated fanbase gathered together by groups such as the American Pigmy Pouter Club and The Canadian Pouter and Cropper Combine.

Its low popularity makes obtaining such a bird a difficult task in North America.

However, dedicated breeders have been striving to increase the bird's popularity and make it the most prevalent show bird.