The Jacobins were taken from India to Europe by Dutch seafarers in the 12th century. Soon they spread in western and central Europe and have now been known as an own breed for almost 400 years. However, the Jacobin reached its current state of breeding in perfection only at the end of the past century. In the course of time it has often changed its name and appearance. Many different names can be found in the long history of the Jacobin. In Germany the breed is called "Perückentaube", an old German name for the Jacobin was "Jakobiner". In the Netherlands and in Belgium it is still called "Raadsher“.