Like most other domestic poultry species, the ducks have many breeds. And most of the duck breeds are derived from the wild Mallard ducks. And a few number of birds are descendants of the Muscovy Duck.
Birds are very beautiful creation of nature. And ducks are also very beautiful bird. There are many domestic duck breeds available around the world.
Among those duck breeds some are popular for meat production, some are famous for eggs production, some are good for exhibition purposes, some are raised as ornamental birds and some ducks are raised as pets.
Different Duck Breeds
Ducks are classified into four groups; Bantam, Light, Medium and Heavy Weight. Domestic ducks are kept for specific purposes. Some ducks are good for meat, some are good for eggs.
Even there are some duck breeds available which are good both purposes. Those ducks are called dual purpose ducks. Some ducks are suitable for eggs, meat, show and pets.
However, here we have listed some common domestic duck breeds which are popular for specific purposes.
| Name | Purpose | Origin |
| Aylesbury | Meat, Show, Pets | United Kingdom |
| Pekin | Dual | China |
| Muscovy | Meat | America |
| Rouen | General | France |
| Cayuga | Eggs, Meat, Ornamental | United States |
| Duclair | Dual | France |
| Golden Cascade | Dual | United States |
| Pomeranian | Dual | Germany |
| Swedish Blue | General | Sweden |
| Saxony | Dual | Germany |
| Silver Appleyard | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Abacot Ranger | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Alabio | General | Indonesia |
| Ancona | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Bali | Dual, Exhibition | Bali |
| Crested | Dual, Exhibition | Asia |
| Elizabeth | Meat | Australia |
| Hook Bill | Exhibition | Netherlands |
| Indian Runner | Eggs | East Indies |
| Khaki Campbell | Eggs | United Kingdom |
| Magpie | Exhibition, Meat | United Kingdom |
| Mallard | Many | Wild |
| Orpington | Dual | United Kingdom |
| Shetland | Eggs | Scotland |
| Welsh Harlequin | Eggs | United Kingdom |
| Australian Spotted | Exhibition, Pets | United States |
| Call | Exhibition, Pets | Probably Asia |
| East Indian | Ornamental | United States |
Besides this duck breeds, there are also some other breeds available around the world. Ducks were first domesticated in Asia. But now there are many different kinds of duck breed developed for all different climates and applications.
These breeds are being raised throughout the world. Some of this breeds are very suitable for commercial duck farming business. And some ducks are raised simply for their beauty or as pets.