Pekin ducks are among the most popular domestic duck breeds, but did you know there are several different types? Each type has unique traits and uses, from commercial giants to backyard-friendly pets and even rare heritage strains.
In this guide, you’ll discover 10 Pekin duck varieties, their origins, primary purposes, and how to identify each one with ease.
1. American Pekin Duck
The American Pekin is the most common duck breed in the U.S., prized for its meat and calm nature. It originated from Chinese ducks brought to New York in the 1800s and has since become a commercial favorite due to its fast growth and efficient feed-to-meat ratio.
Origin and Features
American Pekins descended from the Chinese Pekin but were selectively bred in the United States. They are large, white-feathered ducks with an even temper. Their body is broad and rests horizontally, and they are known for their clean, uniform appearance.
Primary Use: Meat Production
This breed is primarily raised for meat. It grows quickly, reaching market weight in about 6 to 8 weeks. The meat is tender and mild-flavored, making it popular in restaurants and commercial farms across the country.
Identification
- Color: Pure white feathers
- Size: Large and heavy (8–11 pounds on average)
- Posture: Horizontal body carriage
- Bill: Orange, broad, and flat
- Legs: Orange, spaced apart for balance
- Eyes: Blue or dark, round
- Voice: Soft quacking, louder in females
- Growth Rate: Rapid growth; market-ready in 6–8 weeks
2. German Pekin Duck
The German Pekin is a European version of the Pekin duck that stands out due to its upright body and firm build. It was developed by crossing the original Chinese Pekin with upright European breeds.
Background
This breed was refined in Germany during the 19th century and is closely related to the Chinese Pekin. It was selectively bred to be more upright and suitable for colder European climates.
Distinct Upright Posture
German Pekins have a near-vertical stance, giving them a tall, alert appearance. This sets them apart from the horizontal body of the American Pekin.
Mainly Used in Europe
Today, the German Pekin is mainly found in Germany and nearby countries. It is used for both meat and exhibition but is less common in commercial farming.
Identification
- Color: Pure white feathers
- Size: Medium to large (7–9 pounds)
- Posture: Upright, vertical stance
- Bill: Thick and orange
- Legs: Positioned forward, orange in color
- Eyes: Round, dark
- Voice: Sharper quack than American Pekin
- Activity: Moderate movement, balanced demeanor
3. Chinese Pekin Duck
The Chinese Pekin is the original duck breed from which all other Pekin types were developed. It is known for its small size, energetic movement, and upright build.
The Original Breed
Originating in China centuries ago, the Chinese Pekin laid the foundation for the American and German varieties. It was first exported to the West in the 1800s.
Smaller, More Active
This breed is noticeably lighter and more agile than the Western versions. It is fast-moving, more flighty, and maintains a higher level of alertness.
Rare Outside Asia
Today, true Chinese Pekins are uncommon in Western countries but are still found in rural parts of China and Southeast Asia for traditional farming and breeding.
Identification
- Color: Creamy white or light buff
- Size: Small to medium (5–7 pounds)
- Posture: Upright and slim
- Bill: Narrow, orange
- Legs: Slender and upright
- Eyes: Dark and slanted slightly
- Voice: High-pitched and frequent
- Behavior: Very active and alert
4. Exhibition Pekin Duck
The Exhibition Pekin is a show-quality version of the Pekin duck, bred for its size, feather quality, and upright carriage. It is commonly seen in poultry exhibitions and is admired for its impressive appearance.
Bred for Appearance
Unlike commercial strains, Exhibition Pekins are selectively bred for beauty and breed standards. They have fuller bodies, smoother plumage, and a more defined stance that makes them stand out in competitions.
Unique Fluffy Feathers
Their feathers are denser and softer, often appearing puffier than those of standard Pekins. This gives them a rounded, polished look on the show floor.
Common in Poultry Shows
Exhibition Pekins are popular in duck shows in the UK, US, and Australia. Breeders work for generations to maintain feather texture, body shape, and temperament for competition.
Identification
- Color: Bright white, clean feathers
- Size: Very large (up to 12 pounds)
- Posture: Slightly upright but not as vertical as German Pekin
- Bill: Orange, broad and symmetrical
- Legs: Short, sturdy, and well-set
- Eyes: Round, expressive
- Voice: Calm and soft
- Feathers: Dense, smooth, and rounded appearance
5. Commercial Pekin Duck
The Commercial Pekin is the standard duck used in large-scale farming. It has been selectively bred for high meat yield, fast growth, and feed efficiency.
Selective Breeding for Meat
These ducks are the result of generations of genetic selection to grow quickly and efficiently. They are usually ready for market in as little as 6 weeks.
Fast-Growing and Efficient
They convert feed to body mass efficiently and are easy to manage in a commercial environment. Their body structure supports high breast meat production.
Common in Large Farms
Commercial Pekins dominate duck farming in the US and many other countries. They are the duck behind most duck meat found in restaurants and stores.
Identification
- Color: Uniform white feathers
- Size: Large and heavy (up to 9–10 pounds at 6 weeks)
- Posture: Horizontal body, slightly arched back
- Bill: Orange, wide and flat
- Legs: Strong, orange, with wide stance
- Eyes: Small and dark
- Voice: Low, consistent quack
- Growth Rate: Extremely fast; market-ready in 5–7 weeks
6. Jumbo Pekin Duck
The Jumbo Pekin is a larger strain of the American Pekin duck, selectively bred for maximum body size and meat production. It’s commonly used by farms that want more yield per bird.
A Larger Strain
Jumbo Pekins are noticeably bigger than standard American Pekins. They have a thicker body, broader chest, and heavier build, making them ideal for high-volume meat output.
High Meat Yield
Due to their bulk, they produce more meat, especially breast meat. They’re also fast growers, often reaching processing weight in just over 6 weeks.
Often Confused with Standard Pekin
At a glance, Jumbo Pekins may look similar to American Pekins, but their larger size, heavier bone structure, and thicker neck help set them apart.
Identification
- Color: Bright white
- Size: Very large (up to 12–13 pounds)
- Posture: Horizontal stance
- Bill: Thick and orange
- Legs: Strong, set far apart
- Eyes: Small and deep-set
- Voice: Loud and deep quack
- Growth Rate: Rapid; heavier than standard at same age
7. UK Exhibition Pekin
The UK Exhibition Pekin is a show-quality duck developed to meet British poultry standards. It is known for its rounded body, feather perfection, and calm temperament.
British Show Standard
This strain was refined in the UK to meet strict exhibition requirements. Breeders focus on size, balance, and symmetry in appearance.
Different Stance and Feather Quality
Compared to American exhibition types, the UK Exhibition Pekin tends to have a more horizontal stance but with a fuller and rounder look. The feathering is soft and uniform.
Appears in UK Competitions
These ducks are commonly seen at poultry shows across the UK. They are raised by hobbyists and competitive breeders who focus on appearance rather than production traits.
Identification
- Color: Pure white, show-grade plumage
- Size: Medium to large (8–10 pounds)
- Posture: Balanced, slightly horizontal
- Bill: Symmetrical and slightly curved
- Legs: Neat and proportionate
- Eyes: Round and alert
- Voice: Quiet and mild
- Feathers: Silky and rounded for a clean outline
8. Pet Pekin Duck
Pet Pekins are domesticated for companionship rather than farming. While they originate from the same breed as commercial Pekins, they are chosen for their calm behavior and friendly nature.
Domesticated for Backyard Life
These ducks are usually raised in small flocks or as individual pets. They are often hand-raised and grow accustomed to human interaction.
Backyard-Friendly
Pet Pekins are great for gardens and homes with space for free-roaming. They’re social and can bond with their keepers, especially when raised from ducklings.
Easy to Train and Keep
These ducks can learn to follow routines and often respond to their names. Their white feathers and waddling walk make them favorites among backyard bird lovers.
Identification
- Color: Bright white
- Size: Medium to large (7–9 pounds)
- Posture: Horizontal and relaxed
- Bill: Orange, soft-textured
- Legs: Strong but slow-moving
- Eyes: Gentle, expressive look
- Voice: Soft and friendly
- Temperament: Calm, curious, and sociable
9. Albino Pekin Duck (Unofficial)
While not an officially recognized type, the Albino Pekin is a genetic variation sometimes seen in flocks. These ducks appear much lighter and have unique visual traits.
Extremely Pale Appearance
Albino Pekins have white feathers like normal Pekins, but they also feature light pinkish bills, legs, and pale or pink eyes due to lack of pigment.
Not a True Separate Type
This variation occurs naturally but is not selectively bred or recognized as a distinct strain. Albino ducks may require extra care due to light sensitivity.
Genetic Variation, Not a Breed
It’s important to note that these ducks are still genetically Pekins. The albino appearance is simply the result of a rare mutation in melanin production.
Identification
- Color: Pure white with a pale sheen
- Size: Similar to standard Pekin (6–9 pounds)
- Posture: Horizontal
- Bill: Pale pink or peach-colored
- Legs: Pink or light-colored
- Eyes: Light pink or red
- Voice: Normal Pekin quack
- Special Notes: Sensitive to sunlight; needs shade
10. Pekin Hybrid Ducks
Pekin hybrid ducks are crossbred with other duck breeds to enhance specific traits such as size, egg production, color, or climate adaptability. These ducks are not pure Pekins but are still widely used in farming and specialty breeding.
Crosses with Other Breeds
Hybrid Pekins may be crossed with breeds like Aylesbury, Rouen, or Muscovy. Each cross is created with a goal in mind—such as better growth rate, leaner meat, or more eggs.
Aimed at Improving Traits
By mixing genetics, breeders can combine strengths from multiple duck types. For example, some hybrids may have the calmness of Pekins with the egg-laying ability of Khaki Campbells.
Used by Specialty Breeders
These hybrids are often raised in niche farms, homesteads, or research programs. While not suitable for exhibitions, they are valuable for custom breeding goals.
Identification
- Color: White or mixed, depending on the cross
- Size: Varies by hybrid (medium to large)
- Posture: May be upright or horizontal
- Bill: Can range from orange to pinkish
- Legs: Color and position vary
- Eyes: Shape and color vary
- Voice: Depends on dominant breed traits
- Other Traits: May show unique feather patterns or egg-laying behavior
