About Australian Spotted Ducks

The name Australian Spotted is somewhat misleading, as this breed of domesticated ducks actually originated in the United States. It was developed by John C. Kriner and Stanley Mason of Pennsylvania, who allowed breeds such as Calls, mallards, pintails, and various Australian wild ducks to crossbreed for several years before selecting the desired specimens. The first exhibition of the Australian Spotted took place in 1928.

There is some controversy among duck enthusiasts over whether pintails contributed to the development of the Australian Spotted. Some believe that mallard derivatives and pintail crosses result in sterile ducks, due to chromosomal differences. However, it is possible for rare mallard-pintail mutants to pass on their genes, making it possible that the pintail did play a role in the development of the Australian Spotted. David Holderread, a top waterfowl breeder in the United States, has observed traits in the Australian Spotted that are distinct to pintails.