Show Breeders! What is the Difference Between Cayugas and Swedes?

[Anatisovo]

What are the differences in Cayugas and Swedes when it comes to body shape. I know they have different coloring, markings, and eggs, but when you look at the APA manual it makes both ducks sound like they have an interchangeable body shape. One is of moderate length, the other is moderately long - that sort of thing.

If anyone shows Cayugas or Swedes, do you have pictures of your birds that show a clear difference between the two when it comes to shape? I thought Cayugas were longer and racier while Swedes were more blocky. So far all of the Cayugas and Swedes I have seen in backyard flocks couldn't be told apart if someone painted both breeds white.

 

[Percipen]

I dont show, but have both and what you say about the shape is true in mine. My cayuga hen is long (almost like a sausage shape) and my swedish hens are shorter and stockier and have a little more of a vertical stance

 

[Anatisovo]

That is what I thought. But when I finally got a copy of the APA breed manual even the paintings used for the two breeds look pretty much identical. So I am hoping that someone can explain what I am missing.

I have both Swedes and Cayugas and would like to work on breed preservation on both. But without understanding the breed guidelines it is hard to decide which offspring to keep back and what needs to be improved.

 

[Percipen]

That's really interesting. I hope you can get info from some people who actually show