The Appleyard was developed in the 1940s by Reginald Appleyard in West Suffolk, England. He was trying to create the perfect duck with the right combination of beauty, size, lots of big white eggs, and deep, long, wide breast. It is based on a cross between the large breeds of Rouen, Pekin and Aylesbury ducks. Minature Appleyards were created by Tom Bartlett in the 1970/80's.