Muscovy — breed guide

At a glance

Group

heavy duck

Size

Medium

Weight

2.7–6.8 kg (6–15 lb)

Life span

8–12 years

Coat

Glossy black-and-white with a red caruncled face

Living with a Muscovy

• Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
• Light grooming — a brush now and then.
• Light shedding.
• Trainable with consistency.
• Very quiet.
• Good with children.
• Not always easy with other dogs — introduce carefully.
• Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
• Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
• Better with previous experience behind you.
• Handles warm weather well.
• Average cold tolerance.

Temperament

Quiet · Independent · Fly-catching

Health to watch

• Frostbite on caruncles
• Bumblefoot

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

Muscovies barely quack — they hiss and wag their tails, and they hunt flies and mosquitoes.

Questions people ask

Is a Muscovy good with kids?

Generally yes. Muscovys are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.

Is a Muscovy good with cats?

It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.

How much exercise does a Muscovy need?

A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.

Can a Muscovy handle hot weather?

It copes well with warm days.