Varieties are often confused with breeds. Only eight breeds of turkey are recognized by the APA in its breed standard, the American Standard of Perfection. Also there are eight domestic turkeys that are recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA). Many more exist as officially unrecognized variants or as recognized breeds in other countries.
The only breed of turkey recognized by the EE in the European Standard of Perfection is the German Turkey. Currently, twelve varieties of domestic turkey are recognized by the European Association of Poultry, Pigeon, Bird, Rabbit and Cavia Breeders (EE). Other varieties with Standards of Perfection of European national associations are accepted.
Other varieties or breeds not recognized by the APA or EE include the following: