This page is from C.S. Valentine's book, which I am currently reading. I trimmed out the nonessential paragraphs so you could focus on the topic at hand. Mr Valentine gives a very good account of how breeds "click" and come together -- and how no matter what anyone says, it is very much a combined effort. In some cases, like the Araucana, it was a decree and the APA just made the bird ignoring all the research previously done and giving it their own imprimatur. That alas has made the Araucana and Ameraucana a bit a problem from the Livestock Conservancy's pov as it does not recognize it's original South American heritage.
But they are exceptions.
Most breeds come together as he mentions and it takes a while for a breeder and his vision to coalesce and get a following. A good example is the American Salmon, which is supposed to be a rather de-feathered version of the Salmon Faverolle -- alas it is too plain for my tastes, but Gary Underwood is pursuing it with his merry band of 5 nonetheless. One thing rather interesting though of this bird is its dark coloured chocolate eggs...Marans watch out.
I have marked "combined efforts " and there are "Exceptions"