Types of Donkeys

Donkeys are related to zebras and horses and are believed to be descended from Africa. They range in colors from gray (the most common), black, brown, white to strawberry. Though most of the domesticated donkeys are no longer pure breeds because of cross breeding there are still several breeds that are found throughout the world.

  1. Mammoth Donkeys

    • The Mammoth donkey is a descendant of the Poitou, Maltese, Catalonian and Andalusia breeds. The Mammoth donkey, as its name suggests, is large and was bred to be a working animal. To be classified as a Mammoth donkey the male must be 58 inches and the female must be at least 56 inches.

    Poitou Donkeys

    • Many people have not heard of the Poitou donkey as it is one of the rarest breeds and is slowly growing again in population after being named an endangered species. Since the Poitou was never used as a working animal and due to the breed's disposition it has slowly dwindled in numbers. The Poitou is the largest of the donkey breeds and is distinguishable due to its shaggy coat.

    Standard Donkey

    • Most of the Donkeys now owned are usually classified according to their size. Due to their cross breeding tdhe standar type of donkey is no longer recognizable. Their sizes range from small standard which measures 36.01 to 40 inches, standard is 40.01 to 48 inches and the large standard measures 48.01 to 54 inches for females and up to 56 inches for male donkeys.

    Cypriot Donkey

    • Despite what their name suggests, it is unclear as to where the Cypriot donkey first emerged. They are known for their more amiable personality and by their larger, floppier ears. They were first bred to work and even today, due to their work ethic, they are still used in some countries as working animals.

    American Spotted Ass

    • The American Spotted Ass is strictly a donkey that is registered with the American Council of Spotted Asses (ACSA), a group that is interested in the preservation of this breed. All donkey breeds may have a spotted appearance but the American Spotted Ass is a donkey bred with another in the ACSA to keep the spotted trait.