Mule Characteristics

A mule is produced when a male donkey successfully mates with a female horse. Mules are highly regarded for their stamina, strength, and intelligence. They are a preferred work animal, as they are tougher than horses, can carry more weight than horses, and are smarter and more patient than donkeys. Male mules are often called "Johnny" mules, and females go by the term "Molly" mule.

  1. Appearance

    • Mules take-on the characteristics of both of their parents. Some more distinguishable attributes that the mule exhibits from its donkey father include a short mane, long ears, slim limbs, narrow hooves, and a short, thick head. Contributions from its mother include its horse-like body, height, neck and teeth shape.

    As Working Animals

    • The average-sized mule weighs roughly between 850 and 1000 pounds, with the larger work mules reaching 1,300 pounds, making it a well-sized, highly-capable beast of burden. Mules can carry 20 percent of their body weight in dead weight, and have better stamina and endurance than their mothers, which is a physical characteristic they inherit from their donkey fathers.

    Attitude and Temperament

    • Mules are known for their patience and for being sure-of-foot. They rarely allow a rider to put them in harm's way, and are often protective of their rider's safety, as well. They are appreciated as load-bearing animals, because they inherit the work ethic and perseverance of the donkey, and the courage and strength of the horse.

    Other Characteristics

    • The common noise that a mule makes is a combination of the whinny of a horse and the bray of a donkey, making it a distinctive sound. Male mules are always sterile, but there have been a small handful of cases where a female mule has born an offspring. Mules are often colored in shades of brown, black, or gray; but some -- such as the offspring of the Appaloosa mare -- can have wild colors and spotting patterns.