The donkey is a broad and diverse breed. Because of its export all over the world, the breed varies from place to place. For example, the average height of a common donkey is about 11 hh at the withers (the withers are the top of the shoulders between the neck and back). However, dwarf donkeys in Sicily and India are about 6 to 7 hh and meanwhile, the seemingly gigantic American Mammoth Donkey can reach heights of 16 hh.

Despite the discrepancies, most donkeys have a common look about them. The mane is short and stands up on end, and continues on to a darker dorsal stripe of hair running down their backs to their often tufted tails. The withers are flat and lay lower than the croup, this is the line running from the top of the tail to the highest point of the creature's hindquarters.

The donkey is well suited to hot and arid climates. It is used throughout the developing world for an array of work purposes. The donkey can be seen carting goods in South America, pulling well water in West Africa, or dragging plows in India. Because it is hardy, enduring, and inexpensive to maintain, the Donkey is the world's beast of burden. Despite its seemingly lowly stature, the Donkey holds an honorable and admirable place, one crucial to the livelihood of million's.

The breed originated in North Africa, but the name 'donkey' didn't emerge until the eighteenth century and is believed to derive from the word 'dun,' one of the most popular colors for the breed. Previously, the donkey was known as an 'ass.'

Back to the Horse Breeds Page         Donkey Breeders - Horses for Sale
Donkey - Horses for Sale