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Donkey characteristics

All donkeys are classified as equus africanus asinus, including the miniature donkey. However miniature donkeys are a particular breed that is different to small donkeys. Unlike horses donkeys are not easily startled and have a keen sense of curiosity. They are more independent in their thinking than horses and will reason, then make decisions based on their safety. Donkeys have a reputation for stubbornness due to their highly developed sense of self preservation. Thus, it is difficult to force or frighten a donkey into doing something it sees as contrary to its own best interest or safety.

Training a donkey relies upon showing them by gentle words and action. They need to see that they can trust you and you will protect them from harm. They learn what it is we want of them if we take time to gently show them. They remember everything!
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Donkeys originate from desert areas of the earth and in this environment a donkey can hear the call of another donkey 96.5 kms. This acute hearing is due to their large ears which also help to keep them cool. They don’t like the rain and being out in it for long periods can damage their health as their fur is not waterproof.

As food is scarce in the desert, donkeys utilise 95% of what they eat making their manure a poor fertilizer and their digestive system can break down uneatable vegetation and extract moisture from food more efficiently.

Fun Facts

  • A male donkey is called a “jack” and a female donkey is called a “jenny”.
  • Miniature donkeys must be no taller than 36″ or 91cms and can be literally half the size of a regular donkey!
  • Miniature donkeys come in all colours – shades of grey, brown, tan, white and black.
  • Donkeys are pregnant for anywhere between 11-14 months. They usually have a single foal, but the occasional donkey will give birth to twins.
  • Donkeys can live for 50 years
  • Donkeys are very strong and intelligent
  • A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size.
  • Donkeys have an incredible memory – they can recognise areas and other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago.
  • Donkeys and horses are entirely separate species. They can be bred together to create hybrids, but they have their own distinct colours, sizes, diets, temperaments, and habits. They even have their own chromosome counts where donkeys possess 62 while horses boast 64 chromosomes.
  • Donkeys in a herd will groom each other in the same way as monkeys and chimps do.
  • Asino is the Italian word for “donkey”.
  • Burro is the Spanish word for “donkey”.
  • Moke is a British term for a donkey.
  • An ass is either a male or female donkey.
  • A hinny is the result of breeding between a female donkey and a male horse.
  • A molly is a term for a female mule.
  • A mule is the result of breeding between a male donkey and a female horse.