The Miniature Donkey

The Miniature Donkey

A Guide to Understand
The Miniature Donkey

To many people, the equine family simply means horses and ponies. However, for those of us who know and love donkeys, we know they add diversity and a gentle beauty to the equine web of life. Horses, donkeys (Asses) and zebras all belong to the same mammal family, Equidae. Their nearest relatives, interestingly enough, are the rhinoceroses and tapirs. Can you imagine riding a rhino? Luckily for us horsey lovers, equines have evolved into a much more attractive and useful animal friend.

This is a highly social group of animals that rely on the herd mentality to create social structure and safety for its members. Donkeys tend to be especially social creatures, enjoying the company not only of others like them but particularly human beings. This is, in my opinion, what makes them unique. They love to be around people!

There are three species of wild ass, and they are no more closely related to each other than the horse is to the zebra. They may interbreed but their foals will be sterile. These three species are the true wild ass of Africa (Equus africanus); the onager (Equus hemionus), one of two Asian species from the Middle East and northwest India, and the kiang ( Equus kiang), from the Tibetan plateau, north of the Himalayas. Today, all wild asses are in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat and overhunting by humans.

It is the African wild ass that is the ancestor of the donkey and zebra. Donkeys, in comparison to their equine siblings tend to have a heavy, stockier conformation, long ears, a short mane with no forelock, slender legs and a wispy tail. In modern times, they've been bred to produce various colors, but historically gray was the most typical shade with a dark cross at the withers. They evolved and adapted for living in dry, arid, rocky regions of the world and because of this have developed strength, stamina and endurance to carry heavy loads over long distances on little food and water.

     Donkeys are used for many purposes throughout the world today. They are humble, willing, beasts of burden. In the Middle East, rural Ireland, regions of Europe, and Mexico/Central America, donkeys are used as a traditional pack and work animal. In Greece, donkeys are used to thresh grain. By walking around and around in a circle, the hooves separate the seeds from the husks. Many women in North Africa use donkeys to carry a precious commodity, water for their families. Sadly, recently in Iraq, donkeys have even been hitched to carts loaded with rocket launchers aimed at U.S. Armed Forces. Donkeys in the United States generally live in better circumstances (they're spoiled just like the rest of us!). They're most often used for pleasure and companionship, pulling carts, and as pack/ guide animals (e.g. Grand Canyon). Years ago, they were used to explore the Wild West, conquer the California Gold Rush, and aid coal miners in Appalachia.

     Miniature donkeys, as we know them today, are decendants of donkeys from the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. These donkeys, specific to this region alone, were remarkably much smaller than their counterparts living in other areas of the world, and thus are called ‘miniature donkeys'.

     In American registries, donkeys must measure 36" or less at the withers to be classified as a miniature. Larger donkeys are classified as standard or mammoth depending on size. Miniatures typically weigh 200-300 pounds. Donkeys now can be found in many colors, including spotted variations; gray is common, true black rare. They have a dark cross at the withers. Some believe this cross represents Gods eternal gratitude for carrying Mary safely to Bethlehem to give birth to baby Jesus.

     Donkeys make excellent pets and require less care than many larger animals. They do typically live 25-35 years and thrive on social interaction. It's important that they are kept with other animals and receive regular attention from their owners. They need an adequate shelter from wind and weather, clean fresh water, a grass based hay only (such as Timothy or Orchard grass), very small amounts of grain, and a salt/mineral block. Donkeys can quickly become unhealthy and fat if overfed.

     Veterinary care should include regular worming (every 6-8 weeks), and vaccination for common equine pathogens. Worm medicine and vaccines are available at your veterinarian's office or local feed store. Proper foot care requires trimming the hooves at a minimum 3-4 times per year. This can vary for many reasons but it's critical for an equine to receive good hoof care by an experienced farrier.

With proper care, donkeys tend to be very healthy and easy to keep. The donkey is inherently sociable and docile, and is not an aggressive animal. If mistreated, they may react. All animals have powerful and active memories. Treat a donkey with kindness and respect and they will be your friend for life!