FACTS ABOUT MINIATURE DONKEYS

They originated in the Islands of Sicily and Sardinia near the Mediterranean Sea.  The first donkeys were imported to the United States in 1929.

The first farm in the United States to actually breed and raise miniature donkeys was the Danby Farm in Omaha, Nebraska.

The miniature donkey is a wonderfully gentile and intelligent animal.  They are very social and easy to train.  The miniature donkey is extremely versatile.  From pet or companion to diligent competitor, they continue to excel.  They can gracefully tippy toe around a group of handicapped individuals or small children and then enter a show ring to conquer an in hand trail course. 

Donkey Terms to be Familiar With

Jack-   A Male Donkey

Jennet-  A Female Donkey

Foal-  A Baby Donkey

Gelding-  A Castrated or Neutered Male Donkey

Sire-  Father of a Particular Donkey

Dam-  Mother of a Particular Donkey

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Miniature donkeys average height is from 28 to 34 inches at the withers (or shoulders).  They must not exceed 36 inches to be registered.

They normally weigh about 300 pounds as an adult.

Coat Colors:

The original donkeys coat color was predominately gray.  Now the coat colors are found in a wide range.  Shades to grays, browns, blacks, sorrels, and white are just a few.  They can also have a variety of combinations of these colors in spotted patterns.  The solid colors usually have a contrast of lighter coloring on the muzzle, belly and around the eyes.  If an animal does not have the light coloring around the muzzle and eyes, it is said to have "No Light Points" or NLP.

Donkeys have a form of a cross pattern over their backs.  This darker line runs down their backs and across their shoulders.  This marking is known as the Donkey's Cross.  This cross marking is found on all donkeys in some form, except for the True Black coats.  And whose to say, it could actually be there and is just not visible because of the dark color.   It can be seen as a "broken line" on the spotted donkeys and is obviously much more visible on the lighter coat colors.

The Story of the Donkey's Cross

"Bring me the colt of a donkey."

was the masters request.

A young donkey was brought to Jesus to carry Him to Jerusalem.

A week later Jesus was ordered to be Crucified.

The little donkey so loved the Lord that he wanted to help Him carry the cross.

But alas, he was pushed away.

The sad little donkey waited to say goodbye until nearly all had left.

As he turned to leave, the shadow of The Cross fell upon his back and shoulders.

And there it has remained, a tribute to the loyalty and love love of the humblest of God's creatures.