The Donkey

The donkeys of Ceylon are so small, they are officially called Pygmy Donkeys, and most animals there are smaller than the mainland animals - even the people are smaller. Columbus brought jacks and jennets on his third and fourth voyages to the New World, as there were no asses present prior to that time. These little animals came to be known as "burros" by the Spanish-speaking explorers and settlers. Today, west of the Mississippi River, standard donkeys are called burros, while east they are called donkeys. This term is reserved by the American Donkey and Mule Society for feral animals caught in western states.

The size standards of American donkeys are as follows:

• Miniature - measures less than 36" tall (9 hands high) at maturity;
• Small Standard - height from 36" to 40" tall;
• Standard - measures 40.01" to 48" tall (10-12 hands high), covering the size range of most donkeys;
• Large Standard - from 48" tall to 56" tall (12-14 hands high), and are excellent for adult riding and work;/li>
• Mammoth Jack Stock - females over 54" tall (13.2 hands high) and males over 56" tall (14 hands high).

For more information, visit:

• Wild Donkeys (Asses)
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Internet Adoption
• The American Donkey and Mule Society
• www.donkeys.com
• American Gaited Mule Association
• American Mammoth Jackstock
• Bay Area Donkey & Mule Society of California
• Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burrow home page
• Coat Color Genetics in American Donkeys
• Donkey Breed Society of UK
• International Miniature Donkey Registry
• International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros
• KBR's Wrld of Wild Horses & Burros
• Kalara ASSociates Spotted and Spotless Donkeys
• Miniature Donkeys and Miniature Donkey Talk Magazine
• Mountain Ridge Ranch
• North American Longears' Breeders List -- the official internet directory for members of the American Donkey and Mule Society
• Sicilian Donkey Preservation Society
• Thor's Home Page
• Understanding Black Genetics in Donkeys
• Wild Horse and Burro Enthusiasts
• Wonderful Longeared World of Donkeys
• Yikes! Stripes!
• Bibliography

© Copyright 1994-2002 NorthWest Breyer Horse Club.
Published in two parts, August and September 1994 in NorthWest Breyer Horse Club Newsletter. (em)

	© 1997-2007 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007		Enter city or US Zip