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MINIATURE DONKEY BREEDS
Unlike miniature cow breeds, miniature donkeys are not divided into many formal, separate breeds. Instead, “miniature donkey” typically refers to a single breed—the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey. However, within the world of miniature donkeys and their relatives, you will find different types, color variations, crossbreeds, and similar small equids that are commonly kept as companions, pets, or working animals.
Here’s a curated list of the 10 most popular types or varieties of miniature donkeys (and related small donkeys or crosses), along with their defining characteristics:
Miniature Mediterranean Donkey
American Spotted Miniature Donkey
American Spotted Miniature Donkey
- Height: Up to 36 inches
- Weight: 200–350 lbs
- Origin: Sicily and Sardinia (Italy)
- Traits: The true miniature donkey breed. Sweet, affectionate, intelligent, easy to train. Long lifespan (30–35 years). Often gray-dun but also comes in black, white, or spotted.
American Spotted Miniature Donkey
American Spotted Miniature Donkey
American Spotted Miniature Donkey
- Height: Up to 36 inches
- Traits: A color variant of the Mediterranean breed with bold white and dark spotting. Friendly, flashy, and popular for petting zoos or therapy programs.
Miniature English/Irish Donkey
American Spotted Miniature Donkey
Miniature English/Irish Donkey
- Height: 34–38 inches
- Traits: Sturdier and slightly taller than Mediterranean donkeys. Known for resilience and friendly personalities. Sometimes used for light pack or therapy work.
Miniature Standard Donkey
Miniature Poitou Donkey (Rare)
Miniature English/Irish Donkey
- Height: 36–40 inches
- Traits: Borderline between miniature and standard. Often used for cart pulling or companion purposes. Stronger than true miniatures, while still easy to handle.
Miniature Poitou Donkey (Rare)
Miniature Poitou Donkey (Rare)
Miniature Poitou Donkey (Rare)
- Height: ~36 inches
- Origin: France
- Traits: Rare, shaggy-coated variety with a unique appearance. Once endangered. Known for very calm temperaments and woolly coats.
Dwarf Miniature Donkey
Miniature Poitou Donkey (Rare)
Miniature Poitou Donkey (Rare)
- Height: Under 30 inches
- Traits: Extremely small and rare. Require careful management due to increased health risks like dwarfism-related complications. Best as novelty pets or companions, not for working.
Miniature Mule (Mini Donkey x Mini Horse)
Miniature Jerusalem Donkey (with cross markings)
Miniature Mule (Mini Donkey x Mini Horse)
- Height: Varies (28–40 inches)
- Traits: Cross between a mini donkey and a miniature horse. Sterile but often friendly, intelligent, and strong. Great for light pack work or showmanship.
Painted or Piebald Miniature Donkey
Miniature Jerusalem Donkey (with cross markings)
Miniature Mule (Mini Donkey x Mini Horse)
- Height: Up to 36 inches
- Traits: A patterned variant with white and colored patches. Not a separate breed, but highly prized for their striking appearance and calm behavior.
Miniature Jerusalem Donkey (with cross markings)
Miniature Jerusalem Donkey (with cross markings)
Miniature Jerusalem Donkey (with cross markings)
- Height: 32–36 inches
- Traits: Often gray with the distinctive dark "cross" marking along the back and shoulders. Considered spiritually symbolic. Extremely docile and widely kept as pets or emotional support animals.