Buyer protection
Contents
The domestic donkey is a perissodactyl from the horse family and descended from the African wild ass. Depending on the breed, it is about 80 to 160 cm tall, feeds mainly on high-fiber roughage, and can live over 30 years. Here you will find all the important facts at a glance – ideal for school, a presentation, or simply to marvel at.
The Donkey Fact Sheet
| Name | Domestic donkey |
| Scientific name | Equus africanus asinus |
| Class | Mammals |
| Order | Perissodactyla |
| Family | Equidae (horses) |
| Ancestor | African wild ass |
| Size | approx. 80–160 cm height at the withers |
| Weight | approx. 80–480 kg |
| Life expectancy | often over 30 years |
| Food | Straw, hay, grasses, herbs, twigs |
| Gestation period | approx. 12 months, usually one foal |
| Lifestyle | social, lives in groups |
| Sound | “Hee-haw,” when inhaling and exhaling |
| Female / Male / Young | Mare (female donkey) / Stallion / Foal |
Appearance: How to recognize a donkey
- Long ears: They help with hearing and heat dissipation. More in Why do donkeys have such long ears?
- Short upright mane: Unlike a horse, the mane does not fall to the side.
- Tufted tail: The tail is only long and hairy at the end.
- Cross on the back: Many donkeys have a dark stripe along the spine and a shoulder cross. More in The cross on the donkey's back.
- Light muzzle and light eye rings: typical for many donkeys.
- Small, steep hooves: ideal for rocky ground.
Where do donkeys come from?
The domestic donkey descended from the African wild ass and was domesticated thousands of years ago in Northeast Africa. From there, it spread through the Mediterranean region to Europe and Asia. More about this in the post Where do donkeys come from?
What do donkeys eat?
Donkeys are roughage eaters. Their digestive system is adapted to sparse, high-fiber food. Bread, potatoes, or a lot of fruit are unsuitable. More in What do donkeys eat? and How much does a donkey eat?
Foals and family
A donkey mare is pregnant for about 12 months. The foal stands up in the first few hours and nurses from its mother. It is usually weaned at about 6 to 9 months. More in Donkey foals: the first weeks.
7 exciting facts about donkeys
- Donkeys inspect unknown things before moving on – that is why they are wrongly considered stubborn.
- Donkeys doze standing up and only sleep deeply when lying down.
- Their bray can often be heard for miles.
- Donkeys need the company of their own kind.
- Their coat is less water-repellent than that of horses.
- A mule is a cross between a donkey stallion and a horse mare.
- A donkey mare only gives milk as long as she has a foal – that is why donkey milk is so rare.
Donkeys and humans
Donkeys have been pack animals, riding animals, and companions for thousands of years. They are still indispensable in many countries today. Their milk has been considered a rarity since antiquity: According to legend, Cleopatra even bathed in it. Today, donkey milk is hand-milked on small farms – more about this in How is donkey milk produced?
Donkey milk to try
What does donkey milk actually taste like? Mild, slightly sweet, and thinner than cow's milk. The Mini Duo contains fresh donkey milk and donkey milk powder for comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is a donkey a horse?
Donkeys and horses belong to the same family and genus, but they are different species.
What is a male donkey called?
A stallion. A gelded stallion is called a gelding.
How many teeth does a donkey have?
An adult donkey usually has 36 to 44 teeth. More in Dental care for donkeys.
How fast can a donkey run?
In a gallop, briefly about 25 to 30 km/h. More in How fast can a donkey run?
