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Donkeys have a reputation for being leisurely. In fact, they usually move calmly and steadily – but can certainly pick up speed if they want to.
Speed at a glance
- Walk: about as fast as a person walking, around 4–5 km/h.
- Trot: significantly faster, but is usually only shown briefly.
- Gallop: domestic donkeys can briefly reach about 25–30 km/h. The figures vary depending on size, age, and fitness.
For comparison: horses are significantly faster in a sprint. Donkeys, on the other hand, are enduring and sure-footed – even on rocky ground.
Why donkeys rarely run
The ancestors of our domestic donkeys lived in barren, often rocky landscapes. There, it was more important to conserve energy and navigate rubble well than to flee quickly. Donkeys therefore tend to assess a situation first instead of immediately running away. More on this in the post Are donkeys stubborn?
When donkeys speed up
- when playing, especially young donkeys
- when it's feeding time and someone comes with the bucket
- when they get scared
- when a familiar companion gets out of sight
Daily activity
Donkeys need a lot of exercise. In nature, they cover great distances in search of food. In captivity, large paddocks, distributed feeding stations, and walks help. Why too little exercise and too nutritious food can be problematic, you can read in the post Sand instead of lush pasture.
Frequently asked questions
Is a donkey faster than a human?
In a short sprint, yes – a donkey at a gallop is faster than most people.
How far can a donkey walk in a day?
Well-trained donkeys can cover daily hiking stages in the double-digit kilometer range. More on this in the post Hiking with a donkey.
