Donkey breeds

While we don't have all the different donkey breeds living at The Donkey Sanctuary here in the UK, there are 17 breeds of donkeys currently known in Europe.

Miniature donkeys

Find out about these extremely small donkeys who were originally used to turn grinding stones for grain inside peasants’ houses.

Tulip the mule, rescued in Whitby, is now doing a lot better

Mules and hinnies

Mules and hinnies are both a cross between a horse and a donkey, but what are the unique characteristics that make them special?

Poitous

Originating from the Poitou region of France, about 300 miles south-west of Paris, this rare breed has a thick, matted and tangled coat.

Other donkey breeds

While we have miniature donkeys, poitous and lots of mules and hinnies directly in our care, there are other breeds that are just as important and worth knowing about:

Grand Noir du Berry

Donkey breeds

Miniature donkeys

Mules and hinnies

Poitous

Other donkey breeds

Also of interest

All about donkeys