Miniature donkeys are smaller than the standard donkey and
are thought to have originated in Sardinjan, the second largest island in the
Mediterranean Sea. While not considered miniature by their country of origin,
these donkeys were quite smaller than typical donkey. Miniature donkeys stand
between 36 – 40 inches tall when full grown. In the early 1900’s seven
miniature donkey s were brought to the United States by Robert Green. The first
miniature donkey was born that same year and these animals were soon known as
Miniature Donkeys or Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys.Green is known for saying that “Miniature
donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a
cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and an intellectual
capability only slightly inferior to man's."
52 Miniature Donkeys were recorded in the United States in
1935. Additional imports of the miniature donkeys were made from the
Mediterranean and a registry for the breed was started by Bea Langfeld in 1958.
The America Donkey and Mule Society now holds the registry of the Miniature
donkey breed.
There are believed to be about 10,000 Miniature Donkeys in
the United States today.
Miniature
Donkeys are by nature intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They are very
tame and gentle. They are also easier to manage in everyday life than some
donkeys simply because they are smaller. They love their owners and seek
attention.
About Miniature Donkeys
