Frequently Asked Questions 

Miniature donkeys are a specific kind of Mediterranean donkey. As their name suggests, they’re much smaller than regular donkeys.

To be officially recognized as miniature, the animal has to measure no more than 36 inches and weigh between 200 – 400 pounds.

For comparison’s sake, a regular donkey measures 36 – 48 inches and weighs around 400 – 500 pounds. So miniature donkeys can be literally half the size of a regular donkey!

Yes. Miniature donkeys are placid animals. You might want to watch them around very young children just because of their heft, but they’re completely open to hugs and cuddles from people of all ages.

The National Miniature Donkey Association (NMDA) even promotes them as a healing presence for the sick, elderly and handicapped.

The organization takes them around children’s hospitals and nursing homes so that people in need can enjoy an affectionate nuzzle from a friendly creature.

Most mini-donkeys are between 32-34 inches from their hooves to their withers. Some are smaller, but a few are bigger.

This is one of the most surprising facts about the miniature donkey. Even though they’re cute and compact, they still weigh between 200 – 400 pounds.

You can’t put them in a bag and carry them around like a chihuahua. They’re thickly-built animals that were bred for work even if you’re treating them like pets instead.

Miniature donkeys came from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. They were probably native species to the area, and they were used for things like carrying firewood, delivering parcels, and tending to livestock.

Sometime in the 1920s, the miniature donkey was exported to the United States, and that’s when their popularity really took off. They were used for farm labor; they were put in fairs and horse shows. The U.S. and Canada couldn’t breed them fast enough.

Today, there are only a small number of miniature donkeys living in their native European home. They’re mostly bred in North America and shipped to other countries.

A miniature donkey is registered through the American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS). Owners can also go through the International Miniature Donkey Registry (IMDR), which is meant for miniature donkeys only.

As herbivores, mini-donkeys like grasses and grains. They’ll also take to hay if they’re being raised on a farm. They have flat teeth that are designed for chewing plants.

Mini-donkeys also love treats. They’ll eat all kinds of fruits and veggies, including apples, oranges, pears, carrots, beets, and turnips. They’ll eat whole bananas straight from your hand with the peels still attached.

Donkeys are also fond of sweet things like molasses, but these should be kept as occasional treats instead of everyday foods.

Given proper care, a miniature donkey will live for around 25-35 years. Since they’re a domesticated breed, they don’t have any of the struggles that feral donkeys face in the wild.

Most mini-donkeys are pampered pets, so they tend to enjoy long, full lives with access to food, shelter, and medical assistance whenever they need it.