Poitou donkeys

The breed

Poitou donkeys (in French Baudet de Poitou) are an endangered variety of the great donkeys. Their name is derived from Poitou, the area in the west of France around Poitou-Charentes, whose capital is Poitiers. The breed has been known since the 11th century, but presumably came into being even earlier. Initially, Poitou donkeys were prevalent in the south-west of France. Nowadays, however, there are only a few thoroughbreds left. The stallions can reach a wither height of between 140cm and 150cm and the mares can reach a wither height of between 135cm and 145cm. Poitou donkeys seem to be massive and often have a long, shaggy fur of dark brown colour. Their mouth, the area around their eyes and the belly is white and grey-furred with a rusty colour that blends into the dark brown fur, which also tends to be of light brown colour. First and foremost, the breed was bred to be utilised for works in the field. Interbreeding them with Poitevins, they were used to breed unusually great mules, which were drawn upon for military and other purposes.