Poitou Donkeys

Between their sweet moods and breeding contributions, these rare shaggy donkeys will win you over.

By Jeannette Beranger
Updated on July 7, 2021
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by Jeannette Beranger

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I’ve been working with heritage breeds for nearly four decades, but one above all others inspires me every time I gaze upon it: the Poitou donkey. Few know its name, but many folks have seen or heard about this shaggy donkey that looks like it’s covered in dreadlocks. I’ve yet to meet anyone who’s immune to the charm of its lovable appearance and famously sweet disposition. But as likable as the breed is, it’s not a donkey for everyone. As a critically endangered breed, anyone thinking of getting involved with Poitou donkeys must do their homework far in advance and know exactly what kind of commitment will be needed to be a responsible steward.

Poitou Origins

The Poitou is known as the Baudet du Poitou (“donkey sire of Poitou”) in the Poitou-Charentes region of its native country of France. Mules, the result of crossing a male donkey with a female horse, are a greatly valued resource for draft and farm work. For more than a thousand years, mule production has been documented in France, and, around 1717, the Poitou become the standardized breed we know today, for the purpose of breeding mules. The most desirable mule was produced by breeding a Poitou jack to a Trait Poitevin Mulassier mare. This cross created the finest working mule in all of Europe, and fetched great prices for those who could afford them. The breed flourished until WWII, when draft animals were replaced with motorized vehicles. The Poitou and the Mulassier both declined as a result.

The Last Poitous

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