Originating from the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia, Miniature Donkeys are extremely affectionate and intelligent animals. Their gentle nature makes them excellent pets for children or adults. They are very hardy and healthy animals, usually only requiring regular worming and hoof trimming.

With a lifespan of twenty-five to thirty years, miniature donkeys reach full height at the withers of thirty-six inches or less and weight of 200-350 pounds around age three. At this age, females can be bred and have a gestation period of twelve to thirteen months. Babies, called foals, weigh an average of twenty to thirty pounds at birth and are up and nursing within thirty minutes. At five to six months they can be weaned.

The most common color is the grey dun with a darker cross down the spine and across the front shoulders. They also come in brown, black, sorrel, or spotted. Usually they have light tan muzzles and markings around the eyes and ears, but this can also be dark in color.

Miniature Donkeys require fresh water and hay daily, with a three sided covered area to protect them from the elements. Donkeys are compatible with most other livestock and prefer this to living alone.