The Poitou Donkey

The Poitou Donkey (Baudet du Poitou), while arguably the most recognizable donkey in the world, is the least known and most endangered. From an inventoried 44 animals (worldwide) in 1977, there are now an estimated 400 pure and part-bred animals in the world today.

The Poitou is instantly recognizable for a number of characteristics. Most notable is the long shaggy coat; always dark brown or black, with no cross or stripe, but hanging in long cords or shaggy hanks. The coat (called a cadanette) was so highly prized by breeders that a champion jack who had lost the traditional coat was not even placed in a class at a later show! The coat is still a factor in the modern breed, but size, bone and measurement are more important. In addition, the coat is such a strong breed trait that even a 1/8th Poitou may resemble the pure-bred. However the purebred will have more massive bone, and a larger foot than a part-bred animal.

The Poitou was never used for work, being prized as a mule-breeding jack. The mules sired by these giant Draft Donkeys held worldwide acclaim. The dam of the Poitou Mule is the Trait Mulassier, a massive bay, black, sorrel or dun draft horse, considered coarse by some, but actually an animal of great beauty. Their heavy heads often have Roman noses, and the legs are heavily feathered from the knee down to the massive hoof.

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