Once upon a time, I had a small farm, everything I kept on the farm was miniature versions of farm animals and other small critters like chickens and rabbits.
Featured photo: Kelly Fletcher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. No changes to the original photograph.
It was literally one of the best times of my life.
One of my favorite critters on the farm was the miniature Donkeys, some people refer to them as dwarfs but they are actually miniature Donkeys!
Now, I am only speaking from my experience, but these small versions of the Donkey were so sweet and lovable!
As babies they are fluffy and cuddly and watching them run and jump through the pasture was one of my favorite things ever.
I mean seriously, look how freaking cute!
Now I don’t want to mislead anyone, these little cuties won’t stay this small forever.
However, my Great Dane is taller than most full-grown miniature donkeys so they still stay pretty small compared to regular-sized Donkeys.
Are dwarf donkeys the same as miniature donkeys?
The little donkeys discussed here are miniature donkeys. “Dwarf donkeys” is the nickname used in this story; Smithsonian’s National Zoo calls them miniature donkeys and describes their small size as natural.
Adult miniature donkeys measure no more than 36 inches at the withers, measured from the highest point of the shoulders to the ground—not to the tips of those ears! Smithsonian lists their weight at 200 to 450 pounds. The baby photos are adorable, but they are not a promise that a donkey stays baby-sized.
If you’re thinking about adding one of these adorable miniature Donkeys to your family, I do have to prepare you for the braying!
Donkeys communicate by braying, and the volume varies from donkey to donkey. Some can be very loud, according to Smithsonian. That is something to consider before bringing one home, especially if your neighbors are close.
What do miniature donkeys need as pets?
Miniature donkeys need companionship, outdoor space, shelter and ongoing care. Cute? Absolutely. A tiny pet you can tuck into your living room? That is a very different plan.
Donkeys are herd animals that do poorly in isolation. The Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Association says they should always have a companion and that goats, sheep and ponies are not suitable substitutes. Plan for donkey companionship before bringing one home.
That association also calls for shelter from bad weather, fresh water, regular hoof care and dental checks. Have an equine veterinarian help you plan feeding and preventive care.
And this is a commitment measured in decades: Smithsonian says donkeys can live well into their 30s with proper lifelong care. Those sweet faces deserve a home ready for the grown-up donkey, too.
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