donkeys

History

When you come to visit Moonstone Farm LLC and are greeted by the most adorable of all creatures, life changes for most people who have never encountered these wonderful animals. Poking through the fluffy bangs are two long ears with soulful, dark eyes peeking through and a tiny little mouth will reach up to give you a big kiss! That's it for most. The baby miniature donkeys have found their way into your heart and you're smitten!

Miniature Donkeys have been growing in popularity over the past 20+ years. They are finding their way into homes and farms not only all over North America, but into England, Australia, and even South Africa and other countries as well.

The first Miniature Donkeys were imported into the U.S. from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia in the late 1920's by Mr. Robert Green. A few were even from Ethiopia. Green was quoted as saying, "Miniature Donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to man's."

One of the largest original breeders was August Busch of Busch Beer fame. He gave many young donkeys away to his friends as gifts. Another large breeder was Danby Farms in Nebraska. The Langfelds established Danby Farms in the 1950's in Omaha, Nebraska and Bea Langfeld established the Miniature Donkey Registry of the United States in 1958. She turned the registry over to the stewardship of the American Donkey and Mule Society in Lewisville, Texas in 1987.

The 25-30 Miniature Donkeys originally imported into the U.S. were between the sizes of 32" and 38" with the majority of them being in the 35"-37" height range. Over the years, breeders have concentrated more on the 32"-33" size and today your most adorable and well-conformed donkeys are from 31" to 35".

Miniature Donkeys have not been bred down in size like the many other "miniatures"! The word "miniature" usually connotes animals that have been bred down in size, so keep in mind that "miniature donkeys" are simply diminutive and not bred down!