Geldings or jennets make the best pets. In appearance the donkey should resemble a small draft donkey. The head should be in proportion to the body, the leg bones should be large, the legs straight, the ribs well sprung, the chest wide, and the girth deep. Long and intelligent ears finish the picture of the perfect miniature donkey. The average donkey will weigh from 250 to 450 lbs.
Some foals are soft and furry and other have a wiry coat.
The most prevalent colour is grey dun, however, white, spotted, brown, sorrel, and black are also found. Regardless of colour, the distinguishing mark on all these donkeys is a dark stripe on its back and shoulders forming a cross. They have a long life span living to 25-30 years of age. Miniature donkeys need a small amount of good quality hay per day, grains are not often needed. A trace mineral supplement and salt should be made available to your donkey at all times.