About The Poitou Donkey

The Poitou Donkey is an ancient French breed that is valued for the production of mules. The breed was developed in the Poitou region of western France, where they have been breeding mules for over one thousand years.

Recognizing the Poitou as a breed occurred around 1700, and the French studbook was established in 1884. The breed is referred to as Baudet du Poitou, baudet means "sire of mules." 

The French mule breeding industry was a highly developed and lucrative enterprise. Poitou jacks were bred to the Mulassier (or Poitevin)  horse– to produce giant drafty mules.. The breed nearly became extinct after World War II, when industrial expansion nearly collapse the the demand for mules. Fewer than 80 Poitous survived in 1980.

In the late 20th century several organizations in France organized to protect the breed from extinction.

The conservation efforts have paid off.. The breed has increased in numbers and icurrently there are over 500 Poitous registered in the French studbook. Poitous are tall, standing 14–15 hands (56–60") high at the withers and weighing 750–950 pounds. The most striking feature of the breed is its long hair, which may hang in cords from the entire body. Poitous are found in black or dark brown,

           Meet my Poitou Brood Mare (Picture Below):  Alberta, "Bertie"

Bertie is dignified, demanding and aloof and lives life on her terms (except for meal time). This is one smart donkey. She thinks through everything. She is remarkably clean, trying not to dirty herself or her stall. One smart donkey! This winter when she was cold, she layed against her heated water bucket.

Meet my Poitou Herdsire (Picture Below): "Winston"

Winston is a young loveable, teddy bear. He's all male and could care less about his appearance, his stall, or anything else related to cleanliness. He's in my pocket when I'm around him.  Intelligence runs in donkeys.  This winter when he was cold, he also layed against his heated water bucket. 

Meet My Jennet (Pictured Below): "La Peche" or "Peach"

Peach is the newest member of the herd. She is a jet black beauty that is sweet and gentle.  She is smaller than the two other Poitou's.