What Are The Differences Between A Mule And A Donkey?

Although the terms mule and donkey are often used interchangably they do not refer to the same animal. A mule is a hybrid animal which is the result of breeding a donkey with a horse. A donkey is a seperate animal and member of the horse or Equidae family. These two animals are very similar in regards to their appearance, traits, and behavior but there are a number of anatomical and biological differences between them.

Biology

Also commonly referred to as an ass or burro, the donkey is characterized by the loud braying sounds it makes as well as the large size of its ears which are shaded darker at the tips as well as at the base of its ears. Depending on factors such as breeding these hardy animals come in a range of sizes. Typically in terms of height these domesticated animals may measure between 31 and 63 inches at their withers (the ridge between a donkey's shoulder blades). A fully grown donkey may reach a weight of between 180 and 1,060 pounds. A donkeys lifespan is largely dependent on the animal's living conditions. In poorer countries donkeys have long been utilized as efficient beasts of burden; therefore they have shorter lifespans than similar animals living less regimented and more comfortable lifestyles in countries such as the U.S.

Male donkeys are called jack while females are referred to as jenny.

Donkeys have short fur on both their manes and tails as well as a dark stripe running along their backs from the animal's head down to its tail. They also have a stripe across their shoulders. Other physical traits include narrow shaped hooves which are particularly useful when the animal is travelling over rough terrain.

The donkey's coat is typically grey but may also be black or a dark shade of brown.

Donkeys are regarded to be intelligent animals with the ability to remember places and other donkeys for a significant amount of time. They are herd animals which are superior to horses when it comes to their capacity to travel over a variety of terrains. 

According to recent statistics there are about nineteen million donkeys living in various geographical regions across the globe. The majority of these animals reside in China and Pakistan while large numbers of donkeys can also be found in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Mexico. Donkeys are also used in regions where horses fail to thrive such as Mongolia, Tibet, and northeastern portions of Africa.

Common Traits

Although mules and donkeys have many differences, they are also a lot alike and share many common attributes and characteristics. Both animals are mammals and members of the order Perissodactyla. This order refers to animals which are plant eaters and who possess one to three hoofed toes on each back foot. Other anim als in this order include zebras, rhinoceros, and tapirs. 

Mules and donkeys are both herbivores who feed on similar plant based diets. Most of these creatures live on natural materials such as weeds, straw, and barley.