Miniature Donkeys have a long history, and the pampered pets at Dinkie Donkies lead a much different life than their ancestors. Their roots lie several thousand miles from Florida, all the way across the Atlantic to the Mediterranean islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Because of this, they are sometimes known as Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys or Sardinian Donkeys.

Life in their native land was rough, as they earned their keep by hauling supplies and water into the mountains or walking endless circles to turn a grain grinding stone.

Dan Greenfield enjoys a moment with Merle Haggard Jr. his miniature jack.

“Unlike horses, they can think through a situation instead of just spooking or fleeing,” says Carol. “They go through a multi-step reasoning process to figure things out.”
The original donkeys imported from the islands were between 32 and 38 inches in height, with most of the first herd measuring 35 to 37 inches.

Today's Miniature Donkey is generally between 31 and 35 inches tall, and confirmation should equal that of a well-built full sized donkey.

This herd at Green-field Farm displays an array of coat colors.

While some breeders strive for the tiniest animal possible, Don believes that it's safest to aim for 31 to 32 inches. “With anything smaller, you run the risk of breeding complications,” he says.

In Your Own Backyard
Although estimates vary, there are likely about 50,000 Miniature Donkeys in the United States today. Unlike their hardworking forebears, they are usually purchased as pets since their affectionate nature makes them ideal companions for children.

Some do become workers, pulling carts or acting as guardians for other herd animals. Their bravery and protectiveness makes them effective guards against coyotes. The highest quality donkeys often have a successful career on the show circuit. As Dan describes it, “They do everything that horses do in a show, but they do it on a lead rope. They walk, trot and canter, and they're also judged on color and confirmation.”

All of the Greenfield's donkeys are registered with either the International Miniature Donkey Registry Inc. or the Miniature Donkey Registry, and they encourage buyers to register their babies. This preserves records of the donkeys' bloodlines and also makes them eligible to show.

Miniature Donkeys are enjoying a wave of popularity in the Sunshine State. Recently the Greenfields joined up with other local breeders and enthusiasts to launch the Miniature Donkey Association of Florida.

A young donkey rests peacefully in the sun.

“We're having our second meeting on January 12,” Dan says proudly. “We've got a professional judge coming out to educate people on what to look for when buying a Miniature Donkey.”
The pasture at Dinkie Donkies is dotted with a veritable rainbow of color. While gray-dun is the most common, Miniature Donkeys run the gamut from black to white with a wide range of brown and sorrel/chestnut hues in between. They can also have roan or paint coloration, and most of the donkeys have a “cross” that runs down their back and across their shoulders.
According to Dan and Carol, red is currently the hottest color. “The demand changes, almost like a fad,” they explain. “Not too long ago, everyone wanted black. Now it's suddenly sorrel.”
The rare and most popular colors command a premium price, and jennies (females) tend to be more popular and cost more than jacks (males).

In Central Florida, the price range varies from $600 to $1200 for a jack and $1800 and up for a jenny, depending on her confirmation and whether she has been bred. Successful show ring competitors and studs can cost as much as $5000 to $6000.

“Most people want a jenny because they have such good temperaments,” says Dan. “Jacks are like little stallions, and they can be a handful. We encourage our buyers to geld the jacks, and we give them a discount when they bring us proof that it's been done.”

Even though they are much smaller than standard donkeys and horses, the Greenfields recommend at least an acre and a half for housing two Miniature Donkeys. “Because they are herd animals, we recommend getting a pair,” says Dan. “If you don't have a barn, they should at least have a three sided shelter so they can go inside at night.”

At Dinkie Donkies, the animals have cushy quarters in 12' x 12' stalls. They spend their days grazing on spacious pastures, but as evening rolls around they show just how loud such a small animal can bray as they come to the barn and demand their dinner.

While it's easy to be won over by such cute and affectionate creatures, prospective owners should realize that buying a Miniature Donkey means taking on a long term commitment. With proper care and nutrition, these hardy creatures can live into their 30s and beyond.

“They need their shots twice a year, just like a horse,” Dan says, “and they also require regular hoof trimming. They can founder or colic like a horse, but it doesn't happen often. They are amazingly healthy animals.”

The Greenfields try to give their herd as much attention as possible, but with almost two dozen donkeys and only 24 hours in a day it can be a challenge. When they get new donkeys that might not be as well socialized as their herd, they put a special focus on the newcomers. Because they have such a social nature, even the shyest Miniature Donkeys tend to become attention hounds very quickly.

Over the past four years, the Greenfields have rarely regretted their decision to start Dinkie Donkies.
“I only have regrets when it's time to clean the stalls!” jokes Carol.
Dan adds, “It's always hard to let them go when we sell them. You can't help but get attached to them.”
But as hard as it is to let them go, Dan and Carol can always take heart in the fact that by selling their babies, they are spreading the joy of Miniature Donkeys for more and more people to share.