Cotentin Donkey
Origins/Breeding Area
The introduction of donkeys in the Manche area seems to go back to a relatively early period in history.
Research in departmental archives shows that there were already donkeys in this department towards the middle of the 16th century, or even earlier since certain municipalities in Basse Normandie recall donkeys in their place names;
– Asnières en Bessin (near Isigny-sur-Mer in the Calvados), towards 1069
– Asnelles (Calvados), towards 1063
The Cotentin donkey was concentrated mainly in the northern part of the Cotentin. Before the war, between 300 and 400 donkeys were sold at the fairs of Lessay and Gavray, going to other parts of France and even overseas.
Recognition
During the 1990s .
Number of Births:
In 2018: 70 births
In 2017: 73 births
In 2016: 57 births
In 2015: 77 births
Standard:
Size:
Jacks: From 1.20m to 1.35m
Jennies: From 1.15m to 1.30m
Colour:
Generally dove grey, with a St. Andrew’s cross
Abilities and Uses:
Around the 1930s, there were about 9000 donkeys in the Manche, mainly used as pack animals to transport milk from local cows using packs, crates, stoneware milk jugs, or milkmaids riding sidesaddle.
Given its sweet temper and its morphology, this donkey is ideally suited to trekking and driving. It is also a wonderful pet which is used in animal therapy.
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- © ANR âne du Cotentin
Source: IFCE, national breed association, France Anes et Mulets
For More information about : Cotentin Donkey
National breed association:
Association de l’âne du Cotentin
Cotentin Donkey Association> http://www.ane-cotentin.fr/ (French only)