Baudet de Poitou donkey (clipped) in the Somme region of France.
The Baudet de Poitou (also known as the Poitou Ass, the Poitou Donkey. the Poitevin Donkey, and the Mammoth Donkey) is a breed of donkey originating in the Poitou region of France. One of the most distinctive donkey breeds, it is also among the rarest and least-known. The "friendly, affectionate and docile" Poitou Donkey is "the oldest breed approved in France". Although a 1977 inventory revealed only 44 Baudet de Poitou worldwide, today there are an estimated 400 Poitou, including part-bred animals. There may be 180 or fewer purebred Poitou in existence. The Baudet de Poitou is "instantly recognizable" for a number of unusual characteristics that distinguish it from other asses. Its shaggy coat, called a "cadanette", hangs in "long cords or shaggy hanks" when ungroomed because the hair is longer and softer than that of other breeds of donkey. Animals with great cadanettes of matted and tangled hair were most highly valued. The Poitou's coat is always dark brown or black. Lacking the stripes and cross-like markings on the coats of some other breeds, the Poitou should have a white underbelly, nose and rings around its eyes A purebred Poitou has a more massive bone structure and a larger foot than a part-bred animal, but the shaggy coat is such a dominant trait that even a 1/8 Poitou Donkey may resemble a pure-bred. In modern times, the Poitou's coat is still considered important but less so than size and measurements. Today, many Poitou Donkeys are shorn for reasons of hygiene, but some are allowed to grow their coats out. The Poitou is also noted for its large body. As with many ancient breeds, the origins of the Baudet de Poitou are somewhat obscure. The Roman Empire is said to have The Roman Empire is said to have introduced the donkey and the practice of mule breeding to the Poitou region of France. In the Middle Ages, owning a Poitou Donkey may have been a status symbol among the local French nobility.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Chateau de Bermicourt nr. Arras, France
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
Keywords: ass, baudet, breed, de, donkey, french, poitou, rare
