Poitou

The Poitou donkey, or Baudet du Poitou, is a large French donkey from the old Poitou region of western France. It has great height, long ears, heavy bone, and a shaggy dark coat that may hang in cords called cadenettes when left in traditional form. Most are dark brown to black with lighter muzzle and eye points. Historically, Poitou jacks were prized less as ordinary farm donkeys than as sires of large Poitevin mules, produced with Poitevin Mulassier mares for agricultural and transport work.

Modern Poitou numbers remain limited, so conservation breeding, records, and careful placement are central to the breed's future. A Poitou needs sensible donkey management scaled to a large equine: secure handling areas, room to move, patient training, and hoof care from people comfortable with size and strength. The long coat can collect mud and burrs, especially in wet climates, so practical grooming has to be balanced with any traditional presentation. Breeding programs usually avoid casual outcrossing and pay close attention to fertility, temperament, and genetic diversity.

Colors: Black, Black Nlp (No Light Points), Dark Brown