Description
The Poitou donkey is "instantly recognizable" for a number of unusual characteristics that distinguish it from other donkeys. Its shaggy coat, called a cadanette, hangs in long cords when ungroomed because of the long, soft hair. Animals with great cadanettes of matted and tangled hair were most highly valued. 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 the purpose of hygiene, but some Poitou are allowed to grow their coats out so as to have "bourailloux", or coats of great length. The Poitou's coat is always dark brown or black. While lacking the stripes and cross-like markings on the coats of some other breeds of donkey, the Poitou should have a white underbelly, nose and rings around its eyes.
The Poitou is a large breed; among other European donkeys only the Andalucian donkey reaches a similar size. In order to breed large mules, the original developers of the Poitou chose breeding animals with large features, such as ears, heads and leg joints. The ears of the Poitou were developed to such an extent that their weight sometimes causes them to be carried horizontally. Modern Poitou donkeys stand 13.1 to 14.3 hands (53 to 59 inches, 135 to 150 cm) high. They have large, long heads, strong necks, long backs, short croups and round haunches. The limb joints and feet are large, and the legs strong. The temperament of the Poitou has been described as "friendly, affectionate and docile". Historically, most Poitous were used to breed large mules, but in recent years, they have found an increasing number of uses. Breed enthusiasts use them for agricultural work, driving and riding.
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