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Donkeys were not uncommon to the Americas. Horses and large donkeys had been brought from Spain by Christopher Columbus in 1495 and were used to produce mules for their conquests into mainland America. Following the American Revolution, George Washington developed and became the father of the American line of Mammoth Jackstock. Noticeably absent was the Miniature Mediterranean Donkey, but that would change in the 20th century.
Miniature Donkeys came to the United States by way of wealthy families who saw and fell in love with them on their trips abroad to the Mediterranean. The very first importer of Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys to the U.S. was Robert Green, a stockbroker and partner in a New York brokerage firm. Mr. Green bought seven Sardinian Donkeys sight unseen while on a trip to Europe and had them shipped to his farm in New Jersey in May of 1929. Three of the imported jennets were killed by dogs only a few months after their arrival. The three jennets (Suzanne, Palermo, and Miranda) and jack (Impheus) that survived became the foundation stock of the Green herd which numbered over fifty donkeys by 1935.
Miranda, although in foal at the time, miraculously survived the dog attack and gave birth to Christopher Columbus on Columbus Day, October 12, 1929. He was the first Miniature Donkey born in the U.S. Robert Green enjoyed driving his donkeys and had an extensive collection of carts, sleds, chariots, woven basket carts, imported Italian antique carts and festival carts. He is perhaps best quoted when he said, "Miniature donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to man's." Mr. Green was followed by two early importers of note, Powel Crosley, Jr. and the beer baron August Busch, Jr.
Powel Crosley, Jr. from Ohio was an industrialist, inventor, broadcaster and entrepreneur. He began Crosley Motors and produced many innovative cars of the time. One was the Crosley CC Four Model, a small lightweight three-speed car he introduced in 1946. Crosley was a brilliant man and, in addition to acquiring some of the first Miniature Donkeys in the U.S., he was responsible for the first car radio, massed produced economy car, fax machine, disc brake for automobiles and was the first to radio broadcast from an airplane. Crosley owned an Island off the Georgia coast named Ossabaw Island which later housed his donkeys until his death in 1961.
August A. Busch, Jr. was the grandson of the founder of the Annheiser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, Missouri and was another early and influential importer of Miniature Donkeys to the U.S. He first imported four jennets from Sicily and later brought over a jack and jennet from Africa.
More early importers, breeders and owners of Miniature Donkeys were Walter Erman of Illinois, Richard Sagendorph of Massachusetts, Harry T. Morgan (owner of Ken-L-Ration) and the actress Helen Hayes. It is an interesting fact that the early importers obtained their donkeys with no expectation of breeding for profit. These were people who were primarily wealthy and whose sole purpose for owning the donkeys was entertainment and family pleasure not unlike today's owner. These early breeders purchased from each other in order to obtain different bloodlines although, of necessity, inbreeding and line-breeding was not uncommon and had to be employed in order to grow their herds. Because there were so few Miniature Donkeys in the U.S., selective breeding as practiced today could not be done until the numbers permitted. It wasn't until the late 30's that Miniature Donkeys began to be sold to the general public. Because the Sardinian Donkey was not bred in its homeland for conformation but for utilitarian purposes, it is safe to say that what we consider good conformation today was random and accidental in the early imports.
HEIGHT OF THE EARLY IMPORT
There has been much discussion and controversy over the height of the original imports. Some claim the donkeys were 36" to 38" in height. Others believe they were much smaller. Let's explore what we know rather than what we think is true regarding the height of the Miniature Donkeys who crossed the Atlantic in the early 1900s. As previously mentioned, early excavations of donkey remains on Sardinia have shown the most common heights of the Sardinian Donkey were 32" and 34 ¼" to a maximum height of 37" . Written evidence through the centuries has confirmed this finding. But what do we know of the height of the Miniature Donkey imported to North America by the early breeders? breeders? Photos of the Busch children sitting astride their Miniature Donkeys would indicate a size in keeping with an animal that is between 32" and 38" . I'm in possession of a copy of actual correspondence dated June, 1935 from Harry T. Morgan, one of the early importers of Miniature Donkeys, to a prospective purchaser in the States. Mr. Morgan stated that the donkeys he had for sale were bred directly from Sardinian imports. (Morgan also sold donkeys for Robert Green and Mr. Cunningham.) Included in this correspondence are photos along with the color, height and price of ten of the eleven animals Mr. Morgan wished to sell. All were gray-dun and the sale price of the donkeys was between $65 and $100. Two donkeys were 36" in height, one donkey was 34 ½" , four donkeys were 34" , one donkey was 32" , one donkey was 30" and one was not noted.
Additionally, I have a copy of
correspondence dated January 11,
1938 to Mr. A. H. Sagendorf from
an exporter of donkeys in
Palermo, Italy (Daneu & Company)
in reply to Mr. Sagendorf's
request to purchase twelve
Sardinian Donkeys. His
request was for donkeys that
were two to four year olds who
were sound, had straight legs
and were approximately 34"
in
height. With evidence such
as this and other research, I
feel it safe to say that the
original imports were between
32"
and 36"
with most being 34"
to 34 ½"
. As further proof
of the diminutive size of the
original imports, many of the
antique carts that were
purchased from Italy by Green,
Crosly and Busch had to be
driven by their smaller donkeys
in order for the donkey to fit
into the shafts. Several
current breeders have also
bought antique Sicilian carts
with the same results.
So how did the notion arise that the early imports were much taller?There is evidence to suggest that Irish Donkeys were being exported to the States at this time as well. In fact, the letter from Mr. Morgan includes photos of Irish Donkeys he had for sale in addition to the Sardinian Donkeys. Irish Donkeys ranged in size from 37" to 45" . It is likely that the original imports of Sardinian Donkeys were bred to the Irish Donkey AFTER they arrived in the U.S. and produced a larger “miniature donkey" than the original Sardinian imports.
The story of Miniature Donkeys in America now brings us to the year 1958 where we meet Daniel and Bea Langfeld of Danby Farm in Omaha, Nebraska. The Langfeld's contribution to the breeding, promotion, preservation, and registration of the Miniature Donkey is unequalled. It is safe to say that the history of Miniature Donkeys in the U.S. would have been lost were it not for the efforts of the Langfelds and Bea Langfeld in particular. Mrs. Langfeld was born into wealth in 1904 and married her husband Daniel in 1922. They bought their farm in 1951 and named it Danby Farm which is a combination of both their names. They became interested in Miniature Donkeys when they searched for a companion animal for their young daughter who had cerebral palsy. The Langfelds came upon an ad in House Beautiful that depicted a 3 year old child next to a small donkey and immediately knew they had found the perfect friend for their daughter. They purchased their first donkey named Pepi from the Busch herd and their love affair with Miniature Donkeys began. Their foundation herd consisted primarily of donkeys from the Busch and Crosley herds. At Danby Farm, the Langfelds kept six to eight jacks and between sixty and seventy jennets as breeding stock. Bea, who survived her husband, died in 1996 at the age of 92.
The MDR saw a real boom in registrations of Miniature Donkeys in the early 1990s. From 1958 when the Langfelds began the registry to 1991, registration numbers were below 10,000 during that 33 year period. In January, 2011, that number had jumped to approximately 60,500 registered Miniature Donkeys. That's a 500% increase in the 20 year period from 1991 to 2011. So what caused this sudden explosion? Having begun breeding Miniature Donkeys in 1992, I was witness to changes that were taking place here in the U.S. that facilitated the Miniature Donkey's rapid growth both in numbers and quality.
By the early 1990s, Baby Boomers were getting older. They were purchasing farms and ranches and second homes in more numbers than previous generations and for a variety of reasons. Some wanted a weekend home to get away from hectic city life. Many had successful businesses or careers that permitted them to either retire early or have the flexibility to spend a lot of time at the ranch. When they were at their ranches, they wanted a farm animal for the children and grandchildren that would neither intimidate nor be a danger to them, and one that they all could enjoy together as a family. In many states, there were agricultural tax exemptions that would apply if they owned and bred Miniature Donkeys. Most of the breeders during this time had little to no experience with larger farm animals or other equine nor did they want one. The small and easy going Miniature Donkey was the perfect solution.
In addition to the American Donkey & Mule Association that promoted the Miniature Donkey, the National Miniature Donkey Association (NMDA) was begun in 1989 by Lynn Gattari of Rome, New York. By the beginning of the next decade, NMDA was gaining in popularity and visibility and was actively promoting the Miniature Donkey. NMDA publishes the ASSET, a publication devoted exclusively to Miniature Donkeys. ADMS publishes the BRAYER, a publication devoted to all donkeys and mules.
Participation in Miniature Donkey shows increased dramatically during this time. This participation at state fairs and local shows introduced the Miniature Donkey to people who never knew they existed. More people could become acquainted with Miniature Donkeys at one show than by most any other means. By 2000, NMDA and ADMS sanctioned shows and local donkey shows were being held all over the U.S. and Canada with many exhibitors in participation. Not only did these shows increase the awareness of Miniature Donkeys, but they served to increase the quality as well. Pete and I began showing our donkeys in 1996 and have continued to the present day. The conformation of donkeys in today's arenas is far superior to that of the donkeys when we began showing. Because of the emphasis on conformation in halter classes and the functionality of donkeys in performance classes, donkey shows became a good way to promote the donkey and improve the breed at the same time.
We must also not overlook the characteristics of breeders during this period. The qualities that made them a success in their careers and their businesses translated to Miniature Donkeys. They brought those same skills from the workplace to their breeding program and the promotion of their donkeys. Breeders began spending money to advertise in local newspapers and trade publications as never before. They recognized the Internet as a necessary tool for sales and the promotion of their ranches. Miniature Donkey websites exploded. Breeders and owners all over North America and eventually overseas founded associations whose mission was to promote, protect and educate. Miniature Donkey sales (auctions) began cropping up across the country. Because there was more disposable income during this time, herds grew larger and breeders more numerous. Owners were taking their donkeys to schools, nursing homes, fairs, birthday parties, and parades, and even using them as therapy animals to help heal the bodies and spirits of children and adults in hospitals. The world was becoming aware of Miniature Donkeys unlike no other time in their history.
Miniature Donkeys can be found today in many countries in addition to the U.S. and Canada including England, Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Brazil. I have no doubt that list will continue to grow. Were it not for the early pioneering importers, the Langfelds, our associations, and the dedicated breeders and associations of today, the Miniature Donkey would not have the place in the animal world it enjoys. Were it not for those around the world who own donkey sanctuaries and rescue organizations, many of our precious animals would be lost. Looking forward, the future of the Miniature Donkey is optimistic. Bea Langfeld was once asked, “How do you see the future of the mini donkey industry?" Her reply was, “Provided people don't let their greed take over their common sense, there's no reason why it can't continue moderate growth." What she was telling us was as long as there are breeders who make decisions based on the best interest of the Miniature Donkey, the industry and our donkeys will not just survive but prosper.
For the most part, the early breeders focused on numbers. It wasn't until later that the focus seriously turned to selective breeding practices. It is now up to today's breeders to make sure the Miniature Donkey we are producing is the product of a responsible and focused program that takes into consideration the welfare and preservation of the breed. Responsible breeders will not breed faults into the foal just to produce a color or size. As Mrs. Langfeld observed, those are fads that go in and out of fashion based on what is popular at the moment. Our job almost 100 years after the first Miniature Donkey stepped on American soil is to produce a healthy and happy foal whose future and his breed's future is secure. Along the way, we get to enjoy the process because we get to share our lives with these most remarkable animals. Our donkeys have gone from solely utilitarian to honored pets and companions. They have left the fields and grist-mills of old and have found lush pastures where they are loved and their intelligence and gentle nature are respected. What a remarkable journey they have made.
SUMMARY
AUTHOR:
Carolyn Christian
CREDITS:
“History of the Sardinian
Donkey"
by Kim Pegler and
Marcelo Bibiano
PHOTO CREDITS:
Kim Pegler |
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From
the Nubian Wild Ass, the
domesticated donkey inherited
the pronounced dark stripe from
withers to tail and across the
withers and down the shoulders.
This is what we today call the
“donkey's cross"
. From the
Somali Wild Ass, the
domesticated donkey inherited
the very prominent leg stripes
reminiscent of a Zebra. A
good Sardinian Donkey will have
the distinctive dark cross
clearly visible as well as the
leg stripes or garters.
Additionally, true Sardinian
Donkeys have a darker marking on
the ears, the top of the tail
and around the feet. Some
of them have a single or double
“collar button"
which is a dot
of black hair on the neck just
below the place where the head
joins the neck. It is
important to note here that my
reference to the Sardinian is
intentional. We will
discover later that there is
ample evidence to suggest that
the Miniature Donkey familiar to
us today is descended from the
Sardinian Donkey. But
let's not get too far ahead of
ourselves. 
The
one civilization that really
gave a boost to the popularity
of the donkey in ancient times
was the Romans and their
conquest of a great part of
Europe, Africa, Asia and the
islands of the Mediterranean
between 238 B.C. and 86 A.D.
The Roman wagon was designed to
be drawn by a team of four
donkeys abreast and was
extremely efficient in terms of
the ratio of load carried to the
combined weight of the team.
That efficiency far surpassed
oxen and horses. Horses
were used only in battle and to
transport the royal and elite in
more ceremonial carts and
wagons. Oxen were too
slow. The donkey was sure
footed on rough roads.
This means that donkeys carried
supplies to the length and
breadth of the Roman Empire.
Once the many areas along the
way were colonized, the Romans
introduced vine growing.
Wine production is where donkeys
found a role that settled them
in different parts of Italy and
in Europe as far as Spain.
One
theory is that a much smaller
strain of Nubian and Somali Wild
Asses found their way to
Sardinia with the migration of
the first “true inhabitants"
of
the Island called the Nuraghic
people between 2000 B.C. and
1500 B.C. Because Sardinia
is remote, the size of those
donkeys remained small due to
the fact that there were no
other donkey subspecies with
which to mix. Although
plausible, there is no factual
evidence to date as to how a
smaller donkey made it to
Sardinia but, as we will find
out, they did.
Donkeys
were to be cared for and fed
well with appropriate penalties
applied should failure to do so
be discovered. The donkey
at this time was certainly
recognized as having an
important role in society. 
THE
SICILIAN DONKEY CART
The
carts of that time were pulled
by horses in cities and over
flat areas, but donkeys
(especially Miniature Donkeys)
and mules were used for rougher
terrain. The carts reached
the height of their popularity
in the 1920s when many thousand
were on the Island. The
Museo de Carretto Siciliano in
Terrasini in the province of
Palermo is a museum dedicated
solely to these carts.
Carts
are known for being covered in
carvings and brightly painted
scenes from Sicilian history and
folklore. 
In addition to breeding Clydesdales for which his family is well known, he developed a herd of Miniature Donkeys that became quite sizable. The Busch children grew up riding and driving Miniature Donkeys as soon as they could walk. In 1903, August Busch, Sr. purchased the 281 acre tract of land which had been owned by Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, the great Civil War general. The Busch family farm is named Grant's Farm and is also referred to as Grant's Manor Farm. Their donkeys were registered with “Belleau"
as a prefix.
So
what have I discovered about
those magnificent donkeys who
play in our pastures here at
Quarter Moon Ranch? I've
learned that our donkeys and
every Miniature Donkey in North
America today are descended from
a handful of donkeys owned by
Robert Green, August Busch and
Powel Crosley. I've
learned that inside them are the
genes of donkeys who helped
build empires, donkeys who put
bread on the table of ancient
peoples, donkeys who were
critical to the fabric of their
native land, and donkeys who
crossed an ocean to become pets
and companions to family members
long gone. Our donkeys
have come a long way from the
fields of Sardinia to the show
rings of the world. Their
past is finished and their
future is yet to be written.
I'm so honored to be a keeper of
their heritage. I'm so
thrilled to be a contributor to
that future. I'm so happy
to help put these animals in the
place of honor they deserve.
Simply put… I'm so proud to own
Miniature Donkeys. I hope
you have enjoyed this journey as
we have discovered together how
our amazing Miniature Donkeys
came to be. We are all
blessed to have them and to be
loved by them. But that
blessing comes with a
responsibility to be good
caretakers. As we walk in
the steps of breeders and owners
who have gone before us, may we
all do our part in this
generation to make sure their
welfare is protected and their
future is bright. future is
bright.
