Donkey Breeds in Europe - Safeguard for Agricultural Varieties in ...

GREECE
Estimates of donkey numbers in Greece are not reliable as there is considerable
variation between different sources. The population of donkeys decreased by 96%
between 1955 and 2005 (508’000 to about 21’000). In 2007 official data show a
number of 15483 donkeys and 13370 mules. The lack of any breeding programme
and the importation of jacks from foreign breeds led to numerous crosses of donkeys.
Donkeys in Greece are characterised by a large diversity in phenotypes as
well as significant variation in their
morphological characteristics, with
body height ranging from 80 cm
up to 150 cm and body weight
from 90 kg up to 180 kg. Donkeys
are found singely throughout the
country.
On some islands donkeys are
used as tourist attraction. On the
Argo-Saronic Island Hydra (Ydra),
no motor vehicles are allowed.
Bikes and donkeys provide the
local transportation.
Arcadian donkey
It originates from Arcadia region in Peloponissos
Medium size 0.95m-1.20m, weight 90kg-120kg, in Arcadia the largest number of
donkeys kept in Greece.
Ellinikon (syn.: local Greek Ass)
Adult asses measure about 1m of height.
Colour: brown, with grey muzzle, belly
and underparts. This type of ass was
spread all over Greece. Later other
breeds of larger sizes were imported.
Today varieties of types in size and colour
are found in the country. However,
the predominant type is that of small to
medium height, light cloured with an eelstripe.
It is a relative primeval breed with
a big similarity to Equus asinus.
Cyprus Ass
Cyprus Ass is a large-sized breed. Well proportionned conformation; quiet and frugal
character, adapted to heat and drought; probably originated from breeds in
SW-France and brought to Greece (or Cyprus?) during the time of the crusades. It
is considered the best donkey breed in the Middle East and is widely distributed
throughout Greece.
Description: dark brown to black; short haired; white at belly, nose, mouth and
around eyes; different varieties of colouring possible;
height: sires: 125-132cm; mares: 120-125; weight: sires: 300kg, mares: 250kg;
It poses a large head with convex forehead and straight profile. The donkey is
characterized by its strong feet and is suitable for mule production.
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Local Greek Ass; source: Grunenfelder