Donkey vs. Horse - What’s the Difference?

What exactly is the difference between horses and donkeys? We’ve come up with some tips that help tell the difference.

The simplest is: donkeys have long ears. But this doesn’t apply to all donkeys... There are some donkeys with really short ears. One another popular rule is: donkeys are gray. But not all donkeys are gray.

There are lots of anatomic (physical) differences. Donkeys and horses also don’t behave the same. And there are big differences in the animals’ usefulness for humans as working, riding and pack animals.

Over the following pages, you’ll find large images and a few rules to work out which is which. Finally, there’ll be a clear summary.

Let's Find Out: Donkey or Horse?

Donkey - Photo: pirita/Shutterstock

• Table of Contents
• 0. Introduction
• 1. Anatomy and Appearance
• 2. Diet, Sounds, Abilities, Behavior
• 3. Working Animals
• 4. Summary With All Differences