Dezhou Donkey

Dezhou Donkey

　　It is one of the renowned superior livestock breeds in North China. It features a tall body (typically 126–136 cm, up to 155 cm), sturdy physique, tolerance to coarse feed, ease of handling, and strong adaptability. Its tough and thick hide can be used for leather production or as raw material for the valuable traditional Chinese medicine “Ejiao.” The terrain of Qingyun County is relatively low, suitable for the growth of more than ten types of forage grasses such as alfalfa and thatch grass, providing favorable natural conditions for animal husbandry, with a relatively large population raised there. In addition, counties such as Leling, Lingxian, and Pingyuan also raise a significant number of these donkeys.

　　Dezhou Donkeys are divided into two types based on coat color: “Sanfen” (Three Whites) and “Wutou” (Black Head), each exhibiting different physical traits and genetic types. Sanfen: The entire body is solid black except for the white areas around the nose, eyes, and lower abdomen. They have slender yet strong limbs, prominent tendons, small and high hooves, thin and smooth skin, a refined head with upright ears, relatively light body weight, and a brisk gait. Wutou: The entire body is solid black without any mixed hairs, with all parts appearing thick and robust. Their limbs are thicker and heavier, hooves are low and large, the body is comparatively heavier, the chest is wide and deep, making them the “heavy-duty donkey” among existing Chinese donkey breeds. When bred with horses, they produce particularly high-quality mules.