Our mission is to work towards breeding 'true to type' American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, using bloodlines that extend back to the original imports to the US from the Mediterranean.
We value the requirements laid down in the recognised Miniature Donkey Breed Standard, which include a range of qualities that are necessary to uphold in the interests of ensuring the future integrity of the breed.
Our breeding stock are carefully selected, important criteria considered being conformation, temperament, personality, bloodlines, and 'type'. By adhering to these principles, along with those laid down in the Breed Standard, we aim to achieve our goal of breeding healthy, sound, affectionate, social, well conformed, and attractive little Donkeys who are quality examples of their unique breed, and who are very 'true to type'.
We do not 'breed for colour'. A quality Donkey is never a bad colour, and the original Sicilian/Sardinian Donkeys were not coloured with white. We have one coloured part-bred Jenny, Isis, who is 50% AMMD, and 50% English/Irish. She is the first Jenny we welcomed to our family, and will remain with us for sentimental reasons. Isis produces very correct foals with absolutely outstanding temperaments and very good conformation. These foals make excellent pets.
We do not breed with the aim of producing 'the smallest of the small', which is often the trend within any miniature breeds. Please see the NMDA Breed Standard re the recommendation of a minimum height of 30".
This recommendation has been made to prevent loss of potential reproductive fitness, including the very real potential for foaling difficulties. Small size may also adversely affect conformation, teeth, and balance."
Breeding to achieve the smallest possible size outcome is irresponsible, and neglects consideration for a) the welfare of the animal, and b) the future soundness of the breed. More about conformation and genetic issues particular to this breed can be found on the Buying Tips page.
We have a firm policy of not inter-breeding Donkeys who share ancestors within their pedigrees, and given the number of international imports in recent times, there is no justification or excuse for this practice.
All of our stock are registered with the Donkey All Breeds Society of Australia Inc., which is the only Australian society which maintains breed specific Donkey studbooks. DABSA maintains an Australian Studbook dedicated to the American Miniature Mediterranean breed, (along with sub registries which record breedings of varying dilutions of the breed). The criteria for inclusion in this Studbook is stringent, and recognises the well documented heritage of the breed. Registrations are accepted only from ethical breeders. You can rest assured that you are getting what you think you are getting when purchasing any DABSA registered stock.
Please visit the DABSA site, and consider becoming a member. This progressive and active society is managed by an extremely dedicated committee who work hard towards pursuing DABSA's aims of promoting the various donkey breeds within Australia and preserving their respective studbooks, maintaining the integrity of each of our donkey breeds. DABSA also provides opportunities for education and to get our donkeys out and about.
We love all Donkey breeds, but our particular passion is the American Miniature Mediterranean, and as breeders it is our responsibility to above all else, promote and preserve the integrity of this distinct and charming breed.
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