Are Mules, Burros, and Jackasses All Donkeys?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, donkey, jackass, burro, and mule are not synonymous. Each refers to a donkey in some way, but a jackass isn’t a mule, and not all burros are jackasses. (Still with me?)

What exactly are these distinct yet similar animals, all part of the equidae family? Let’s begin by examining the donkey.

What is a donkey? A donkey is a domesticated animal belonging to the horse family. Modern donkeys trace their ancestry to the African wild ass and have been used for transporting goods since 4000 B.C.E., as noted by Encyclopedia Britannica. While related to horses and zebras, donkeys are typically sturdier, stronger, and possess distinct personalities.

Unlike horses, donkeys are less prone to startling and rarely panic when faced with danger. Instead, they pause to evaluate the situation, a behavior often mistaken for stubbornness. Their strength—capable of carrying up to double their body weight—and surefootedness make them excellent "beasts of burden." Beyond transportation, donkeys are also valued for protecting livestock, forming strong bonds with herds and defending them against predators like dogs and coyotes.

A jackass is simply a male donkey. The term "ass," derived from the Latin "asinus," was used before "donkey" became common. While "ass" and "donkey" are interchangeable, "jackass" specifically refers to a male donkey, combining "jack" (a nickname for males) with "ass." Female donkeys are called "jennies" or "jennets," and a breeding female is known as a "broodmare."

A wild donkey is called a burro. The term "burro" originates from Spanish, referring to working donkeys in Spain and Mexico. It entered English when Spaniards introduced burros to the American Southwest in the 1500s. Unlike jackass and mule, burro is simply another word for donkey, though it often carries more specific connotations.

In the U.S., people west of the Mississippi River commonly use "burro," while those to the east prefer "donkey." Additionally, "burro" may refer to smaller donkeys or wild donkeys found in regions like California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Oregon, as reported by the Bureau of Land Management.

What exactly is a mule? A mule is not just another term for a donkey; it is the hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Typically standing between 35 to 70 inches (0.8 to 1.7 meters) tall, mules usually inherit the body of a horse and the limbs of a donkey, as noted by the Donkey Sanctuary. Their vocalizations combine traits from both parents, starting with a horse-like whinny and ending with the distinctive hee-haw bray of a donkey.

In terms of temperament, mules exhibit characteristics from both parents. They are generally calm, dependable, and robust. This makes them a preferred choice over horses for navigating rugged and steep terrains, thanks to their surefootedness.