Use transportsiring mules Scientific name Equus africanus asinus Rank Breed | MAPA (Spain) Breed standard Higher classification Donkey Country of origin Spain | |
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Other names Asno AndaluzAsno CordobésAsno de Lucena Height Male: 160 cmFemale: 150 cm Similar Zamorano‑Leonés, Catalan donkey, Provence Donkey, Bourbonnais Donkey, Cotentin Donkey | ||
The Andalusian, Spanish: Asno Andaluz, is a breed of domestic donkey native to the province of Córdoba in Andalusia, Spain. It is also known as the Asno Cordobés ("Cordovan donkey") after the city of Córdoba or the Asno de Lucena ("Lucena donkey") because of its alleged origin in the town of Lucena, Córdoba. It is considered the oldest of the European breeds, at some 3,000 years, and today is rare.
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Characteristics
The Andalusian is a large donkey, averaging 150–160 centimetres (59–63 in) at the withers and of medium length. The head is of medium size, with a convex profile; the neck is muscular. The coat is short and fine, and soft to the touch; it is pale grey, sometimes almost white. The Andalusian donkey is strong and sturdy, yet docile and calm. It is well adapted to the hot and arid conditions of its native environment.:418
Status
The current state of the Andalusian breed is critical. At the end of 2013 the total population was reported at 749, of which almost all were in Andalucia. Conservation plans include sparing use as work animal in the field and the forest (work which can also be done by horses), and use in rural tourism initiatives that have been followed in some places like Mijas (Málaga).