Keeping donkeys

This comprehensive reference book is the ideal guide for anyone who wants to keep and understand donkeys in a species-appropriate manner.

It provides practical information on everything you need to know about purchasing, rearing, feeding, health, care, training, and education for leisure and everyday life.

The book is supplemented by historical background information on the origin and use of our domestic and working donkeys.

Illustrative drawings of facial expressions and body language help to better understand the behavior of donkeys.

Portraits of wild donkeys, half-donkeys, and bred breeds round off the guide.

An indispensable standard work for all donkey owners and those who want to become one.

About the authors:

Marisa Hafner has been training donkeys to be reliable leisure partners for many years.

Judith Schmidt lives as an animal trainer with her family and numerous animals, including four donkeys, in the Belgian Eifel. She is a founding member of Noteselhilfe e.V. and the German Donkey Breeding Association, editor-in-chief of “Esel-Post” and author of several specialist books.

Product details:

Edition: 5th, updated and expanded edition

Publication date: January 22, 2026

Length: 320 pages

Features: 126 color photos, 6 black-and-white photos, 63 black-and-white drawings

Format: 24.2 × 17.8 cm

Binding: hardcover