Mules, Donkeys, Burros, and Horses

Horses, Donkeys, and Mules have so many things the same, but are actually very different when you get right down to it. 

Most people only think of the ears, donkeys have big ears, horses have relatively small ears, and mules have ears that are in between.  There are many other differences between horses, donkeys, and mules... which you can read about by following the link at the bottom of the page.

Oh wait, did we forget to mention Burros?  Not Really!  Burro is just another name for a donkey.  In some places "Burro" is the term  used for the smaller donkeys.  Just as horses come in different sizes, including miniatures and ponies, so too do donkeys, from the large, mammoth donkeys, to the smaller, miniature donkeys.

A mule is a cross between a male donkey, a jack, and a female horse, a mare.  Mules are hybrid animals and they have an odd number of chromosomes (63) and as such they are typically sterile, although a few female mules (jennys) have been known to have foals, it is very rare.

Horses on the left, a standard donkey on the right.

One of the reasons why people breed horses and donkeys together to make mules is because while horses are strong, they do not have the endurance of a donkey and require more food.  Donkeys are smarter than horses and will be safer when travelling on dangerous ground.  Mules make excellent work animals as a result of this combination.

Read More (and see more pictures) about the Differences between Horses, Donkeys, and Mules.

Read More about Pet Donkeys.

Owning a Pet Wolf

People often say they want a pet wolf. These beautiful, wild, canines, are the ancestors of all domestic dogs, and as such people often think owing them is an ideal. Who wouldn't want to own such an iconic animal? Who wouldn't want the attention of their peers as they walk down the street having dominion over such a creature as a wolf?

Well.. me for one.

The domestication of the wolf into the pet dog we see today, was not simply brought about by primitive people owing wild wolves. Undoubtedly they only kept the tamest animals and would have gotten rid of (or maybe even eaten) those with unsafe tendencies. It took generations before the wild wolf became a “pet dog”.  Not just any wolf was kept, only the smaller ones, the less aggressive ones, that were timid towards the other "wild" wolves were the ones that bonded with the people of the time. 

© artwork by B Nelson

One of the closest domestic dogs to a wolf, is the Husky. Not everyone is suited to owning a Husky, these dogs are noted for being somewhat aloof, prone to jumping fences and running away, and can be a problem with cats, and livestock. Huskies need mile long (or more) runs every day. If a person is aware that they would not be a good owner for a Husky, they certainly would not be cut out to own a wolf, even where ownership is legal (it often requires a permit, and special fencing).

Wolf- Hybrids are wolves crossed with domestic dogs.  One must be careful when getting such a pet; a wolf hybrid will also require extra care, and lots of exercise and may have a high prey drive.  Also some sellers are not ethical, without proof that an animal is part wolf, it could be anything, even a poorly bred Husky!

In general ownership of an actual wolf is not for a person with little experience, they can be more demanding than a typical pet dog, and have more concerns in regards to physical needs.

Read more on Owning a Pet Wolf

A visit to the Northern Lights Wolf Center near Golden, BC.

Differences Between Huskies and Malamutes