Mule vs. Donkey: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A mule is a hybrid animal, offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, known for strength and endurance. A donkey is a distinct species, used as a working animal globally.
Key Differences
Mules are hybrid animals, born from a male donkey (jack) and a female horse (mare). Donkeys, however, are a distinct species known as Equus africanus asinus.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 13, 2023
Mules inherit physical characteristics from both parents, including the donkey's strength and the horse's size. Donkeys have a more uniform appearance, typically smaller and sturdier than mules.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mules are often praised for their intelligence and patience, a blend of the horse's and donkey's traits. Donkeys are known for their steadfast, patient, and independent nature.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mules are valued for their endurance and strength, often used in agriculture and transportation. Donkeys are also used as working animals but are more commonly seen in roles that require steady, unhurried work.
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Dec 13, 2023
Mules are generally sterile and have a varied lifespan influenced by their mixed heritage. Donkeys are fertile with a lifespan of about 30 to 50 years.
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Dec 13, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Mule and Donkey Definitions
Mule
A stubborn or intractable person.
He was as stubborn as a mule when it came to changing his mind.
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Donkey
A character in children's stories, often depicted as gentle and kind.
The donkey in the story was the hero's loyal friend.
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Mule
A machine used in spinning cotton and other fibers.
The textile mill used a mule to spin high-quality cotton yarn.
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Donkey
A domesticated hoofed mammal of the horse family.
The donkey brayed loudly in the field.
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Mule
A small, powerful locomotive used in shunting.
The dockyard employed a mule for moving cargo wagons.
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Donkey
A foolish or stupid person.
He felt like a donkey after making that mistake.
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Mule
The sterile hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, characterized by long ears and a short mane.
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Donkey
A piece in various board games, often representing a player's token.
In the game, each player chose a different animal, and he picked the donkey.
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Mule
A sterile hybrid, as between a canary and other birds or between certain plants.
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Donkey
A hardworking and patient animal, often used as a symbol of endurance.
She admired the donkey's ability to carry heavy loads without complaint.
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Donkey
The domesticated ass (Equus asinus), having long ears and a loud bray.
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Mule
A spinning machine that makes thread or yarn from fibers. Also called spinning mule.
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Mule
A small, usually electric tractor or locomotive used for hauling over short distances.
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Mule
The generally sterile male or female hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
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Mule
A coin or medal minted with obverse and reverse designs not normally seen on the same piece, either intentionally or in error.
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Mule
(RPG) A MMORPG character, or NPC companion in a tabletop RPG, used mainly to store extra inventory for the owner's primary character.
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Mule
Any of a group of cocktails involving ginger ale or ginger beer, citrus juice, and various liquors.
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Donkey
The symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
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Donkey
Domestic beast of burden descended from the African wild ass; patient but stubborn
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Mule
A shoe that has no fitting or strap around the heel, but which covers the foot.
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Mule
A hybrid animal; specifically, one generated between an ass and a mare. Sometimes the term is applied to the offspring of a horse and a she-ass, but that hybrid is more properly termed a hinny. See Hinny.
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Mule
A plant or vegetable produced by impregnating the pistil of one species with the pollen or fecundating dust of another; - called also hybrid.
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Mule
A machine, used in factories, for spinning cotton, wool, etc., into yarn or thread and winding it into cops; - called also jenny and mule-jenny.
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Mule
A hybrid animal from a male donkey and a female horse.
The farmer used a mule to carry supplies over the mountain.
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Mule
A slipper or shoe without a fitting around the heel.
She preferred wearing mules for their comfort and ease of slipping on.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a donkey?
A donkey is a domesticated member of the horse family, Equus africanus asinus.
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Dec 13, 2023
Are donkeys intelligent?
Yes, donkeys are known for their intelligence and independent thinking.
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What's the lifespan of a mule?
A mule's lifespan varies, often living between 30 to 40 years.
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What work do donkeys do?
Donkeys are used for carrying loads, plowing, and as companions.
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What do mules eat?
Mules eat hay, grass, and grain, similar to horses and donkeys.
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Are mules stronger than horses?
Mules are generally stronger than horses, especially in endurance.
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Are donkeys good with children?
Yes, donkeys are often gentle and good with children.
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What is a mule?
A mule is a hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a female horse.
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Dec 13, 2023
What are mules used for?
Mules are used for transportation, agriculture, and as pack animals.
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Do donkeys make good pets?
Donkeys can make good pets if they have enough space and proper care.
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What's the best use for a donkey in a farm setting?
On a farm, donkeys are best used for carrying loads, guarding livestock, and as companions.
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Dec 13, 2023
Can donkeys and horses mate?
Yes, donkeys and horses can mate, producing mules or hinnies.
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How can you tell a mule from a donkey?
Mules are typically larger and have a more horse-like appearance than donkeys.
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Are mules friendly?
Mules can be friendly and sociable, depending on their upbringing.
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Do donkeys need special care?
Donkeys require basic equine care but are hardy and adaptable.
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What's the best environment for a donkey?
Donkeys thrive in a variety of environments but prefer dry, warm climates.
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What's the difference in temperament between mules and donkeys?
Mules are often more patient and intelligent, while donkeys are more independent.
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Dec 13, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
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