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Step 1
Check the ears. Both mules and donkeys have long ears, but the ears of a donkey are wider. A mule's ears more resemble a horse's in shape.
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Step 2
Look at the hair. Mules have a thin lock of hair on the top of their head, like a horse, and a coarse mane, taking after a donkey.
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Step 3
Examine the tail. A mule's tail is like that of a horse, while a donkey's is coarse and more like a cow's tail. This can often be the simplest way to tell a donkey from a mule, unless the mule's tail is cropped, as they often are.
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Step 4
Listen to the voice. A donkey's bray is a distinct "hee-haw." A mule tries its best to imitate this bray, but it sounds like a combination between that and the whinny of a horse.
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Step 5
Take note of the coloration. Light spots on a mule will appear brown or tan in color. Donkeys, on the other hand, usually have light gray or off-white spots. Also, mules will sometimes take on part of the coloration of a horse.









