How to Tell a Donkey from a Mule

Mules, interestingly, do not have their own species. They are a hybrid animal, a cross between a horse and a donkey, and they are unable to reproduce. They resemble donkeys very closely in many ways, often making it difficult to distinguish one from the other at a glance. If you know what to look for, though, telling a donkey from a mule is easy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.