In response to the growing interest among some breeders of English/Irish donkeys in Miniature Donkeys, the EIDSA All Breeds Register Inc. established a Miniature Donkey Registry of Australia.

The number of Miniature Donkeys in Australia was boosted with the establishment of the English Donkey Society of Australia – a small group of enthusiasts of the breed who had either imported pure-bred English Donkeys from England, Ireland or New Zealand, or who had first generation progeny of these Donkeys.

Thanks to the excellent registration system established at that time, it is possible to trace some of the very first Miniature Donkeys, who are likely to be the foundation stock for many of the English/Irish Miniature Donkeys in Australia today.

Volume One of the Stud Book of the English Donkey Society of Australia, published in 1983, is a wonderfully useful research document, as many of the Donkeys listed also have their heights recorded.

The following Donkeys are recorded as 9.2hh and under:

Shamrock Shannon 9.2hh
Shamrock Shaun 8.2hh
Spanish Point Moneymoon 9.1hh
Spanish Point Almond 8.2hh
Taranganba Muldoon 8.2hh
Shamrock Georgette 9.2hh
Spanish Point Groundsel 9hh
Spanish Point Lola 9hh
Spanish Point Shilling 9hh
Taranganba Griselda 9.1hh

Similar to the American Donkey & Mule Society’s Miniature Registry, this register is a height rather than breed register. It is open to English/Irish and American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys from Miniature stock, as well as any mature Donkey (5 years +) which meets the height criteria.

English/Irish Donkeys can increase in height until the age of five, therefore, in order to maintain the integrity of this register, mature updates will be at 5 years.

Reflecting the small number of Miniature Donkeys in Australia, the Miniature Donkey Registry of Australia currently accepts donkeys up to 38”or 9.2hh. This register also records all known pedigree information including overseas registered animals.

To Register a Donkey in The Miniature Donkey Registry of Australia

1. You must be a member of DABSA Inc. - $20
2. Register a stud name $10.00

Registration: 

• Permanent

Section A for mature donkeys [5 years of age and over] measuring 36” or under.
Section B for mature donkeys [5 years of age and over] measuring 36” to 38”.

• Temporary

Immature Donkeys [under 5 years of age] which have both parents registered as Miniature with the DABSA or other registries such as The American Donkey & Mule Society, the National Miniature Registry, or the New Zealand Donkey & Mule Society, and at least one parent to be 36” or under.

Measurement to be taken at 5 years – 36” and under qualifies for Section A, 36”-38” for Section B of the permanent register.

Requirements:

- Application to register form filled out.

- Service certificate required for temporary registration.

- Photos – 4 photos [2 each side, one side with head turned towards the camera].

- Copies of any registration certificates from other relevant societies.

- Height to be taken by independent person.

- For 'mature update' at 5 years of age, new photos required & registration certificate forwarded to the Registrar.

- Vet Certificate of soundness on the EIDSA form is required for all Jacks before breeding.

Fees:

Registration: 
- Foals $10
- Temporary Adult or Permanent Jennies $20
- Temporary Adult or Permanent Jacks $35
- Geldings $10 - If Jack is later gelded a refund of $25.00 will be provided on receipt of gelding certificate.

Transfer $5 - responsibility of vendor

Dual registration - $5 [if registered in any other DABSA Inc. Register]