Asino di Martina Franca (syn.: Pugliese; Martinese; Martina Franca; Puli; Martina
Franca Esel; Ane de Martina-Franca; Apulian)
In General: Martina Franca are large sized donkeys from the region of Martina
Franca, SE Italy. During the Spanish dominion in Apulia, the autochthonous donkey
was crossed with Catalan donkeys. Martina Franca donkeys are traditionally
used for draught and as pack-ass, but also for mule production with Murge-horses.
Martinese-mules were famous in Italy and abroad.
Description: dark brownish to black coat with reddish markings around the eyes
and part of the muzzle, whitish-grey nostrils, grey abdomen and inner hind quarters
and dark pigmentation of the mucous membrane. The head is large, but not too
heavy, with well developed jaws and long straight ears. The neck is strong and
muscular, no demarcations divide it from its continuation into the back, large long
and muscular croup, muscular legs with thick dry joints and hard hoofs.
Height: sires:1,35m - mares: 1,27m. Original
Martina Franca donkeys have three brands:
one on the cheek, one on the neck and one on
the crural. On the first Sunday in December a
market for Martina Franca donkeys and Murge
horses takes place in Foro Boario Martinese.
Since 1990 the herdbuch is officially accepted.
Stock (2005): Total: 327; mares: 206; sires: 24
Herdbook: yes