Good things come in small packages. Case in point: the Miniature Donkey. Originally from the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, these adorable animals will only reach a maximum height of 91 cm at the withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades, the tallest point of their body). Once upon a time, these donkeys were used to carry water from village wells and bring supplies to the mountains for shepherds.

Today, miniature donkeys are nearly extinct in their native lands. However, thanks to their gentle nature, intelligence and trainability, miniature donkeys have become a beloved pet in the USA, particularly in the southern states. Owners say they’re patient and trustworthy with children and can even be trained as therapy animals.