Many people have heard the term “ADMS Registered.” However, did you know that the American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS) holds two different registry books for Miniature Donkeys? Have you heard about the registry that is specifically for Spotted Donkeys? What about being able to register your unregistered donkeys and show them at NMDA (National Miniature Donkey Association) Sanctioned Shows? There are many different options that you can investigate for you and your donkeys. Here are the different registration options for your miniature donkeys and information about them.
My Donkey does not have Registered Parents or only has one Registered Parent:
If you look up the American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS), under “Registration Info,” you will see “American Miniature/Standard/Mammoth Donkey.” If you click here, that is where you will find The American Donkey/Jackstock Registry (ADR) application. The ADR Registry was founded in 1967 by Paul & Betsy Hutchins. If one or both of your donkey’s parents are not registered, but your donkey meets the miniature breed standard, the donkey can then be registered in the ADR Book as a miniature donkey. First-generation Jacks and Jennets are required to have an inspection form filled out by an Inspector or Veterinarian. You will be able to find this Inspection form, under “Registration Info,” on the ADMS website. The inspection is not required for Geldings, and it is not required for the descendants of first-generation ADR Donkeys. A form of Permanent I.D. is strongly recommended to be included for the registration. Many people use Electronic Microchips. Donkeys in this registry book can either have donkeys in their pedigree or they can have an unknown (sometimes called "untraced"), blank pedigree.
My Donkey has two ADR Registered Parents:
If your donkey has two American Donkey/Jackstock (ADR) Registered Parents, then your donkey will also fall into the ADR Registry Book. As mentioned above, The ADR Registry was founded in 1967 by Paul & Betsy Hutchins. ADR Donkeys are not considered “Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys,” but they are miniature donkeys who still meet the breed standard. You can find the ADR Registration Application at the American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS) website, under “Registration info.” For registration, a form of Permanent I.D. is strongly recommended. Many people use Electronic Microchips. Donkeys in this registry book can either have donkeys in their pedigree or they can have an unknown, blank pedigree.
My Donkey has MDR Registered Parents:
The Miniature Donkey Registry (MDR) Book was founded in 1958 by Bea Langfeld. It is the original Miniature Mediterranean Donkey
Registry Book. You can find the MDR Registration Application at the American Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS) website, under “Registration Info.”
MDR Registered Donkeys have pedigrees that can be traced back for many generations. The registry previously accepted any donkeys under 36” but, in 2009, the book was closed to “untraced” donkeys… which are donkeys with unknown backgrounds. Since then, only donkeys with MDR Registered Parents can be registered as MDR. However, there is one exception, which will be discussed below.
For MDR registration, a form of Permanent I.D. is required, unlike it only being a recommendation for ADR. Many people use Electronic Microchips. MDR Registered Donkeys are the only miniature donkeys that can be classified as true “Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys.”
My Donkey has one MDR parent and one ADR Parent:
As mentioned above, there is one exception for a donkey to qualify for an upgrade to the MDR Book. If your donkey, for example, has a Sire who is MDR registered and a Dam who is first generation ADR registered, then your donkey will only qualify to be registered in the ADR Book. However, if a first-generation ADR Donkey is bred to an MDR Donkey… and their ADR descendants are continued to be bred to MDR Donkeys… then the third generation of ADR to MDR offspring (4th ADR generation overall) would qualify for an upgrade to the MDR Book.
Example:
MDR x 1st gen. ADR=
2nd gen. ADR x MDR=
3rd gen. ADR x MDR=
4th gen. ADR with possible upgrade to MDR
If your donkey is a third generation ADR x MDR paired foal (fourth generation overall) then they are eligible for an upgrade to the MDR Registration Book.
My Donkey is Spotted:
Another registry book that is unrelated to ADMS is the American Council of Spotted Asses (ACOSA). ACOSA was founded in Billings, Montana in 1966 by David Parker. In 1969, David Parker, along with John Conter, incorporated ACOSA. It is an open registry, meaning that pedigrees are not required for registration. Donkeys, Mules, and Hinnies of all sizes are welcome to be registered with ACOSA. They are required to have at least two spots, visible in a photograph, above the legs and behind the throat latch. For Masked Spotted Donkeys, who have minimal spotting that consists of a blaze and a light belly, ADMS has made MSF* (Masked Spotted Factor) an option for spot pattern. MSF* donkeys do not qualify for ACOSA, but they can still produce all varieties of spotted donkeys. You can find the ACOSA Registration application, at the American Council of Spotted Asses website, under “Registrations.” Many donkeys who are registered with ACOSA will be double registered with the MDR or ADR Book.
Does my Donkey have to be Registered to Show:
National Miniature Donkey Association (NMDA) sanctioned shows have been ongoing since 1992. NMDA holds both the Show Rules and the Breed Standard. To participate in an NMDA Sanctioned Show, your miniature donkey must be registered. NMDA recognizes both MDR and ADR registered donkeys. Unregistered donkeys may not be shown in NMDA Sanctioned Shows but can be shown in open shows, etc. For people wanting to show their donkeys with unknown backgrounds, ADR is a great source for registration, to still be able to participate in NMDA Sanctioned Shows.
NMDA has an End of Year Youth Hi-Point Champion in addition to Jack, Jennet and Gelding Champions. You must be a member of NMDA to qualify for the End of Year Hi-Point. The American Donkey Association (ADA) also has a points program, called the Excellence and Supreme Programs, for both Halter and Performance classes. With ADA’s programs, registered donkeys can accumulate points throughout their lifetime. You must be a member of ADA for your donkey to gain points towards their Excellence or Supreme. More information about the Excellence and Supreme Programs can be found on the American Donkey Association Website, under “Programs.”
Some miniature donkey shows will also offer ACOSA classes. The classes are judged in a “halter” style. These classes are based on conformation and spot pattern. To participate in the ACOSA classes, your donkey, mule, or hinny must be registered with ACOSA.
To Conclude,
Whether or not you show, it is beneficial to register your donkey, because it supports and promotes the welfare and continuation of this amazing breed. Registering your donkeys can be a confusing process. ADA is not in charge of the registries but, if you have any questions, you can email the ADA Admin Email, and we will do our best to assist you.
ADA Admin Email: admin@americandonkeyassociation.com
American Donkey & Mule Society Website: Love Longears!
American Council of Spotted Asses: Home – American Council of Spotted Asses
National Miniature Donkey Association: About National Miniature Donkey Association
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