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Do All Donkeys Have a Cross on Their Back?
Aug 25, 2026 6:03 PM

  

Do All Donkeys Have a Cross on Their Back?1

  #Notalldonkeys? (more) Do All Donkeys Have a Cross on Their Back? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Do-All-Donkeys-Have-a-Cross-on-Their-Back Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

  External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Sep. 25, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Not all donkeys have a cross on their back, but most of them do. The distinctive cross pattern consists of a dark stripe along the donkey’s spine from the mane to the tail and a perpendicular stripe across its shoulders. Experts suggest that it arises from the species’ genetic makeup, but the cross’s visibility can vary depending on the donkey’s coat color. For instance, donkeys come in a range of colors from white to gray or black, and the contrast of the cross may be more or less visible depending on these colors. Some researchers think that the donkey’s cross ...(100 of 262 words)

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