The Domaine d’Esthine has focused on breeding the Cotentin donkey (Equus asinus), a distant cousin of the Norman donkey. Of the eight French breeds recognised by the French Ministry of Agriculture, two have the same dove-grey coat like the Cotentin donkey’s: the Provence donkey and the Corsican donkey. The Bourbonnais donkey, originally from the Allier, is very similar in stature and for its St. Andrew’s cross, but its dark berry coat makes it quite distinct. In the end, the gold medal for kindness and tranquillity still goes to the Cotentin donkey, a breed which almost disappeared and which Brigitte Pieau continues to perpetuate.