The Cotentin donkey (Equus asinus) – or grey ‘quéton’ of the Manche – is distinctive by its dove-grey coat. It has a beautiful straight head, large ears (half the length of its head) and a long neck. Its adorable white muzzle gives it a soft plush look, very popular with children. They have a cross of dark hair on their back that runs down to their shoulders, the St. Andrew's cross, a defining characteristic of the breed. Gifted with great intelligence, it was not uncommon, in the last century, to see it coming back on its own from the pastures after the milking of cows and carrying milk jugs.