The Gascon (also 'Gascogne') is a subtype of the French Pyrenean donkey. It was developed from Catalan donkeys that were bred for a shorter height and sturdier conformation.

Originally, Gascon donkeys roamed the Pyrenees in large numbers, and were used for transporting goods, be it on their back or by pulling a cart. During the 20th century, their numbers steadily went down, and despite being officially recognized in 1997, the breed remained at risk of extinction.

Today, Gascon donkeys exist in low numbers. They are primarily used for the same purpose which they fulfilled for over a century, serving as pack donkeys, but this time for trekkers who travel the Pyrenees.

Conformation:
The conformation of the Gascon is smaller and slightly rounder than that of the Catalan. The neck, barrel, and legs are shorter, the head and muzzle are slightly smaller, the withers are flatter, the croup is rounder, and the profile can be straight.

Performance metrics:
The following are the: range, average, (SD), and MOE of performance metrics of ordered Gascon Donkeys in Horse Isle (not bred ones). In rare cases, donkeys might have metrics outside of the range. Breeders can produce donkeys that are beyond this range.

Speed: 13.1-14.2, 13.7 (0.2), 0.04.
Sprint: 27-37, 31 (2), 0.38.

Accel: 0.77-0.92, 0.84 (0.03), 0.01.
Decel: 0.81-0.94, 0.87 (0.03), 0.01.

Jump: 5.04-5.29, 5.19 (0.05), 0.01.
Pull: 1.06-1.56, 1.27 (0.1), 0.02.

Turning: 33.58-45.71, 40.32 (2.49), 0.49.
Reverse: 1.8-2.3, 2.1 (0.1), 0.02.

Stamina: 43.15-48.13, 45.66 (1.02), 0.2.
Reaction: 0.72-0.82, 0.77 (0.02), 0.00.

Coat & Height:

Coat: Always black or brown-black with light points, and a stomach which is white to a variable degree. The legs are dark, and the coat lacks a dorsal line, a shoulder cross, leg stripes, and markings.

Breeding notes: in order to comply with the coat standard:
1) Gascons must always have light points and a mealy coat, which means that non-mealy (pgpg) donkeys will receive a 100% penalty.
2) The legs must be dark, and therefore donkeys who are homozygous for mealy (PgPg) will also receive a 100% penalty.

==> In Horse Isle, in order to be eligible for identification as a Gascon, the donkey must be heterozygous Pgpg.

Height: 11.3hh to 13hh.