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Size 12.3–13.75 hands (129–142 cm). Colour: Mouse grey with a grey/white underbelly and muzzle; can have white spectacles and white on the inner legs and throat; a well-defined dorsal stripe and cross; dark stripes occasionally found on the legs.

Maritime traders had introduced the donkey to the Amiata mountains in Italy by about 2000 bc. Until the latter part of the 19th century, the breed was a common site in the Tuscany landscape. The strong wiry donkey was, and still is (though to a lesser extent) used as a pack animal on farms—a beast of burden to carry everything from supplies to produce and the local farmer, although not all at once. This sure-footed agile animal is an ideal working companion in such mountainous regions.

At the start of the 20th century, there were around 2,500 Amiata donkeys. These numbers have since declined for various reasons, primarily due to the increase in mechanization in all areas of Tuscan life. Numbers reached an all-time low between 1970 and 1980, when the Amiata was on the brink of extinction; in 2003 one report suggested only 200 breeding Amiata were in existence. Today, there is an extensive breeding scheme in place and matters are improving.

The Amiata works in inaccessible forest areas, carrying packs for walkers and its milk is used in various beauty products. Although originally from Italy, it is now found in small numbers throughout Europe.