The Cotentin donkey dates to the 16th century in Normandy. These little donkeys were often used to bring milk to market and other tasks around rural farms. They experienced a decline after WWII but still managed to hang on. Today there is less than 1000.

The Meishan is an ancient Chinese breed like no other. They can have litters of 18-20 and raise all the babies. They have been in China for over 1000 years yet today there are more in the US with about 350 registered annually. They are a rare historic wonder of the pig world.

The Nantes duck originated in the Vendée and in the Loire estuaries of France since the 16th century. Farmers allowed them to forage in local marshes giving their meat excellent flavor that was highly desirable for the table. Post WWII numbers plummeted and the population is now estimated at <500.

The Belgian Hare is actually a rabbit bred to look like a European hare. Created in the mid 1800's it caused great excitement which led to the US "Belgium Hare Boom" of 1898-1901 when thousands were shipped to the US at great expense. Today they are considered a rare breed.

This is the delightful Barbet (aka French Water dog) They to the 16th century and were nearly wiped out after WWII. Crossbreeding also took a toll later. Today they are rare but making a comeback. They are laid back hunting dogs and excellent family pets. US population estimated at 500.

Normandy geese are French breed that used to dominate in the Loire Valley. They were a staple of the French Christmas table in the region. They almost disappeared during WWII and by 2014 only 50 breeding females remained. They are autosexing - males are white and females are brown and white.

Irish Moiled cattle are an old dual purpose breed. The name Moiled is derived from the Gaelic word ‘maol’ meaning mound which describes the domes on top of the heads of these naturally polled red and white cattle. They are considered an at risk breed by Rare Breeds Survival Trust in the UK.

The Irish Draught is an athletic and powerful horse. They are often crossed with Thoroughbreds to create Irish Sport horses that are higher in value than the pure Irish Draught. This has put the purebred horses under threat and they are now considered endangered.

The Navajo Churro sheep is an intragyral part of Navajo culture and the tribes weaving traditions. Annually the nation holds the "Sheep is Life" event to highlight these traditions.

My Crevecoeur chickens are dealing with the cold just fine. Selection for smaller combs and wattles over the years makes my flock less prone to frostbite. This was once the top table bird in France for centuries. They are rare here and in France.

A beautiful Chevre des Fosse (aka French Ditch Goat). These goats were used on road sides to keep brush and weeds under control in Brittany & Normandy. The are highly endangered but slowly making a comeback thanks to organizations such as the Ecomusee de Rennes.

This is one rooster the predators don't want to mess with - the endangered Leige of Belgium. They are large powerful chickens and will protect their hens to the end. The coyotes stay clear of these guys! I made sure I didn't get in-between him and his ladies so he obliged me with a nice pose.

Lincoln Longwool sheep are remarkable for the production of high quality shining wool fit for durable textiles & rugs. They are also excellent lamb and mutton producers. These ram lambs I encountered near Toronto.

I'm new to Bluesky joined so I can share my adventures in rare breed conservation. I want to show people the amazing animals I get to work with. This is a spectacular Poitou jenny, one of the most rare donkeys in the world (and happens to be my favorite breed!)