The donkey was historically one of the main working animals of Africa, Asia and South Europe. Not fit for battle, capable of surviving with relatively low costs and stoic, the donkey, and its hybrid with the horse, the mule, were fundamental for the development of agriculture and commercial routes. They were particularly important for the poor population, and this may be the reason why today they are not the main focus of governmental programs, social welfare concerns and scientific funding. Domesticated in Africa, this equid spread worldwide. Susceptible to cold conditions, but very resistant to dry, hot climates, the donkey stayed mainly in the regions with these climates. Further adaptation to local work needs, climate and food availability led to the development of local breeds or phenotypic differentiation. However, with the loss of the need for working donkeys due to industrialization, this breed diversity is being lost. The species is not endangered and is still useful, but most breeds are in a critical situation, due to low numbers of individuals and high levels of inbreeding. Although solid information is missing about the real situation of most donkey breeds, sparse literature points out that of the around 200 phenotypically distinct of donkeys, most are extinct, or at least vulnerable to extinction, with just a few thriving. Officially, just around 30 breeds of donkeys were recognized. Furthermore, some populations that are named donkey breeds by some authors should be just considered donkey populations as they lack the technical criteria of genetic and phenotypic homogeneity to be considered true animal breeds. This chapter cannot summarize the situation of pure donkey breeds worldwide, due to a scarcity of reliable sources with data about this subject. It will, however, describe the current situation of donkey breeds in different parts of the world, based on peer-reviewed published papers and, when these are lacking, official data published online. Programs, run by civil society and governments, are in place to save genetic diversity and promote the donkey. Also pivotal to a positive future for this marvelous animal is the rise in awareness of the welfare problems donkeys face globally.