Donkeys were introduced to the Azores, which does not have any large indigenous mammal, by Portuguese colonists in the fifteenth century;[5] their presence there is documented in the Saudades da Terra of Gaspar Frutuoso (1522–1591).

[4] A process of recognition of the Burro da Ilha Graciosa as an autochthonous breed began in 2005.

An association, the Associação de Criadores e Amigos do Burro da Ilha Graciosa, was formed in 2013.

[10]: 36 The Burro da Ilha Graciosa is a small donkey, standing on average 105.8 cm.

The coat is usually pale grey or mouse-brown in colour, but may also be bay or black; the belly, muzzle and surround of the eyes are paler.