The Donkey All Breeds Society of Australia Inc. has evolved from the original English Donkey Society of Australia Inc. The English Donkey Society of Australia was founded in 1976 by a small group of enthusiasts who had either imported purebred English/Irish Donkeys from England, Ireland or New Zealand, or, who had first generation progeny of these Donkeys. The Society name was later changed to The English and Irish Donkey Society of Australia to recognize both places of origin of the imported stock.

To maintain breeding records, a Stud Book was formed for Pure Bred Donkeys, and also a Register for Part Bred English/Irish Donkeys. A supplementary Register of Identification (I.D.) mares was also started. The I.D Register was necessary as there were so few Pure-Bred mares imported to Australia in the early days of breeding. These I.D mares had to meet certain criteria. Criteria were that they be English/Irish in type and heritage, and under 11 hands high. Progeny of these females, by registered Pure Bred Jacks are eligible for registration as Part Breeds.The Register records breeding in a range of categories: I.D, 50%, 75%, 87.5%, and 100% (Pure Bred). In 2002 the Society created a separate Miniature Registry.