The mule is distinguished from the donkey by its more imposing build, while it differs from the horse by its proportionally larger and more robust head and legs, and longer ears. The mule's mane is short and not very thick, and the color of its coat reflects that of the female horse that generated it.
The mule has a more similar shoulder blades' conformation to that of the donkey and for this reason it is more suited to carrying weights directly on its back.
The mule brays.