|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Females | Crias | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ruth Lack and mini half argentine
Peanut (31' at 9 months) at Ruth's yarn store opening. |
Peanut is now 37.75" at 30 months.
(Shown here last fall at the same height) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A mini llama, according to the American Miniature Llama Association (AMLA), must measure 38" or under at the withers. When breeding for size, a llama isn't officially considered and registered as a miniature until it is three years old. If a cria is under 18 lbs. at birth, the likelihood increases that it will be a miniature. If the female llama is taller than 38" but not more than 40", it may be registered as foundation stock. Since there are still so few registered minis (685 to date in the US and Canada), the foundation female is still a very important source of small genetics.
You will see claims of a ‘true mini’ being minis that are very small, ie, around 34"- 35" at the withers. There is no classification of a ‘true mini’ in the AMLA registration requirements. To qualify to be registered with AMLA, a miniature llama is any ILR registered llama that is 38" and under at the withers. There are no further distinctions beyond that. A 38" llama standing next to a large full size llama still looks small and is still physically easier to handle than most full size llamas from a size standpoint. Here at TuckerWoods Farm, we strongly believe in the health of our minis first and foremost. You will not see us breeding for the smallest mini on record, as we think that may introduce health problems to our beloved small llamas similar to some of those found in miniature horses and pygmy goats. We think the range between 35" and 38" is just fine! And don't forget those all important foundation size females! Most miniatures are bred to have sweet dispositions. Their size makes it easier to handle them. These inquisitive animals are very gentle. They also take up less room, eat less food, and because they're not as common, they become more valuable. For those of you who like to show their llamas, we (AMLA) campaigned hard in 2007 and are happy to announce that ALSA (the llama show association) is now sanctioning classes for minis under a probationary period to prove we can come up with numbers. Many shows around the country are adding miniature classes including some of the biggest around such as Llamafest. We are working towards ALSA adding mini classes to the Nationals. Just think, with a mini there is that much less llama to get clean and brushed... We love our minis and welcome inquiries about any aspect of our little llamas. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||