You will see claims of a ‘true mini’ being minis that are very small, ie, around 34"- 36" at the withers or that they are just mini's under 38". 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 36" and 40" is just fine! Those foundation size females are just as important as a 36" mini to ensure diverse genetics in the mini bloodlines.

Most miniatures/small llamas 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.

You will see that we are breeding our Argentine llamas to our mini and small llamas. We have decided to not register any of these cria with AMLA as we are finding that most llamas with Argentine bloodlines have growth spurts between 3 and 4 years of age, maturing into foundation heights; which is an accepted height for the Argentine llamas. We are breeding for personality, fiber and then for small sizes; all characteristics of the Argentine llama. Some of our llamas will probably be eligible to registered with AMLA when they are three years of age and some will mature into foundation sizes or over.

We love our little llamas and welcome inquiries about any aspect of keeping llamas.