Types of llamas
These are my own opinions, and other people may well not agree with me. Differing or similar opinions will be heartily welcomed! This was originally written in 1995, and since then, increasingly we are seeing a move to development of types (or breeds) of llamas, though this is still in its infancy in 2005.Dale Graham
Unlike most other domesticated animals we are accustomed
to, llamas are not split up into "breeds". Rather, llamas
are the entire species -- a wide variety of types are
interbred together. It is very likely that with continued
use, we will see some breeds derived from the different
types we can see.
Here are some potential divisions we might anticipate
seeing, based on what we already have today.
Classification by fiber
Classification by fiber length (appearance)- "Classic" or short wool
- Medium wool
- Heavy wool
Currently, fiber length is the de facto way in which llamas are currently split up during showing.
Classification by fiber type (weaver's and spinners interest)- Fiber type
- Hair type
- Mixed fiber and hair
- By relative quantity of thicker guard hair (lots, some, little)
Classification by body shape
- "Elegant" (tall, long-legged, like a Standard Bred horse)
- Four-square (like a Quarter Horse)
- Middle of the road
- "Clydesdale" (tall, heavy boned, and drafty)
Classification by temperament
- Smart and calm (the best for performance and work) -- Rare
- Dumb and calm (reasonably good for work and PR, OK for performance) -- Common
- Smart and nervous (OK for performance, some PR situations, and work) -- Common
- Dumb and nervous (not terribly useful for performance
and work compared to the other types) --
Rare.
Note: a dumb and nervous llama is still pretty smart, and not all that nervous... this classification is just between llamas.