The popularity of the Argentine llama has grown quickly since the first of these animals came to the United States. Breeders of full and half Argentines have joined together to form the Argentine Llama Aficionados (ALA). The group produces a semi-yearly newsletter and offers a web site listed below where more information on these llamas and contact information for breeders can be found.Annual membership to the ALA includes a free subscription to the newsletter; access to frequent e-mail news and education alerts specific to Argentine llamas; and numerous marketing opportunities for owners and breeders. To join, log onto the web site or contact Argentine Llama Aficionados at:www.ArgentineLlamas.org 23798 Whitman Deering Drive Minnesota City, MN 55959 (507) 689-2677

Argentine Llama AficionadosWWW.ArgentineLlamas.org

Modern day llamas have come to the United States from numerous South American countries. Until recently, those bred in Argentina were not permitted outside of that country. The Argentine llamas were first imported from Argentina into Chile in 1997. Since that time, four imports from 1998 to 2001 brought 80 full Argentines and 30 half Argentines into the United States. They remain a rare type of llama in this country.

Developed on the altiplano of Argentina, these llamas have been carefully bred there for generations to promote certain characteristics setting them apart from other types of llamas. A full Argentine llama is one whose entire genealogy is traceable to Argentina as the country of origin.The most recognizable traits of Argentines include:

Substance—Argentines are endowed with heavy bone, giving them legs that are large in diameter and big, solid feet. Their noses (muzzles) are broad and triangular in shape; ears have a wide, curving set to them; and large eyes. The overall Argentine body is evenly balanced, with a rounded rib cage providing great lung and heart capacity and adding to a stocky look.

Color—After many years of color sorting in Argentina (llamas of similar colors bred only to each other), the Argentine llama is known for richness of color and a greater than average ability to pass onto its offspring the same unique, deep colors of the past generations. Of particular note in Argentina color makeups are red, gray, appaloosa, paint, black, and mahogany.

Fiber—The Argentine llama is an extraordinary producer of both single and double coat fiber. Known for growing high-crimp, silky and occasional suri lock structures, these llamas have been bred for the fineness, density, length, and overall amount of fiber they grow each year. It is not unusual for a classic Argentine to have seven inches of staple length and eight pounds of fiber harvested in just one year of growth.

Disposition—The typical Argentine personality matches their "teddy bear" look. Calm, with curiosity born of high intelligence, Argentines' natural friend-liness toward people makes them highly diverse as potential show ring winners, family companions, performance, and (with regular shearing!) pack animals.