What is a Miniature Llama? Miniature llamas really are llamas - only in a smaller package. They are correctly proportioned (not just dwarfed) and have the same conformation guidelines as standard llamas. The American Miniature Llama Association (AMLA) has created standards for determining the mature height of a miniature llama. The following information was extracted from the AMLA website. Llamas three years of age or older that measure no more than 38" at the withers may be registered as miniature llamas. We are often asked if our little llamas are actually Alpacas; the answer is always "No". Alpacas and llamas are both members of the Camelid family (along with Guanacos, Vicunas and Camels). Llamas are sociable, inquisitive, graceful creatures that are a pleasure to own. Foundation Miniatures The following information was extracted from the AMLA website. Llamas that are used in a breeding program for producing miniature llamas but exceed the 38" height standard for miniatures by no more than two inches or (40" maximum height) may be registered as foundation stock. This standard was set by the American Miniature Llama Association (AMLA) in recognition that height is a genetic trait and breeding down is a realistic approach to developing miniature llamas. Miniature Prospects / Immature Miniatures At Galloping Winds Ranch, we use the phrase "Miniature Prospect" to identify a llama that we believe to be a strong prospect to remain miniature (or foundation miniature) but where neither parent is currently registered as a miniature. Our determination to apply this notation to a llama is based on one or more of these factors: current size/age, parental size, and/or parental history of size production in offspring. Where one or both parents are registered as a miniature, the official term of "Immature Miniature" is used. For your reference, the following statement is taken directly from the AMLA website: A llama under 3 years of age may be registered only if its mother is a registered, mature, mini llama or the mother is registered foundation stock and the father is a registered mini llama. Miniature Producers The llamas that we classify as "Miniature Producers" are those that have historically produced miniature offspring. These include females and males that may exceed the requirements for a foundation miniature, however they are known to produce offspring that fall within the miniature and/or foundation guidelines. How to Measure a Llama The following information was extracted from the AMLA website. One of the most accurate ways to measure a llama is to have your llama stand squarely on a level surface next to a wall. Take a carpenter's level and lay it over the llama's back at the withers (on the shoulders just where the neck joins). Let one end of the level touch the wall and get the bubble in the middle. Then make a mark on the wall under the end of the level. Now you can move the llama out of the way and measure up the wall to the mark. This is a fairly simple way to accurately measure your llamas. Manufactured measuring sticks are available thru the International Lama Registry (406-755-3438).