In Alpacas: Synthesis of a Miracle, I set forth the methods of selection and the classic livestock breeding systems necessary to organize and promote genetic gain. But, any “gain” will be subjective and haphazard without some kind of breed standard against which we can judge the outcomes of our breeding efforts. I have written Ideal Alpacas: From Myth to Reality to evoke, by both picture and word, the presence of a highly evolved, productive alpaca.

Over the years I have observed that a number of alpaca breeding myths have taken up residence in the minds of alpaca breeders. Part fact, part fiction, a myth is defined by Roget’s New Thesaurus as, “any fictitious idea accepted as part of an ideology by an uncritical group.” Alpaca breeding myths cloud and distort the picture of the ideal alpaca and interfere with our efforts to solve breeding puzzles and achieve the goal of herd improvement. In this book, we will identify a number of the myths found below, analyze them critically, and I hope, change the way alpaca owners approach their breeding programs.

‘Country of origin equals a particular quality bloodline, or a specific type.’

‘Chilean alpacas are one type, Bolivian are another type and that Peruvian alpacas are the superior type.’

‘Imported suris are pure.’

‘Breed standards are bad for the alpaca breed.’

‘It is hard to breed for conformation and it is easy to improve the fleece.’

‘Leg conformation traits should be corrected by selection and breeding.’

‘The best alpaca is the one with the best histogram.’

‘Like begets like.’

‘Show-winners are superior breeding stock.’

‘Crimp is not an important characteristic in huacaya fleece.’

‘Pedigree equals breeding value.’

‘The best way to select elite breeding stock is by analyzing their phenotype.’

‘Breeding like to like, by phenotype, and outcrossing, by pedigree, will create an improved animal and therefore an improved herd.’