Guanaco Camelids: Breed Profile

Guanacos are the wild ancestor of the llama.

Purpose

They are wild and protected.

Where the breed stands today

The animal is protected.

What to look for in a Guanaco project animal

Look for a slender body. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.

Showing Guanaco at 4-H and FFA

Camelids are judged in halter, fleece and performance classes. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.

Pros

• Wild
• Hardy
• Heritage
• Llamas and alpacas are calm, curious and good at obstacle and performance classes.
• Fiber classes let students compete on fleece quality.

Cons

• Not livestock
• Few classes
• Rare
• Quality animals can be expensive, and herd animals need companions.
• Many county shows have no camelid classes.

Caring for your project

Plan for shearing, toenail care and shelter from heat. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.

Getting started

A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Guanaco. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.

Planning your budget

Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.

Show-day tips

Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.

Learning from the ring

Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.

Questions to ask a breeder

• Is the animal registered, and what are her fleece records?
• How old is she, and how has she been trained?
• What are her shearing, health and vaccination records?
• Has she been handled and haltered?
• Does my show have a camelid class?

Bottom line

Guanacos are a wild camelid.

To see how the contests work, read Fleece, Egg and Fiber Competitions. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Llama Opens Wellness Spa, Specializes in Spit Therapy and Emotional Humming, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.