Winsome Llamas Ten Commandments for Breeding Llamas 1. Never forget the history of the llama and the traits and characteristics that have made it great.  Breed to better the llama further for the needs of future generations. 2. Keep a clear picture of your ideal llama in your head. Maintain a breed standard in your program that works towards that ideal and one that will not be swayed by fad or unduly influenced by the opinions of others. If you consistently maintain a standard of quality in your program people will recognize and appreciate what you have accomplished regardless of fads or trends. 3. Recognize that you are breeding llamas and as such, it is a breed with a preference for fiber and characteristics. You may not always get those characteristics and fiber, but obtaining them should be a high priority goal. 4. Remember that pretty is as pretty does. Breed equally for balance, structural correctness, athletic ability, color, disposition and trainability. 5. Never forget the value of research and learning. There is no such thing as knowing too much or knowing it all when it comes to breeding llamas. 6. Always understand that you will never breed the perfect llama . . . there will never be a perfect llama . . . but you can strive towards producing a MORE perfect llama by selecting only the best quality animals to reproduce. Further, attempt to make each generation even better than the previous one by honestly assessing each animal, carefully considering it's strengths and weaknesses and then breed accordingly to enhance those strengths and compensate for those weaknesses. 7. Look toward the future with an open mind. Never be afraid to take a calculated risk, explore a new bloodline or to try a new idea. The biggest gains are rarely made by the most conservative moves. Recognize exceptional opportunities when they present themselves and never be afraid to embark upon them. 8. Learn from the successes of other breeders and appreciate their accomplishments as well as the qualities of their llamas. Breeding is a competition within your own program, it is not a competition with other's breeding programs. Each time your llamas go into the show ring set your personal goal to beat your previous accomplishments. 9. A great llama needs a great person and the RIGHT person to achieve it's greatness. Never compromise on "the right match" of llama and owner to make a sale. 10. There is nothing wrong with breeding for the type of llamas you personally love and enjoy, but also be aware that in order to endure in this business, you also have to breed for what others will love and enjoy.