Suri Llama Breed Standards
Fiber Standards
OVERVIEW OF FIBER PHENOTYPE
The hallmark of a suri llama is distinct locked fiber architecture
with luster. The fleece hangs straight from a natural midline
part on the neck through to the tail. The straight, narrow
locks form close to the skin, and maintain a uniform profile
to the tips.
Suri llama fiber exhibits independent movement. The primary
characteristics which distinguish the suri llama are it’s
high luster, independent, narrow lock structure, cool, slick
handle, long staple length, fineness, and lock definition
in regrowth after shearing.
The ideal Suri Llama exhibits little medullation and an absence
of crimp. The fiber should not display loft or puffiness.
The natural characteristics of suri llama fleece are displayed
consistently and uniformly throughout the entire animal.
There are four architectural styles presently
recognized in Suri Llama Fiber.
All lack crimp and medullation.
Lock types are not listed in order of desirability.
Natural characteristics ideally displayed consistently and
uniformly throughout the fleece and shared by the four suri
fiber architectures:
- Well defined locks exhibiting independent movement
- Uniformity of lock structure
- Uniformity of fiber diameter
- Lock definition in regrowth after shearing
- Long staple length relative to age
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- Fleece lies close to the body
- Luster
- Smooth, cool hand
- Density
- Fineness
- Generous Suri Fiber Coverage
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Negative fiber traits in the Suri Llama:
- Lack of well-defined lock
- Presence of crimp, crinkle or medullation
- Lofty or voluminous appearance
- Warm, fuzzy or coarse handle
- Lack of generous suri fiber coverage
- Lack of density
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- Lack of luster
- Lack of uniformity
- Fiber does not lie straight and close against the
body
- Felted, chalky, dry, dead or brittle fiber
- Lack of lock definition in regrowth after shearing
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GROOMING THE SURI LLAMA
Suri llamas should be shown in a clean natural state. The
fleece should be clean, free of
major debris and dry. Exception will be made at shows or Keurings
for wetting down
legs in hot weather. The use of shampoos or artificial luster
and fiber enhancements is strongly discouraged. If use is
detected by the inspectors, the llama will be excused from
the Keuring for that day. Brushing out of lock structure may
excuse the llama from an inspection. Shearing is acceptable
and strongly encouraged. Owners may choose to explore a ‘suri
show clip’ that allows for fiber evaluation on the neck,
side and rump while still providing relief from heat. For
Keurings, a three inch regrowth is required.
Suri Llama Fiber Types
Drawings and descriptions are representations of the ideal
suri fleece. Variations in fineness, density and lock width
are possible in all lock types. All lock types may exhibit
widening of the lock at the skin. Uniformity of lock type
from front to rear is ideal. Suri fiber appears different
relative to:
1) age of the llama
2) shearing
3) location on the body
Adults who have been previously shorn may exhibit less lock
definition and character as compared to a tui fleece.
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STRAIGHT
A lock which is mostly straight from base to tip, but
may exhibit a very slight twist in a tui fleece or one
greater than 6 inches long. Exhibits a draped, hanging
appearance. Independent movement is evident in a tui
fleece or one greater than six inches long. Less independent
movement may be exhibited in an older llama, especially
after multiple shearings. Fleece lies very close to
the body.
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WAVY
A flat lock which undulates back and forth and may or
may not have slight twist. May exhibit a full, somewhat
denser appearance with slightly less independent movement.
Fleeces with solidity of lock will exhibit greater density.
Fleeces with looser wavy locks may lie slightly away
from the body.
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TWISTED
A lock which twists from near the skin to the tip. Exhibits
a draped, hanging appearance. Independent movement is
evident in a tui fleece or one greater than six inches
long. Less independent movement may be exhibited in
an older llama, especially after multiple shearings.
Fleece lies close to the body.
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CURLED
A lock which curls back on itself while exhibiting an
undulating back and forth wave. May exhibit a denser
appearance with less independent movement. Lies slightly
away from the body but is not lofty or without lock
definition. Fleeces with solidity of lock will exhibit
greater density. Fleeces with looser curled locks may
lie slightly further away from the body.
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