Thanks for the reply. I was just wondering why it was called “international” and I got my answer. Thanks

As for standards, I feel standards are good in some areas and not in others. Mike Safleys article is good reading in this aspect. I disagree with the German association’s proverb “Quality through standards”. You’ll only get standard quality through standards, as seen in the IT industry. We need standards, but standards must evolve.

Thanks again for a great blog.
Rolf Barbakken/Knapper Alpakka´s last blog ..Maryland Zoo partners with the B&O Railroad, Maryland Science Center, and Port Discovery for the Months of January and February.

Here is an excellent article on the Ideal Alpaca website discussing breed standards:
A Comparative Analysis Of Alpaca Breed Type And Standards By Mike Safley, Jude Anderson, and Maggie Krieg.

After reading that article and thinking about the IAO rules, the conclusion I draw as the reason that it’s possible that no first place ribbons are awarded under the international rules is that they are judging against the breed standards established by the IAJS. And, unfortunately, AOBA has resisted adopting breed standards so US alpaca breeders are potentially going in a different direction with their breeding programs than other countries. Take for instance how alpacas with lots of fleece on their faces, which actually is a fault, are still rewarded in the show ring.

How many countries exhibit on IAO?
Rolf Barbakken/Knapper Alpakka´s last blog ..Alpakkautstilling i Sverige!

The Nuñoa Project

Quechua Benefit

The Nuñoa Project

Quechua Benefit

We should always remember where the alpaca come from, though, and how much these animals mean to them in terms of livelyhood. We now see how the rich part of the world breed better alpacas than they have in Peru, so maybe we can help them keep their livelyhood by sharing our knowledge and bloodlines? Give something back.