Know Your Llama

Every llama and alpaca handler should know the lay terms for the parts of the animal's body, especially should it be necessary to tell the veterinarian the location of some injury.

Knowing the names of the the parts of the body is also important for understanding and discussing a llama's or alpaca's conformation. Breeders need to judge the conformation of prospective sires and dams in order to make the best choices for their breeding programs.

Those who want to show llamas or alpacas in halter classes need to develop a good eye for sound conformation, and understand the good qualities and possible faults in their llama's anatomy.

Without looking at the drawing, could you identify these locations on the llama's body?

• Ears and Poll
• Muzzle and Cheek/Jowl
• Throat
• Withers, Back and Hip
• Croup, Tail and Base of Tail
• Shoulder and Point of Shoulder
• Chest, Barrel, Back
• Flank and Buttock
• Knee, Elbow, and Cannon Bone
• Fetlock and Pastern
• Stifle Joint and Gaskin
• Hock, Heel and Metatarsal Glands

If you can't readily identify these locations on your llama or alpaca, you can print this page and review it a few times... a little light, bedtime reading!