About Halter Shows
Evaluating alpacas on conformation and fleece characteristics within comparative classes.
Breed Divisions
Huacaya and Suri
Class Structure
Gender, Age, and Color Categories
Judging Basis
Comparative Class Evaluation
Primary Focus
Conformation and Fleece Merit
Halter Show Evaluation
In alpaca halter classes, the show entries are divided by breed, gender, age, and color categories in order to set the classes. A judge will assess both conformation and fleece characteristics on each alpaca.
Conformation takes into account the phenotype (physical appearance) and soundness of the alpaca. In general, the judge looks for evidence of positive traits and the absence of negative traits.
Halter shows are judged on a comparative basis, meaning animals in a class are compared to each other.
Fleece Characteristics Evaluated
Fineness
Density
Character
Brightness / Luster
Guard Hair Presence
As fiber-bearing animals, the fleece producing capabilities of the alpaca are given priority in judgement.
While an alpaca must show general conformational soundness for the purpose of reproduction and longevity, it must also exhibit strength and merit as a fleece producer.
Judges evaluate fineness, density, character (crimp in huacaya and lock structure in suri), brightness or luster, and lack of guard hair as evenly as possible across the alpaca.
Walking Fleece Competition
Walking Fleece Competition is an opportunity for the exhibitor to enter a fleece competition where the prime fleece is evaluated while still on the alpaca. Conformation is not assessed.
An AOA Walking Fleece scorecard will be completed for each alpaca in the course of the evaluation process.
Placements are made on a highest score basis once all evaluations are completed and tabulated.
Oral comments by the judge may be given during the hands-on evaluation. Judging by an AOA Certified Fleece Judge is required.
Walking Fleece registrations are handled as an optional halter class via the registration system but follow the rules for a fleece show.