Deep South Alpaca Show

At the Ike Hamilton Center, there's always a show to see. This weekend was no different.

Trainers from around the south gathered in West Monroe today to show an animal that most mistake for its better known cousin, the llama.

But today, alpacas were the star of the show as they competed for the coveted blue ribbons.

What are the judges looking for? We asked one to find out.

"We want to make sure they're put together well, have great legs, the top lines are balanced and they produce the end product we desire that is the fleece," said David Barboza, a judge at the show.

At today's show, the huacaya and suri breeds were on display.

Huacayas are known for softer coats while suri alpacas are known for having brighter, wiry fleece.

No matter what breed they are, what really draws owners to these animals is their personalities.

"They're just like us. There's ones that are very loving and will even put their head on your shoulder and cuddle with you," competitor Danette McCleary told NBC 10 News.

For one trainer, a show just like the one today got him hooked for life.

"We've been doing this for 16 years and it's just a love. A love you have and develop. The animals are sweet, gentle, easy to raise, easy to handle, easy to train, and it's a lot of fun," said competitor, Tom Kania.

The shows are a lot of fun, for all ages.