CONGRATULATIONS to Lindsey Betz and the Betz Family Farm on the purchase of Vintage Cashmere's U-Taupe-ia. Taupie will be greatly missed at Rare Gem Alpacas but he leaves behind a number of lovely offspring to grace our herd for years to come! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Taupie is a striking appaloosa harlequin male that is on a roll for throwing spotted and harlequin offspring. He has sired 53 offspring and 74 percent are either appaloosa or harlequin! While dam selection has a significant influence on such outcomes, it should be noted that the majority of the dams Taupie has been bred to have no genetic influence on this outcome. So for those that don't have existing foundation girls with appy / harlequin lineage-- Taupie has proven to be capable of passing along his appy genetics and produce desired results. So how does this happen? Only part of that story is known, but what we DO know is that certain lines of known appy gene carriers are much more "expressive" than others. Taupie just happens to be one of those. His heritage boasts appaloosa genetics on both sides of his lineage with Aussie Rockford out of Hannahruh on his sire's side and Chiquita Import on his dam's side. In April 2016, Taupie's progeny debuted in the show ring taking a blue in walking fleece and the blue in halter at the California Classic. This first boy was then followed by another appaloosa female and then another appy male-- both very similar to the first. The fourth cria, however, is something extra special! This little girl has expressed every color on the chart, not one pattern-- just speckles and spots from nose to toes-- Rare Gem U-Taupe-ia's Appletini! The unique coloring of this cria looks as though the color from Taupie's Grand Dam, Chiquita Import, is coming through and producing the rarest of rare gems-- her beautiful color seems to morph before your eyes! As much fun as it is to talk about Taupie's progeny... more about him! Taupie has a spotted face, spotted belly, spotted legs, and a beautiful solid platinum-taupe blanket. His top line is a nice medium silver grey, then blending into light silver grey down the sides. UPDATE: 2/2019 Leoopard appaloosa offspring, Sleepy Acres App-solutely Adorable "Dorie", takes Reserve Color Champion at Txolan! Congratulations!!

Sami is the result of a well thought out breeding decision that we are thrilled with. She was sired by High Plains Samson, a Super Sam son. Super Sam is one incredible Canadian herdsire who has raised the bar for elite herdsires. To further enhance this girl, Sami also brings the genetics from Full Accoyo Odyssey from her dams side. Odyssey is a multi color champion in white and his offspring have also been color champions. Sami has incredible staple length with full coverage from head to toe. This is very characteristic of Super Sam genetics. Sami is showing a very stout frame that is balanced with clean lines. Her muscular frame is exceptional for her current age. What Sam's breeder said: Sami was shorn for the first time and all I can say is WOW! She is darker then anticipated and just offers an incredible degree of luster. Her crimpy bundles are showing through out her frame and through her neck. She was re-evaluated and her value has risen as she is maturing. Sami has matured into a high quality girl ready to be bred and well-suited for any color breeding program. With her genetic make up, she has all the attributes to shine.