21/12/2021
There are two alpaca breeds. They are the same in terms of height and weight, but the Huacaya appears bulky because of its dense, curly, sponge-like fiber, while the Suri has longer, silkier fiber that hangs in locks. Breeders estimate less than 10% of alpacas are Suris.
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Both breeds come in a wide array of colors and coat patterns. On average, adult alpacas range from 32 to 39 inches in height at the shoulders and weigh between 106 and 185 pounds. Males tend to be about 10 pounds heavier than females. Alpacas are the smallest members of the camelid family. Llamas stand nearly 4 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 350 pounds, while camels may reach 6.5 feet at the shoulder and weigh over 1,300 pounds.
Alpacas have shorter muzzles and ears than llamas. Mature male alpacas and llamas have fighting teeth. A few females develop these additional teeth, too.
