The Difference Between Llamas and Alpacas

What’s the Difference Between a Llama and an Alpaca?

Many people often don’t know or mistake the differences between llamas and alpacas, but in reality they are really simple distinctions. Llamas and alpacas are both from the camelid family, originating from camels, which is why they appear so alike and have such similar characteristics and behaviors. But, with the help of this super simple guide you will be able to easily distinguish the differences between llamas and alpacas and can share them with others as well. 

 

     Llama:                  

               

   

 

               

               

                 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

                                                       Alpaca: 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   3 Key Differences Between Llamas and Alpacas:

Size: One key difference between llamas and alpacas is their size. Llamas are around 1 foot (30.48 cm) taller than the typical alpaca. The average adult llama measures to about 5’6” (1.7m) - 5' 9” (1.75m) at the head, and the average adult alpaca measures to about  3’9” (1.14m) - 4' 9” (1.45m) at the head.         

Their Hair: Llamas and alpacas have different types of hair and thread made from their wool. Llamas have 2 coats of hair: a fine, smooth inner coat and a coarser outer coat. Alpacas only have one coat of hair that is very smooth and silky. They both provide super fine wool threads, but it is easier to harvest the soft wool from the alpacas because there is only one coat and you don’t have to separate the outer coat from the inner coat. 

Head and Ear Shape: Llamas and alpacas have very different head and ear shapes. Alpacas have more short and dulled faces and ears, while llamas have longer  heads with bigger ears. 

 

Well now you know the differences between llamas and alpacas and how to tell them apart from one another. They are both precious animals that are native to Peru and all of South America. They provide extremely soft, high quality wools that are very warm. Browse and shop our Small Llamas products here.