Alpacas are domesticated members of the camelid family which includes the camels, guanacos, llamas, vicunas, and alpacas. Alpacas grow to be about 3 ft. high at the withers and 4.5 ft high on the top of the head. They average about 150 lbs. A female can breed at 14 months-2 years of age. Pregnant females (dams) bear only one offspring per year. Rarely is there twinning. The gestation period is between 11-12 months, and they are usually ready to breed again within a month after the birth of their cria. Cria means creation in Spanish. Crias weigh between 12-20 lbs. at birth. A male alpaca can breed between 2-3 years of age.

There are two types of alpacas, huacayas and suris. The distinguishing factor is the fiber. Huacayas have a lot of crimp and loft in their fiber. It stands out away from the body creating a teady bear look. The suri’s fiber has a waviness and luster to it. It hangs on the animal in locks. Huacayas and suris can be housed together, but it is generally frowned upon in the alpaca industry to breed the two types together.