Alpacas are members of the camelid (or camel) family. They are mild-tempered, beautiful fleece-producing animals with an inquisitive nature and intelligent presence.

There are two breed-types: the huacaya and suri. The primary difference between the two is the fleece. Huacaya fleece has a degree of crimp, thus giving huacayas a fluffy, “teddy bear-like” appearance. Suris have no crimp in their fleeces, so their fiber clings to itself, forming beautiful “pencil locks” that hang down from the body in gentle, silky cascades.

Alpacas have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and are indigenous to South America. Their fiber comes in an incredibly wide range of natural colors. Alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin or other body oils and therefore can be worn by persons allergic to wool. Alpacas stand approximately 36 inches tall at the withers (the area where the neck and spine come together) and weigh between 100 and 200 pounds.

The gestation period for an alpaca is 11 months and there is only one animal (cria) per birth. Most farms in the U.S. are small with less 12 alpacas per farm.

Almost all alpacas in the U.S. are nationally registered with The Alpaca Registry, Inc. This allows for improved genetics and greater selectivity in breeding. The price for an alpaca will depend on its quality (especially conformation and fleece qualities); its bloodlines; male or female; age; breeding history; and many other factors. Breeding females generally sell in the range of $20,000 to $40,000 while top quality, proven males sell for $50,000 and above. For most breeders, the purchase of alpaca breeding stock offers many favorable tax advantages, as well as the potential for significant income generation.