“Is that a llama?” It’s one of the sweetest questions we hear at parties and events, and we’re always happy to answer it.
Alpacas and llamas are cousins. Both belong to the camel family and come from the mountains of South America, but they aren’t the same animal. Here’s a quick, friendly guide to telling them apart.
The quick answer
Short on time? Look at the ears. Alpacas have short, spear-shaped ears, and llamas have long, curved “banana” ears.
Llamas are about twice the size of alpacas.
Alpacas have shorter, blunter faces and soft, fluffy fleece. Llamas have longer faces and coarser hair.
Alpaca vs llama: look at the ears first
This is the easiest tell! Alpacas have shorter, spear-shaped ears. Llamas have longer, curved ears that are often called “banana” ears.
Size
Llamas are about twice the size of alpacas. An alpaca stands about 3 feet at the shoulder and usually weighs 100 to 175 pounds. A llama stands about 3½ feet at the shoulder and can weigh 250 to 450 pounds.
Face and coat
Alpacas have shorter, blunter faces, and most wear a fluffy “top knot” of fleece. Their fleece is fine, soft and dense. Llamas have longer faces and coarser hair, often with a double coat.
Their traditional job
Alpacas have mostly been raised for their soft fleece, which comes in 22 natural colors. Llamas have long been used as pack animals, carrying about 70 to 120 pounds, and as guardians for other livestock.
Personality
Both are generally even-tempered. Every animal is its own little self, but alpacas tend to be more herd-minded, while llamas tend to be more independent.
Meet Eleanor and Elliot
Here at Bella’s Little Farm, we have alpacas, not llamas. Eleanor and Elliot are a little shy at first, and they warm up to gentle hands and quiet voices. We’re thankful for every family that welcomes them.
Want a visit from one of our alpacas?
If you’d like an alpaca to stop by a birthday, anniversary or special day, take a look at our Alpaca-gram, where you can meet, pet and enjoy time with one of our alpacas.
Make it an even bigger surprise
Our mini Highland cows are always happy to come too. A Cow-gram brings one of our fluffy cows for the same kind of visit.
Planning a party? We’d love to bring Eleanor and Elliot along. Take a look at our party packages.
Sources: Size and weight ranges vary a little by source.
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Fact Sheet FS917, Llamas and Alpacas
- Merck Veterinary Manual, Overview of Llamas and Alpacas
- Oregon State University Extension, Tips and Tricks to Living with Llamas and Alpacas
- UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Small Acreage Landowners, Llamas and Alpacas
