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Alpaca Breed Basics

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Updated October 2024
Posted August 2023

Alpaca Breed Basics
Alpaca Breed Basics
By Ashley Porter
  • Huacayas
    Huacayas are native to Peru and have been domesticated and exported to most of South America. They're highly adaptable, so they now live outside of South America as well. Their fleece is lighter than sheep wool, making it popular for light clothing and sheet material. Huacaya alpacas also produce good meat, but they have never been bred for this purpose.
  • Suris
    When the Spanish Inquisition found its way into Brazil, much of the Suri population was destroyed. Suri alpacas are unmistakable for their long, luxurious coats. Their fleece is said to "lack memory", so it must be blended with other fibers to keep its shape. It also dyes well, making it very popular in the textile industry.
  • The Differences
    The most common differences between Huacayas and Suris:
    • Numbers Huacayas make up 90% of the world's alpacas, while Suris are only 10%
    • Fleece Huacayas have robust, tight, spongy fleece, while a suri's drapes down
    • Genetics Suris may be more rare than Huacayas, but are still "genetically superior"
  • Resources