Alpacas Worth Writing About!
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"I am not a llama!"
Here's why this is important in the business:

Alpacas and llamas are certainly close cousins within the camelid family, however, there are important differences illustrated here to help demonstrate the features of an "ideal" alpaca:

Not to dis the wonderful llama, but the fewer llama-like characteristics an alpaca has, usually the better quality the alpaca is said to be.
alpaca

llama

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An ideal alpaca's look begins with the head, a dense top knot, and well-covered cheeks converging with the wool cap to form a close V at the eyes, which are brown. The ears are erect and shaped like an arrowhead. The muzzle is soft and wedge shaped. The jaw should fit together correctly, with the lower incisors meeting the upper dental pad.

The head and neck make up about one-third of an alpaca's height, the body makes up one-third, as do the legs. The neck connects to the shoulder at approximately a 45° angle to the back, which is straight, dropping off a bit at the tail. When the alpaca is alert, the neck and back form almost a 90° angle with the head slightly forward.

The perfect alpaca has a squared off appearance, with four strong legs setting squarely under it, giving it a graceful stance which translates into a fluid gait. The ideal alpaca has a soft, dense fleece, which is completed with abundant coverage down the legs.
(from www.alpacas.com - The Ideal Alpaca: Suri & Huacaya By Mike Safley)

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