The Ideal Alpaca

The Ideal Alpaca is what all herd owners strive for. Breeders are focused on incorporating these perfect traits into their herds.

When you first look at an Alpaca he/she should have a well balanced appearance. The head and neck comprise 1/3 of the picture. Another 1/3 is body and 1/3 legs.

The back must look strong and level. It should form a straight line. The body is about the same length as the height from the ground to the top of the back.

The chest needs to be broad and deep across where the shoulders meet. The rump is also broad with a straight tail.

All 4 legs are square to each other. Assessing leg countour is best done when the Alpaca moves. An Alpacas' legs are an adequate distance apart so as not to touch when standing or walking.

Feet must be well formed with 2 forward pointing toes. Each toe has a good strong toenail. The pad on the bottom of the foot is to be soft and free of cuts and/or lumps.

A female Alpaca should weigh a minimum of 130 pounds. She measures around 32 inches at the withers or shoulder. A male weighs at least 165 pounds and measures close to 35 inches at the withers.

An Alpacas' eyes are brown and oval shaped. They are alert and set apart. The eyes protrude slightly from the socket.

Ears should be of medium height. They are spear shaped and erect. Ears are covered with soft short hair.

The nose has 2 well defined nostrils. The upper lip is divided and each side and seperately mobil. There should be no long hair on the top of the nose. The muzzle is soft and wedge shaped.

The jaws must fit niecely together. The lower incisors need to meet the upper dental plate just under the upper mandible.

Fleece on the top of the head is refered to as the "top knot". This top knot should be dense. Cheeks are to be covered and form a side lying "V" at the eyes.

A good thick coat of fleece covers the entire neck, body and most of the legs. The fleece is fine and uniform in color. It needs to be well stapled or locked.

The female Alpaca will have an udder that provides abundant milk. She has 4 working teats.

The male Alpaca has a scrotum that is well attached and relatively small. He should have 2 testes about the size of a chicken egg.

It is important to remember that there is no perfect Alpaca. Breeding programs focus on incorporating as many positive traits of the Ideal Alpaca as possible.

Problems With Conformity , Fleece Color , Breeding , Delivery of Cria , Newborn Care , Alpaca Cria , Alpaca Care and Business Book ,

Back to Top - The Ideal Alpaca