Alpacas and Llamas Terms













Apacas & Llama Terms

Communication  
Llamas communicate by using a variety of unique, subtle body postures and vocalizations. The most common sound made is a soft humming. Communicating via body language is done with use of ears, tail and neck.

Crias  
Young llamas and alpacas are called crias. The normal birth weight for a llama is 20 - 30 lbs. Alpacas weight in at 20 lb.
 
Disposition  
A pleasant and tolerant demeanor is highly desirable
 
Eye Appeal  
Refers to the style, presence and wool coverage of an animal
 
Fiber  
Fiber is evaluated for healthy condition, fineness, density and uniformity of its characteristics and distribution. In llamas, the fleece is considered a small part of judging than for alpacas. In alpacas, the "hair" is evaluated on its overall presence, its coverage and the crimp or structure of the locks. Judges evaluate the uniformity of these traits and the luster of the fiber. Alpaca fiber has twenty two different colors.
 
Fleece  
All fiber trimmed off an alpaca or llama when they are shorn
 
Gestation  
Pregnancy is usually 11 to 12 months for llamas; 11 months for alpacas
 
Halter Classes  
A class where the judge evaluates the animal on its physical appearance including overall balance, size, conformation, soundness, movement, fleece fiber and eye appeal.
    
Lama  
The spelling with one "L" indicates the family which includes llamas, alpacas, vicuanas and guanacos
 
Llamas as Guard Animals  
Often llamas are used in a flock of sheep as a guard animal to keep away the natural predators of the sheep.
 
Maturity  
Llamas are mature at 3 - 4 years of age and can weigh 250 - 450 lbs. Alpacas are mature at 2 - 3 years of age and can weigh 100 - 200 lbs. They can both live for up to 25 years.
   
Performance Classes  
A class where the judge evaluates the animal and the handler's ability to calmly work together maneuvering through an obstacle course. Llamas will usually carry packs.
 
Physical Structure  
Llamas and alpacas should be symmetrical and well balanced with a straight, strong topline. Legs should have substance of bone below the knee and hock in proportion to the animal's overall structure. The head should be carried proudly and alertly, and the jaw should have a correctly aligned bite.

Public Relations Class  
These training classes are for llamas used in situations such as traveling to nursing homes. In this way llamas are considered to be used for therapy.
   
Shearing  
The process of cutting off the llama and alpaca fiber. This is usually done once a year.
 
Spitting Llamas  
The bad reputation llamas have received for spitting is unfair. It might be more positive to say that they generally spit only at one another, especially at feeding time. Those that do spit at humans have usually been teased, provoked, intimidated or frightened.

Suri Alpacas  
A type of alpaca with a fleece that curls and hangs in long ringlets from the body