Llamas vs Alpacas – The 5 Main Differences Explained

Guanaco Vs Llama- Llama
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Written by August Croft

Updated: October 7, 2022

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While they may look exceedingly similar upon first glance, there are a number of differences between llamas vs alpacas. While these animals may share similarities in body shape, both have feet instead of hooves, and both are species of South American camelids, llamas and alpacas are actually two very different animals.

In this article, we will compare and contrast everything you need to know about llamas and alpacas so you can fully understand the differences between them. We will address their appearances and their temperaments, as well as the purpose of both of these unique creatures. Let’s get started and learn all about these herd animals now! 

Comparing Llamas vs Alpacas

Llamas vs Alpacas
The llama is primarily used as a pack animal, while the alpaca is primarily used in wool and clothing production.
LlamasAlpacas
Size40-50 inches tall; 175-250 pounds30-35 inches tall; 120-145 pounds
AppearanceElongated nose or snout and large ears. Coarse wool found in a variety of colors, including white, gray, brown, and tan. Long legs and large eyes.Small face and short ears, with shaggy, soft wool used frequently in fleece or fabric production. Found in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and tan. Shorter legs and petite nose.
Purpose and HistoryUsed as pack animals for centuries, capable of carrying gear for up to 20 miles per day. Helpful for protecting other livestock on a farm as wellUsed for wool and clothing production as well as protection for other farm animals. However, alpacas are only good at protecting when in a herd of other alpacas, rather than alone
BehaviorCalm and patient, though can get aggressive if mistreated or unhappy. Prefers a small herdVery friendly and good with kids; extremely social creatures and do best when the whole herd is happy. Can spit if threatened
Lifespan20-25 years15-20 years

Key Differences Between Llamas vs Alpacas

Llamas vs Alpacas

The alpaca has a much smaller face and ears compared to the face and ears of the llama.

There are a number of key differences between llamas and alpacas. For example, the llama is much larger than the alpaca, in both height and weight. Additionally, the alpaca has a much smaller face and ears compared to the face and ears of the llama. Finally, the llama is primarily used as a pack animal, while the alpaca is primarily used in wool and clothing production. 

Let’s discuss all of these differences and more in detail now. 

Llamas vs Alpacas: Size

Llamas vs Alpacas

The llama is much larger than the alpaca, in both height and weight.

One of the main differences between the alpaca and the llama has to be their sizes. The llama is much larger than the alpaca, in both height and weight. You could easily tell the difference between these two animals if they were standing side by side. But just how much bigger is a llama compared to an alpaca? Let’s take a closer look at the figures now. 

On average, llamas reach anywhere from 40 to 50 inches tall, while alpacas only reach 30 to 35 inches tall. In addition, alpacas only weigh 120-145 pounds, while llamas weigh anywhere from 175-250 pounds. This is an important distinction to make, especially if you are hoping to keep either one of these fantastic animals on your home farm!

Llamas vs Alpacas: Appearance

Llamas vs Alpacas

The alpaca has a much more petite nose and face compared to the elongated nose of the llama.

While they may look particularly similar upon first glance, there are a number of physical differences between an alpaca and a llama. For example, llamas have much larger ears compared to the ears of the average alpaca. In addition, the alpaca has a much more petite nose and face compared to the elongated nose of the llama. 

Both of these animals have unique wool on their bodies, found in a variety of colors. However, the fur of the alpaca is much finer and smooth compared to the fur of the average llama. This type of fur leads us to talk about the purpose and history of both the alpaca and the llama. Let’s talk about that now. 

Llamas vs Alpacas: Purpose and History

Llamas vs Alpacas

The llama is a notorious pack animal, capable of carrying gear up to 20 miles per day, while the alpaca is renowned for its wool and fur. 

In addition to their physical differences, there are a number of differences in both the purpose and the history behind the llama and alpaca. For example, the llama is a notorious pack animal, capable of carrying gear up to 20 miles per day, while the alpaca is renowned for its wool and fur. 

Besides these two key differences, llamas are also utilized as guard animals for other herding animals in a farm setting, while alpacas are less likely to assume this role. This isn’t to say that alpacas can’t also protect other herding animals in this setting, but they are less protective compared to the average llama.

Guard llamas have an instinctive awareness of their surroundings, and even patrol their area for threats, including predators like foxes, coyotes and dogs. When a predator approaches, a guard llama will typically watch it intently, posture, make shrill noises to try and scare it off, and even attempt to chase the animal away.

Llamas vs Alpacas: Behavior

Llamas vs Alpacas

Llamas tend to be more aggressive compared to the average alpaca, though both of these animals will spit if they feel threatened.

The temperaments and behaviors of both llamas and alpacas are extremely similar to one another. However, llamas tend to be more aggressive compared to the average alpaca, though both of these animals will spit if they feel threatened. In addition, alpacas enjoy living in a happy herd, while llamas do as well, but not to the same extent as alpacas. 

Llamas vs Alpacas: Lifespan

Llamas vs Alpacas

Depending on the health and care of the individual animal, llamas live an average of 20 to 25 years, while alpacas live an average of 15 to 20 years.

A final difference between llamas and alpacas lies in their lifespans. The average llama lives a slightly longer life compared to the average alpaca, likely due to their size differences. But just how different are their lifespans compared to the other? Let’s take a closer look at the figures now. 

Depending on the health and care of the individual animal, llamas live an average of 20 to 25 years, while alpacas live an average of 15 to 20 years. However, this is the average that both of these creatures live when found in the wild, and many domesticated llamas and alpacas live longer than this. This is especially true if they are kept in a happy herd, and given a well-balanced diet alongside plenty of affection and care! 

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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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