We are often asked what is the difference between an alpaca and a llama? The most-noticeable difference between the two animals is their sizes. Alpacas are smaller, around 90 cm (35 inches) high at the shoulder and between 55 and 65 kg (121 to 143 pounds). Llamas are the biggest lamoid at about 120 cm (47 inches) at the shoulder and about 113 kg (250 pounds). So llamas are going to be a lot bigger than their cousins. Their faces are also dissimilar: alpacas have small, blunt faces with short ears, while llamas have more-elongated faces with banana-sized ears.
Another key difference is their fleece. Alpacas generally have finer fleece that is used for yarn production. The colour can vary greatly, from whites and light fawns to browns and blacks. Llamas’ fleece is generally coarser, and their wool is considered inferior, but llama breeders are working to create a llama breed with finer, softer fleece.
Humans usually use llamas as pack animals, since they can carry a generous amount of weight. The average llama can carry a load of 45 to 60 kg (99 to 132 pounds) for up to 30 km (18.6 miles) each day. Yet llamas get a bad reputation, since, when overloaded or maltreated, they react by spitting, kicking, lying down, or refusing to move. Usually, however, they are gentle creatures. Alpacas, on the other hand, can be a bit more timid and like to stay with their herd. Llamas can be used as guard animals for livestock like alpacas and sheep. Alpacas are also often used as livestock guards for poultry and lambs
