Huacaya

The Huacaya alpaca is the most common alpaca type, recognized for a dense, crimpy fleece that grows outward from the body and gives the animal a rounded, plush appearance before shearing. Huacayas are part of Vicugna pacos and are distinct from Suri alpacas, whose fleece hangs in long locks. They come in many natural colors, including white, fawn, brown, black, gray, roan, pinto, and patterned forms.

Huacayas are kept for fiber, breeding, showing, land-based agritourism, and small-farm companionship. Their fleece is usually shorn once a year and assessed for fineness, density, uniformity, staple length, and handle. Good herd care includes appropriate forage, minerals, parasite management, toenail trimming, safe handling facilities, and protection from heat stress after heavy fleece growth. Breeders rely on pedigree, fiber test results, conformation, and temperament records when choosing pairings or marketing animals.

Colors: Appaloosa, Bay Black, Beige, Black and White, Blue Eyed White, Brown, Brown and White, Classic Grey, Dark Brown, Dark Fawn, Dark Rose Grey, Dark Silver Grey, Fancy, Fawn, Fawn and White, Harlequin Grey, Indefinite Dark, Indefinite Light, Light Brown, Light Fawn, Light Rose Grey, Light Silver Grey, Medium Brown, Medium Fawn, Medium Rose Grey, Medium Silver Grey, Modern Grey, Multi, Pattern, Piebald, Pinto, Roan, Rose Gray, Silver Gray, Solid, Spotted, True Black, Tuxedo, Tuxedo Grey, White