There is only one species of alpaca - but two fleece types, often referred to as breeds. They are huacaya and suri. The huacaya type is commonly described as looking like a "teddy bear" and the suri fleece type as looking like "dreadlocks".

 

It is often said that the suri alpaca is more difficult to handle, but our experience of owning and training both breed types is that there is no difference. In fact our first suri replaced a huacaya with behavioral problems, and has transformed our perception of our herd with her friendliness, calmness and good nature!

 

On the fleece side, the main practical difference is that the suri is often only sheared once every two years.However, they probably should be sheared every year (for Vitamin D production and to avoid over-heating) - whereas the huacaya should be shorn annually.

Comparing the two fleece styles:-
The suri fleece is mainly described in terms of lock style and lustre.
The huacaya fleece is normally described in terms of lock structure, crimp and brightness.

 

Density, softness and fineness of fleece are desirable characteristics in both types of alpaca.