The alpaca resembles the vicuna. Scientists believe the alpaca is from the vicuna. Then alpaca has wool that is longer and lower quality than the vicuna. Alpacas are also close relatives of llamas.The alpaca stands a little less than 4 feet high.
It has a thick coat of black, white, or brown hair that grows from 8 to 24 inches long. This hair is much straighter sheep's wool. It provides one of the best fibers known for making warm, material. Owners usually shear their alpacas every year. They get as much as 7 pounds