7 reasons to love alpacas

1. They're super-soft and fluffy
Have you ever felt alpaca fleece? You'll be amazed at how soft it is, easily on a par with cashmere. And it's free from lanolin and nasty chemicals, making it naturally hypoallergenic.

2. They come in all different colours.
From rose grey to dark fawn, alpaca fleece comes in a rainbow of natural hues, so no need for artificial dying when used in fashion or interiors. And when grouped together, is there anyone they remind you of?! (We're thinking from left to right:
Posh, Scary, Ginger and Baby – Sporty must be behind the lens!)

3. They make a great throw!
From beautiful throws to hot water bottle covers, these days alpaca wool is used to make all manner of cosy home textiles.
We love these stylish winter white woven blankets, £132 from Tolly McCrae – perfect for cuddling up on chilly days!

4.They're SO cute.
With their big doe eyes, long lashes and cheeky expression, what's not to love?! Alpaca pin-up anyone?

5. They make great pets.
More and more people are opting for alpacas as pets, and we can see why! Neat, tidy and easy to look after, they also double up as great gardeners. Alpacas snip the tops off grass when grazing as opposed to pulling up the whole plant, making for an excellent lawn mower alternative. What's more, their top quality manure will have your flowerbeds blooming in no time!

6. They're quirky.
Did you know alpacas like to sunbathe? Or that they hum when they're content? They have all sorts of funny little habits that you might not expect! Top tip: steer clear when they're angry, like their close llama relatives they can be prone to spitting – not so amusing when you're in the firing line!

7.They have the best hairstyles.
If there were a prize for the most stylish species, there's no doubt alpacas would win. From Elvis-inspired quiffs to mullets and goatees, they certainly know how to rock a hair do. We're particularly fond of the ‘bed-head' look...

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