Discover the stunning natural palette of alpaca fleece - from snowy whites to deepest blacks, with over 22 natural colours and 300+ shades recognized worldwide.
Alpacas produce the widest range of natural colours of any fiber-producing animal. Unlike sheep, which primarily come in white, alpacas boast an incredible spectrum that rivals any artist's palette. This natural diversity means alpaca fiber can be used without dyeing, making it eco-friendly and preserving the fiber's natural properties.
The Alpaca Owners Association (AOA) recognizes 16 primary natural colours for registration and showing:
Pure, snowy fleece with brilliant luster. The most versatile colour for dyeing and blending.
Creamy white with hints of caramel. Softer than pure white with natural warmth.
Pale golden brown, like wheat fields in summer sunshine.
Rich caramel tones with golden highlights throughout.
Deep cinnamon brown, like toasted bread or autumn leaves.
Milk chocolate with auburn highlights and copper undertones.
Classic chocolate brown, rich and warm like cocoa.
Deep espresso with subtle black undertones.
Near-black with reddish-brown highlights in sunlight.
Pure jet black, the darkest natural fiber available.
Soft pearl grey with white highlights, like morning mist.
Classic grey like storm clouds, balanced and sophisticated.
Charcoal grey approaching black, dramatic and elegant.
Delicate blend of fawn with white and grey highlights.
Balanced mix of brown, white, and grey creating a dusty rose effect.
Deep rosy grey with pronounced brown and black fibers.
Beyond solid colours, alpacas display fascinating patterns and markings:
White chest and facial markings on a darker base, creating a formal "tuxedo" appearance.
Large patches of white and another colour, similar to paint horses.
Spotted patterns unique to alpacas, with spots that can appear or darken with age.
Roan pattern with white hairs mixed throughout the base colour.
Three or more distinct colours in the fleece, creating unique combinations.
Colours that don't fit standard categories - nature's surprises!
| Genetic Factor | Effect on Colour | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Eumelanin | Black/brown pigment production | Creates blacks, browns, and greys |
| Phaeomelanin | Red/yellow pigment production | Creates fawns and light colours |
| Extension Gene (E) | Controls pigment expression | ee = red/fawn colours only |
| Grey Gene (M) | Creates roaning effect | Mm = grey, mm = solid colour |
| Pattern Genes | Controls white markings | Creates tuxedo, pinto patterns |
Our herd showcases nature's full palette! From pure whites to deepest blacks, we breed for both colour diversity and fiber quality. Each alpaca's unique colouring tells a genetic story spanning generations.
During your visit, you'll see firsthand how different colours appear in various lights, how patterns develop with age, and why alpaca farmers treasure this natural rainbow of possibilities.
Book a walking experience to meet our colourful herd in person. Learn how to identify different colours, understand patterns, and discover which fleece types are prized by spinners and weavers.