Alpacas are widely regarded as the cutest of the Camelidae family, which also includes llamas, guanacos, vicuñas, and camels. With their floppy tufts, slender necks, ingénue eyes, and coy grins, they are the "it" animals of the diverse ungulate world. Beyond their looks, alpacas are responsible for bearing some of the silkiest, most versatile fiber (for which they're shorn annually) in nature. Their fur is said to be stronger than mohair, warmer than goose down, and more breathable than thermal knits. Additionally, they possess some remarkable personality traits. Here are a few things you may not know about the alpaca. 1. Alpacas Are Ancient Alessandra Calabrò / EyeEm / Getty Images Like llamas, alpacas are thought to have been domesticated more than 6,000 years ago by the Incas, who raised them for their prized fleece. At the time, alpaca fiber was reserved exclusively for the elite and noble due to its high quality and versatility. Early on, they were farmed mo...