They are part of the Camelid family (Guanaca, Vicuna, Camel, Llama, & Alpaca). They do spit, but not aggresively. It is generally at each other when one wants more food than another is willing to share:) Let's face it...we have all been there! They are very docile creatures and each has it's own distinct personality. Some love more attention than others. They are wonderful. They are considered livestock. They have 22 natural colors from whites, fawns, browns, blacks, greys, etc. I could go on and on and on....We just love them!