5. Type of the Turkish Van

The all-white Turkish Van and the patterned Turkish Van should be indistinguishable as far as type is concerned, the only difference being the colored markings. Both cats belong to a semi-longhaired breed from the rugged region of the Middle East centered on Lake Van, where the climate varies to extremes.

It is a large, muscular cat; the strength and power is evident in substantial body and legs.

The breed does not gain full maturity until three years or more, therefore allowances must be made for age and gender. Individual cats should convey an impression of a well balanced, well proportioned and strong appearance in which no one feature is exaggerated.

Head: substantial broad wedge, nose medium to long, straight but with a barely perceptible dip in profile.

Ears: Moderately large, well feathered, fairly close together and set high on head.

Eyes: Large and oval, alert and expressive. To be of the requisite colour with pink rims.

Body: Long and sturdy, broad, muscular and deep-chested, especially the males.

Legs and Feet: Legs well-boned and medium in length. Feet neat well rounded and tufted.

Tail: Full brush, length to balance with the body.

Coat and Condition: Fur should be long, soft and silky to the roots. No woolly undercoat. It should be noted that the winter coat of the Turkish Van is longer and heavier than the summer coat. Longer coated cats are to be preferred. The neck and chest ruff should become more pronounced with age.

Color: chalk white coat. Ears should be a delicate shell pink inside. Nose leather and paw pads pink.