Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The Turkish Van is a natural, indigenous breed that developed around Lake Van in eastern Turkey. Known since ancient times, it was mentioned in medieval chronicles and regional legends. Modern history began in the 1950s, when British journalist Laura Lushington brought the first cats to Europe. The Turkish Van is one of the oldest domestic cat breeds, distinguished by its semi-long, water-resistant coat, unique “Van pattern” coloration, and love of water. The breed has been officially recognized by major feline organizations, including the ICCF, since 1969.
General Appearance
The Turkish Van is a large, muscular cat with an elegant, well-proportioned body. The coat is semi-long, soft, and water-repellent. The typical coloration is pure white with distinctive reddish markings on the head and tail. The head is wedge-shaped and medium in length, with clean lines and a strong chin. The ears are large, wide-set, with tufts of hair. The eyes are large, oval, usually amber or blue, and often odd-eyed. The tail is long and plumed. The overall impression is that of a graceful, powerful, and harmoniously built cat according to ICCF standards.
Important Proportions
The Turkish Van shows balanced body proportions: the body length slightly exceeds the height at the withers. The head is medium in length, with a smooth transition to the muzzle and a well-developed chin. The ears are large and widely spaced. The limbs are strong, with the hind legs slightly longer than the front, giving power and agility. The tail measures about two-thirds of the body length. The neck is medium and muscular. Overall proportions form a silhouette of a strong yet agile cat, highlighting its natural grace and strength per ICCF requirements.
Behavior and Temperament
The Turkish Van is friendly, active, and curious, with a distinct personality. It is famous for its love of water and swimming — a rare trait among cats. Social yet independent, Vans form strong bonds with their owners and remain playful throughout life. Intelligent and inquisitive, they are easy to train and enjoy challenges. The breed combines hunting instincts with a gentle, affectionate nature. Under ICCF standards, the Turkish Van is noted for its adaptability, resilience, and expressive, noble character.
Head
The head is wedge-shaped with slightly rounded contours. The forehead is smooth and gently curved without protrusions. The transition from forehead to muzzle is soft and natural. The muzzle is medium in length, proportionate to the head, with a strong, level chin. The profile is harmonious without abrupt angles or breaks. The head gives an impression of confidence and nobility, in line with ICCF standards.
Facial Features
The facial structure is refined, with a neat nose of medium length and width. The nose bridge is straight, nostrils well defined. Jaws are even and strong. Whiskers are white, medium in length, adding expressiveness. Cheeks are gently rounded, softening the overall expression without losing definition. The face conveys balance, elegance, and intelligence — consistent with ICCF expectations.
Eyes
Eyes are large, oval, and widely set. Colors range from amber to blue, with heterochromia (odd eyes) being a distinctive and desirable trait. The gaze is open, lively, and intelligent. Eyelids are fine and smooth. The eyes should express curiosity and alertness, emphasizing the breed’s uniqueness per ICCF standards.
Ears
Ears are large, with a broad base and slightly rounded tips. They are set high and wide apart, enhancing the wedge shape of the head. The inner surface is well furnished with long hair, providing warmth and a fluffy appearance. Tips may feature small tufts. Ears are highly mobile, reflecting the cat’s mood. Proper ear placement and shape are essential according to ICCF standards.
Neck
The neck is muscular, of medium length and thickness, smoothly joining the head and body. It provides excellent flexibility and a balanced outline. The skin is smooth, covered with a fine coat. In motion, the neck accentuates both strength and elegance. The ICCF standard emphasizes proportionality between neck, head, and body.
Body
The body of the Turkish Van is strong, muscular, with a broad chest and straight back. The torso is long and slightly arched, reflecting endurance and athletic ability. The abdomen is gently tucked, merging smoothly with the hindquarters. The loin is powerful yet flexible, allowing agility. The ICCF standard defines the Van’s body as a combination of power and grace.
Tail
The tail is long and plumed, approximately the length of the torso. The fur is dense and soft, forming a full, feathery appearance. The tip is rounded and well-covered. The tail moves lightly and expressively, aiding balance and agility. According to ICCF, the tail must be proportional and harmonious with the body.
Forelimbs
The forelegs are medium in length, strong, and straight. Bones are firm, with elbows held close to the body. Paws are oval, neat, and compact, with well-developed pads providing stability and fluidity of movement. Claws are light in color, medium in length. The forelimbs demonstrate strength and mobility, essential for the breed’s athletic nature. ICCF standards require balance and structural soundness.
Hindlimbs
The hind legs are longer and more powerful than the front, with strong joints and developed muscles. Bones are straight, with smooth joint curves ensuring a wide range of motion. Paws are oval, slightly larger than the front ones, remaining flexible and strong. The hindquarters provide a firm push in running and jumping — a key characteristic of the Turkish Van per ICCF.
Gait and Movement
The Turkish Van’s gait is free, smooth, and confident. The cat moves lightly yet powerfully, displaying excellent coordination. All muscle groups engage during motion, providing balance and endurance. The breed’s affinity for swimming is reflected in its flexible, fluid movements. Walking or running, it shows poise, agility, and control — a sign of good health and structure in ICCF evaluation.
Coat
The coat is semi-long, soft, and silky, with water-repellent properties. The undercoat is minimal or absent, making grooming easy. The color is predominantly white with distinct reddish markings on the head and tail. The fur is dense but not heavy, protecting from weather and aiding buoyancy in water. Under ICCF, coat texture and structure are key traits of the breed.
Permitted Colors
The Turkish Van’s ideal coloration features a pure white body with reddish markings on the head and tail only. Any color patches on the body are disqualifying. The red can range from light auburn to deep copper. Contrast and clarity of markings are highly valued. Heterochromia — eyes of different colors — is desirable and considered a hallmark of the breed. ICCF standards require strict color consistency.
Size
The Turkish Van is a large cat with a muscular build. Height at the withers is 35–40 cm, and weight ranges from 4.5 to 9 kg, with males larger than females. The body is strong yet well-proportioned, emphasizing endurance and grace without heaviness. ICCF prioritizes a harmonious balance between size, musculature, and elegance.
Faults
Faults include lack of balance, excessive heaviness or thinness, disproportionate head shape, deformed or undersized ears, improperly shaped or placed eyes, and any markings outside the head and tail areas. Solid-colored eyes without heterochromia or incorrect hues may lower evaluation. Behavioral faults such as aggression or extreme timidity are penalized. All deviations affect show and breeding eligibility under ICCF.
Disqualification
Disqualifying traits include non-standard coloration (patches beyond the head and tail), body or head deformities, incorrect ear or eye shape or placement, severe proportion errors, tail or limb abnormalities, or any sign of aggression or severe fearfulness. Cats with major skeletal or muscular disorders are disqualified. Absence of ICCF documents or pedigree verification excludes cats from breeding and exhibition programs.
Important Notes
Under ICCF, special attention is given to the genetic health of Turkish Vans, as the breed remains largely natural and must be bred responsibly to preserve its heritage. Regular grooming is essential to maintain coat quality and water-repellent properties. The breed’s intelligence and energy require an engaging environment, including opportunities for play and swimming. All breeding and show cats must possess ICCF documentation confirming pedigree and compliance with the standard.
Conclusion
According to ICCF standards, the Turkish Van is a harmonious, powerful, and elegant breed with ancient origins and distinctive traits. Its large size, semi-long water-resistant coat, and characteristic head-and-tail markings make it a unique representative among domestic cats. Participation in breeding or shows is permitted only for cats with official ICCF documents verifying origin and standard conformity. Following ICCF principles ensures preservation of the breed’s unique qualities, health, and temperament while promoting its international development. Attention to detail, responsible care, and selective breeding are key to the continued success and recognition of the Turkish Van.
