What is the Difference Between Turkish Van and Turkish Angora?

The Turkish Van and Turkish Angora are two distinct cat breeds that originate from Turkey. They share some similarities, but there are key differences between them:

Turkish Van:

• Large, muscular body, reaching a height between 10-14 inches and weighing between 10-20 pounds.
• Semi-long, soft coat, predominantly white with colored heads and tails.
• Distinctive markings around the eyes.
• Strong, athletic, and known to bond closely with their person.
• Loves to swim.

Turkish Angora:

• Smaller, more elegant body, reaching a height of 9-14 inches and weighing 8-15 pounds.
• Medium-length, silky coat, originally white with blue or green eyes, but now available in various colors.
• Lack of distinctive markings around the eyes.
• Exceptionally intelligent, athletic, and sociable, thriving on learning commands and tricks.
• Can be quick-tempered.

In summary, the Turkish Van is known for its large, muscular body and semi-longhair coat, while the Turkish Angora is characterized by a smaller, more elegant frame and silky coat. Turkish Vans are recognized for their love of water, whereas Turkish Angoras are more intelligent and sociable.

Comparative Table: Turkish Van vs Turkish Angora

The Turkish Van and Turkish Angora are both beautiful cat breeds originating from Turkey, but they have distinct differences in appearance and size. Here is a table comparing their characteristics:

Both breeds are known for their social and affectionate behavior, as well as their energetic and playful nature, requiring regular playtime to expend their energy. While Turkish Vans are known for their swimming abilities, Turkish Angoras have a long history of being bred for their long-haired coats, which strongly influenced the Persian breed.