The Turkish Van evolved around the Lake Van region in south eastern Turkey. Known for their fondness of water, it is believed they swam out to meet the fishing boats and scrounge a meal. A waterproof coat developed and to withstand the climatic extremes of this region, they also sported two different coat lengths. The Turkish Van has a long, muscular body of medium size and fine bone with a graceful lithe appearance. A short wedge-shaped head, the ears are large, pointed and set high on the head with tufts. The eyes are round to almond shape, pink rimmed and eyes of amber or blue - they can also be odd-eyed, with one blue and one amber.