BREED HISTORY

The Turkish Angora is a naturally occurring breed. It orignated in the area of western Turkey, near the capitol city of Ankara, which was called "angora" at one time.

Several legends persist as to how the breed originated. However, by the 17th century, this breed was gaining the attention of royal houses and other powerful families of Europe.

Over time, the Turkish Angora lost favor to the Persian breed, which became the predominate long-haired breed.

Yet, in its native Turkey, the breed continued to survive. Considered a natural treasure, the white Turkish Angora is still maintained at the Ankara Zoo.

In the early 1960s, the Turkish Angora breed was reintroduced in to the United States by Walter and Liesa Grant, who brought in an import from the Zoo. Other breeders joined to promote the breed. By 1973, the white Turkish Angora had been accepted for Championship competition. Acceptance of non-white Angoras for competition would take several years longer.

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