In 1882, a fine boned, silver Angora type female cat with no markings was mated with a similarly colored, non pedigreed male. Their daughter became the mother of the first Chinchilla title holder, whose body was exhibited in London’s Natural History Museum.
The undercoat of the Chinchilla is pure white. The coat on the back, flanks, head, ears and tail is tipped with black. The tipping should be evenly distributed to give the characteristic silver sparkle. The legs may be slightly shaded with the tipping, but the chin, ear furnishings, stomach and chest must be pure white.
Tabby markings or brown or cream tinges are undesirable. There has been great controversy about the required size of a Chinchilla; the breed is sometimes described as fairy like, but this is not to do with size, Chinchillas are usually medium sized and quite solidly built.
When a Chinchilla moves, the coat appears to sparkle, which is why the breed is sometimes described as ethereal or fairy like.
The Chinchilla’s emerald or bluish green eyes are outlines in black, creating an eyeliner effect.
| coat | thick and dense, like swansdown |
| eyes | emerald or blue green, visible skin on eyelids black or dark brown |
| other features | nose leather brick red, paw pads black or dark brown |
| grooming | demanding, needs constant attention |
| temperament | placid, often livelier than other Persians |
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