The Chinchilla is an exceeding handsome variety, and one that appeals to popular sentiment, and rightly so.

The hair differs in colour at its roots and tips, being of a silvery hue at the former and grey at the latter. Any tendency towards shadings, or spots, is decidedly faulty. The presence of brown or black hairs is most objectionable, although when the kittens are born they are nearly dark - almost bordering on black.

It is very difficult to breed Chinchillas absolutely free from markings of a darker shade.

Eyes, either green or orange - preferably the first-named.

The Tortoise-shell, and Tortoise-shell and White.

To breed a first-class specimen of a long-haired Tortoise-shell, or Tortoise-shell and White, is a more difficult task to succeed in than in the corresponding short-haired variety; clear definition of markings being difficult to attain.

As the name implies, there should be a combination of black, yellow and red, or these colours with the addition of white; sharpness of definition being a sine qua non. So many Tortoise-shells are blurred, and it is this fact that handicaps them in the show pen.

Colour of the eyes, a deep orange; and coat, conformation, etc., are given under the "General Characteristics"; likewise under the corresponding "Short-haired Variety" (q.v.).