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Dog Genes and Facial Hair

We’re still talking about canine coats and how just three genes are believed to account for much of the variation observed in your dog’s coat. Why use dozens of genes when three can do all the heavy lifting?

If you’ve ever wondered why some breeds sport impressive facial hair, look no further.

I’m talking about your Schnauzer’s amazing Tom Selleck.

Yes, there’s a mutation for that.

Variations in R-spondin-2 (RSPO2) have been linked to both wiry coats and the kind of facial hair that would make any 70s detective jealous. The result? “Furnishings”—the glorious eyebrows, mustaches, and beards rocked by Scottish Terriers, Schnauzers, and Wolfhounds.

So if your dog looks like they belong in a Victorian portrait or a 1980s cop drama, just thank their weirdly specific genetic blueprint.

For old times sake:

So far, we've covered dog breeds without coat mutations (the spades suit - short coated breeds) and the "hearts" suit - featuring dogs with long hair and the FGF5 mutations responsible. You can read about those long locks here.

Two decks make up Fidome.

I call them “Coat Check” and “Form Factor.”

Coat Check is all about the genetics behind short coats, long coats, curly coats, and yes, those fabulous furnished ones.

Form Factor digs into the structural mutations that give us dogs with larger muscle mass, shorter muzzles, or that adorably stocky build we call dwarfism.

Together, these decks showcase 85 breeds, spread across two decks. A few lucky dogs made it into both because some rock a lot of mutations. Yes, I’m talking about your mother's Shih Tzu.

Anyway, here’s the plan:

1. Share updates here so you can see how the project unfolds.

2. Introduce you to the breeds and mutations that made the cut.

3. Shamelessly ask for your input on additional breeds to include (yes, I want your opinion, dog nerds).

4. Finally, if enough of you are interested, post the project on Kickstarter.

Thanks for joining me on this wildly specific creative journey. If you’re as nerdy about dogs as I think you are, you can sign up for deck-specific updates here!