I like grouping dogs by the genetic mutations they have.
Because categorizing them by the roles they play is simply boring.
Sign up for updates and add your input as we bring our deck to life!
I often like to remind people (and myself) that several genes (often dozens or even hundreds) can be linked to a single trait. But when it comes to your dog’s coat type, nature decided to keep things weirdly simple.
Turns out, just three genes are thought to be responsible for most of the glorious, tangled, high-maintenance dog fluff we know and love. That’s right—mutations on FGF5, RSPO2, and KRT71 control your pup’s hair length, furnishings, and curl pattern.
From the Golden Retriever’s dreamy wisps to the Pomeranian’s unapologetic floof, FGF5 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 5) mutations are the reason some dogs have long hair while others sport a low-maintenance buzz cut.
Not all long-haired dogs share the same mutation.
The gene may be the same, but the mutation on FGF5 that gives the Saluki her elegant fringe is not the same as the one responsible for the Afghan Hound’s dramatic, shampoo-commercial locks.
So if you’ve ever thought your dog’s coat was one-of-a-kind… science agrees with you. Just don’t let it go to their head.
For old times sake:
Last time, I started things off with our first suit in this deck (the spades - featuring dogs with short coats). You can read about that 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 are blessed with tons of mutations (looking at you Pekingnese).
So 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!
Because, even as an academic escapee, my inner science geek lives on.
