Fidome Playing Cards

Meet the Breeds - The making of the Form Factor Deck PART 4 - Diamonds

Dwarf breeds are typically under 15 inches tall, with a height-to-length ratio under 1.0—meaning they’re closer to the ground than they are tall. And while that might seem like a design flaw, it’s actually a functional feature. Short-legged dynamos like Dachshunds, Bassets, and Corgis were engineered for efficiency, built to flush game, herd, and hunt in ways that taller breeds simply can't.

Continue reading to learn about our deck's last genetic group and don't forget to sign up for updates and fetch 10% off your next purchase!

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The Genetics of Going Low

At the heart of all this short-stature sorcery is FGF4 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 4)—a gene that normally lives on Chromosome 18, minding its own business.

But in dwarf breeds?

There are extra copies of FGF4 (called retrogenes) — in places it’s absolutely not supposed to be.

How?

Normally, DNA is converted (transcribed) into RNA and, finally, protein. That protein fulfills a specific function.

But sometimes things go awry.

RNA is converted back (reverse transcribed) into DNA, and you end up with an extra copy (or copies) of a gene that can be inserted back into the genome.

It's basically the genetic equivalent of an overzealous intern who keeps sending emails no one asked for.

Oftentimes, retrogenes don’t function but, in breeds with dwarfism, extra copies of FGF4 are believed to create extra protein that inhibits normal bone growth development.

How Low Can You Go?

Not all dwarf breeds are created equal. Some breeds are kinda short, while others are practically cut off at the knees. Turns out, that might come down to just how many extra FGF4 copies they’re hoarding.

The Beagle has been shown to have one extra copy of the FGF4 gene on Chromosome 12. Same dealio with the French Bulldog, American Cocker Spaniel, and a few other breeds.

Basset Hounds, Corgis and Dachshunds (and other ultra-short dogs) tend to have extra copies on both Chromosome 18 and Chromosome 12.

Seems the more copies you have, the shorter you may end up.

Or something like that.

Fun Fact:

Here’s where things get even more interesting—dwarf breeds have a genetic condition strikingly similar to achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism in humans.

One More Time...

Fidome contains two decks of cards that group dogs based on the genetic mutations they share.

Coat Check is all about the genetics behind your dog's coat.

Form Factor digs into the structural mutations. The other suits in this deck have been introduced HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Together, 85 breeds are spread across the two decks. A few lucky dogs made it into both because some have tons of documented mutations.

There are still a few decisions to make. The Jokers currently consist of hairless breeds but there are plans to include an expansion pack (of extra Jokers) so you can enjoy a few more of your favorite breeds.

This is where you come in! I'll be asking for your input on which additional breeds to include so be on the lookout for upcoming polls!

Finally, if there's enough interest, I'll 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, please sign up for deck-specific updates below!