The Dog Tarot Deck

The Dog Tarot Deck, created by artist Taylor Hultquist-Todd, is a complete 78-card tarot deck that reimagines traditional archetypes through the lens of various dog breeds. The artist aimed to give dogs a "hallowed place" in tarot, challenging the common association of cats with the occult by highlighting dogs' innate warmth, loyalty, and companionship. The deck was developed over six months of planning, research, and illustration, culminating in a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019.

Each card in the deck is meticulously illustrated in black and white using ink wash and pen on hot-press watercolor paper. The compositions are inspired by the Morgan-Greer deck, while the underlying symbolism is rooted in the classic Rider-Waite system. A key feature of the deck is the thoughtful pairing of specific dog breeds with each card's meaning, reflecting different temperaments and traits to enhance the interpretive experience. The finished cards measure 2.75" x 4.75" and feature silver gilded edges.

The deck is designed to offer a reading experience that is both profound and approachable, avoiding a "silly or corny" tone despite its animal theme. It seeks to provide gravity and depth, allowing readers to connect with the familiar symbolism of tarot through the universally beloved imagery of dogs. This makes it suitable for both seasoned tarot enthusiasts looking for a unique take on the system and dog lovers seeking a meaningful connection to their readings.

This deck is ideal for dog lovers and collectors who appreciate unique, animal-themed tarot decks with a sophisticated artistic style. It appeals to readers familiar with the Rider-Waite-Smith and Morgan-Greer systems, as it maintains traditional symbolism while offering a fresh visual interpretation. Those seeking a deck that combines warmth and humor with genuine depth and gravity will find this deck particularly engaging. It's also suitable for readers who prefer black-and-white or minimalist aesthetics.

Taylor Hultquist-Todd, the artist behind The Dog Tarot, harbored a childhood dream of creating her own tarot deck, having been obsessed with them since middle school. Her inspiration for this deck stemmed from a desire to elevate dogs to a revered status in tarot, challenging the traditional association of cats with the occult. Having had dogs her entire life, she sought to capture their unwavering companionship and warmth in a way that felt meaningful and avoided being overly whimsical or "cheesy." The project took about six months to complete, from planning and research to the final illustrations.