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The Great Canine Follicle Debacle
£39.95
Add intrigue to your next party with this mystery game, set at a dog show.
Format:
30 Minute Mystery
Setting:
Dog show
Time:
30+ minutes
Ages:
Family / Children
Players:
Play with Printed Sheets or the App
Hosts have the choice of playing the game with printable documents or using the PWM Party Assistant app
View app gameplay guide
Play In-Person or Over Video Chat
You can host this game in-person or over video chat. The game is built to be run either way!
Find out which dog will win Best in Mischief this year…
Backstory
Your guests will be playing the roles of the canine contestants in the Bestbred Dog Show, one of the most prestigious and long-running competitions of its kind. Each year, top dogs of every breed gather at Bestbred, and, groomed to look their very best, compete to be best in their breed, best in their group, and finally, best in show. This year, something terrible has happened and Petunia the Poodle has met with a horribly embarrassing fate! Winner of the top prize in the non-sporting group and the odds-on favorite to take the best-in-show title, Petunia went for her grooming but emerged from her bath completely BALD!
Solving the Mystery:
It looks like someone really had it in for Petunia the Poodle: someone substituted a bottle of hair removal lotion for her shampoo, and now she’s bald! It’s up to the guests to figure out who is responsible, since their bumbling human owners are sure to mess things up!
Murder-free and family friendly!
There are 8 primary characters in this game. Read the "How to Play" section for instructions on how to play this game with more than 8 people.
* = Optional character
- Chester, The English Springer Spaniel: Chester, winner of the sporting group, is a friendly fellow with a love of rawhide treats.
- Brunhilda, The German Shepherd Dog: Brunhilda, winner of the herding group, is highly intelligent and a keen problem solver, and she’s not afraid to rub it in.
- Angus, The Scottish Terrier:
Angus, winner of the terrier group, is clever but obstinate.
- Daisy, The Bassett Hound:
Daisy, winner of the hound group, is gentle in spirit but insecure about her droopy appearance.
- Chica, The Chihuahua:
Chica, winner of the toy group, is a sassy, lively character in a tiny package.
- Roxy, The Boxer:
Roxy, winner of the working group, is an energetic and alert guard dog with a long, floppy tongue.
- Brutus, The Bulldog:
Brutus, runner up in the non-sporting group, is a laid-back, root beer-and-pizza kind of guy.
- Motley, The Mutt:
Motley, the only mixed-breed dog in the group, is a hard-boiled cynic.
Extra Players
- *Investigator: If you have more than 8 players, additional players have the option of playing the role of "Investigators". In this role the players are not suspects and do not have character backgrounds but can question the suspects and try to solve the mystery along with the other players.
What's Included
This game kit includes: Hosting guide - Guidebook that takes you through all the steps for running the game Character sheets - Information sheets for eight unique characters and one generic "Investigator" character Name cards - Printable name cards that can be placed in front of players for in-person games (optional) Introductory Handout - A brief description of the game that can be sent to your guests ahead of the event (optional) Invitation template - Printable template that can be used to send paper invitations to your guests (optional)Our line of 30 Minute Mysteries is specially designed for fast setup and easy play, whether your playing in-person or virtually over video chat.
All you need to do is:
- Gather a group of players
- Distribute character sheets
- Follow the party guide instructions
If you’re playing in person, you have the option of printing out the hosting script and character sheets, or you and your guests may view them on your electronic devices.
Best of all, the party facilitator can choose whether they join in the game and solve the mystery along with the other guests!
Playing the Game
While this mystery has 8 primary characters, it is designed to accommodate any number of additional players. See the “Expanded Game for Large Groups” section below if you have more than 8 players.
Each of the players will be assigned a character and given a character sheet that explains who or what their character is, what information their character knows, and how their character should respond to events that occur during the game.
The game will progress in rounds.
Round One will start with the party’s host or hostess reading a script that explains the nature of the mystery that is afoot. After the introduction is read, each player at the table will share a piece of information from their character sheet, which will often be met by a response from another player.
Round Two begins with the host sharing a clue that should shed further light on the mystery. After the clue is revealed, the players will once again go around, providing another piece of information.
Round Three, the final round, begins with the host sharing the last clue. The players then go around the table a final time, sharing their last piece of information.
By this point, the players should have enough information to piece together a theory about who was responsible for the crime. Everyone will vote for the culprit, which the host will then reveal. Any player or couple who correctly guessed the identity of the killer is declared a winner.
From start to finish, the game typically requires half an hour to complete.
What Do I Need in Order to Play?
Our 30 Minute Mysteries are specifically designed to not require very much in the way of supplies. All you need is:
- Playing area
- In-person – Table to sit around or large playing area where the guests can sit in a circle
- Virtual – Video chat room (links to 3rd-party providers like Zoom included in game)
- A group of players (minimum 8 people)
- Access to a printer or electronic device (so you can distribute game materials)
Expanded Game For Large Groups
If you have more than 8 players, there are three ways that you can accommodate everyone:
- Investigator Role – Using this method, eight guests play the primary characters while the remainder of the guests each play the Investigator role. Players in this role are not suspects and do not have character backgrounds but can question the suspects and try to solve the mystery along with the other players.
- Teams – Each primary character can be played by 2 or more people that work together as a team. This works well if you’ve invited several couples to your event, but also works if you break up your guests into eight larger teams of 3 or more guests.
- Multiple Groups – If you have 16 or more guests, you can break them up into groups of 8 players and run multiple instances of the game on their own. This method is best for large events (e.g. fundraisers) where each table of people can play through the game independently. This method goes well with the Investigator method, which allows you the flexibility to add more than 8 people to any group.
Both the standard and expanded games are included with the purchase of any game kit.
MerryMary –
Headline The mystery fell flat
Nickname MerryMary
Birthday party for my daughter-in-law. Once I read the details, I knew that the mystery would be perfect for my event. I assumed that I could adapt it for my family of 8 (possibly 6). Unfortunately, I could not adapt the dialog, and no smaller groups are available for these . I’ll save it for another time, if I can involve more people.
Brooke –
Headline Dog Gone Good Time
Nickname Brooke
Theme Highlights Kids each received a dog ear headband, dog themed notebook and pen to keep track of their information.
I hosted a 10 year-old birthday party with The Great Canine Follicle Debacle. The kids had a great time and only 1 of them figured out the culprit. There were a few minor typos in the scripts/directions, but nothing major. It was a great party and I would love to try another.
Jan –
Headline A really fun family party to include everyone.
Nickname Jan
Menu Highlights I think hot dogs would be an obvious choice, but I went with a larger meal. I bought HOT RODS and said they were dog chews. The snacks were served in plastic dog bowls from the dollar store.
Theme Highlights I made felt dog ears on headbands for each dog to match their breed, and had sunglasses for the investigators. I found patterns for ears on Martha Stewart's site, and just changed the shape as needed for the different breeds. I put sheets out paper for people to write down any questions, and a magnifying glass to check the clues. I made balloon dogs to decorate. I bought little candy treats for my grand-daughters at our Bulk Barn - little dog crates with a tiny dog and a bit of candy.
I hosted THE GREAT CANINE FOLLICLE DEBACLE for 13 family members, age 8-68. The adults really got into their parts, with an accent for Angus and Brutus scratching herself! It took us about one hour as some of the readers were slower, and the investigators, who do not have a scripted part, asked lots of questions. The script is well written; a few people were able to solve the mystery. We will certainly do another mystery party.
Fastdaisy –
Headline Great family fun!
Nickname Fastdaisy
My family and I played virtually on Christmas. It was so much fun! Everyone loved getting into character. It was super easy and the instructions were great so that I could participate and not have any spoilers. Which was crazy because I was the guilty one! ???? We’ll definitely be doing another one. And I my team at work wants to do one now too!
The Family –
Headline Wonderful experience
Nickname The Family
Menu Highlights snacks included: pup-corn, pup-tatoe chips, fetch sticks, cheese paws. For the main course, of course, we had a variety of hot dogs and sausages, toppings and sides.
Theme Highlights We gathered before hand and watched the final minutes of the American Kennel Club dog to set the mood and so the younger generation knew a little background.
It was great. Our family has been doing mystery dinner for over 20 years on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We now have a new generation of young readers on board so we were looking for something that could work for a group of 15 from 5-78 years old. The Great Canine Follicle Debacle worked perfectly. We had the older generation as the investigators and the current and up and coming generation all assigned to dogs or dog teams based on reading ability. Folks were from all over the country so in advance the dogs were assigned to give folks the chance to bring costumes and props. We ordered dog ears and had face paint available. Each person was given a folder with their scripts once they arrived at the table so nothing was given away. Folks got a little confused with the order of the script and responses but the host kept everyone on track We all had a wonderful experience and can’t wait for the next mystery.
laura –
Headline Mystery Pawty!
Nickname laura
Menu Highlights Hot dogs, pasta, fruit and "puppy chow" /muddy buddies
Theme Highlights We found "pawty" decorations
We did the mystery for 8 year old birthday party with kids and adults to help younger kids. THe script worked very well for their age group and had a great time. 1 parent read through ahead of time and assigned characters which worked well.
Spice Girl –
Headline Grands Uncover Scoundrel
Nickname Spice Girl
I used the Follicle Debacle with my grandchildren (ages 10-32) for our family camp. Everyone had a great time, and I discovered acting abilities in my grands that I didn’t know were there. We’ll do this again with another product. Thank you.
country players –
Headline It was a howling good mystery.
Nickname country players
Menu Highlights My menu was a homemade Chinese inspired menu, the fun parts was appetizers and dessert was served from dog bowls. The dessert course was hot chocolate, homemade fortune cookies & puppy chow snack mix.
Theme Highlights Centerpiece and some serving pieces were dog food bowls.
Birthday dinner party with family and close friends. 14 guests in all. We conducted the rounds between dinner courses.
Valentine Hostess –
Headline Delightfully entertaining!
Nickname Valentine Hostess
We host an annual Valentines Day potluck for our neighborhood. This year we decided to do a mystery party. With 16 senior citizens in attendance things started off rather timidly but as it progressed, the suspects began getting into character and we ended up with some adlibs and generally there was a lot of laughter and high spirited fun. As narrator, I decided to play it as Petunia the Poodle handling my own investigation. I took ideas from previous reviews and got floppy eared headbands for the characters, had snacks out in dog dishes, had paw print balloons laying around the room and was lucky enough to find dog themed wrapped valentine candy hearts for everyone. We had a “Dog Gone” good time once the party went to the dogs!
None –
Headline New Years' Eve Party
Nickname None
Our party had both adults and children, with the kids’ age range being 9-16, for a total of about 40 people. Once we were able to get the partiers to gather together and settle down, I read the instructions to everyone and had people break in to small groups to play the various roles. Most people were eager to play, with the “investigator” role giving people who were a bit shy about acting out their roles a good escape hatch. With a group this large it did take a while, but all the participants (and the wall-flowers) thoroughly enjoyed it, providing a memorable experience for all
Shawnmarie –
Headline Great giggles!
Nickname Shawnmarie
Menu Highlights I have dog bowls full of treats. Had bbq sandwiches and it was an finger food potluck so each lady brought something different.
Theme Highlights Dog masks and candy necklaces as dog colors. Sunglasses for inspectors.
Great fun. I had 15 women over to the house so each character was used along with many investigators. I set up the house with balloons and flowers and dog bowls full of treats. I also had dark sunglasses for all the investigators and dog masks ordered off of Amazon.
We did find each round and how each person was to respond, a little confusing. It would be great to have each round with the responses to be said from each person highlighted in different colors. I feel this would make it flow much better. I had each person‘s character on the front of their paper booklet I made but found each person should really have the dogs name on a name tag applied to where it can be seen for best responses and interaction with each other.
Overall we had fun and I can’t wait to do the one I already ordered for Christmas with the family. I will go through ahead of time and try not to find the answer but highlight the rounds with corresponding answers and different colors for better flow.
Deni –
Headline Great Evening of Family Entertainment
Nickname Deni
Our family of 11, aged 17-63, gathered on a Friday evening to celebrate our many summer birthdays. We had a wonderful time as we attempted to solve The Great Canine Follicle Debacle.
After introducing the mystery, I gave each person, including investigators, their prospective role, and a small bag filled with needed items to help them get into character and be the best sleuths possible (homemade dog ears coinciding to their character, candy necklace for collar, notepad and pencil). I was delighted to see everyone put on the ears and enthusiastically get into character!
We had a great evening filled with lots of laughter. Only two of the participants solved the crime, and they were awarded “The Master Sleuth Awards” The players voted on the male and female whom they felt best represented their character and these two received the, “You played It Well Awards”! I chose some fall-themed prizes, movie tickets, and gift cards for coffee….none over five dollars. Everyone got “chocolate”!! The prizes added a little competition, which our family enjoys, and even with all the additions, we only took about an hour and 15 minutes!
It was truly a delightful evening, and we are looking forward to a full scale mystery with dinner in the near future!
Steve Chappell –
Headline A Howling good time!
Nickname Steve Chappell
Theme Highlights We used some crime related decorations like caution tape. We also put out some wooden and wire puzzles that guests could work on while eating to get their minds warmed up for the mystery.
We used this for a camp fundraiser. We invited the community to come out and enjoy a meal and a show. Our first instinct was to act it out for the audience, but during planning decided to let the audience play themselves. This was the much better option. Each table worked as a character and some of the tables really got into it which made it even better! We will definitely be looking at doing these theaters again with other mysteries to solve!
Diva –
Headline Such a blast!
Nickname Diva
Theme Highlights We didn't use any themed decorations or anything and it was still a lot of fun!
We had a confirmation party for four eighth graders and their families from our church. Because it was a variety of age groups I decided to try this “family” mystery as I had never experienced a mystery party before. We had 16 people involved in our game so we teamed up in groups of two. As we started playing more and more people were coming in to investigate for themselves who done it!!! We had a blast! Will definitely be purchasing more in the future for parties at home as well as students in my drama class!
GrandmasGems –
Headline Great multi-generation G-rated fun
Nickname GrandmasGems
Theme Highlights Face painting for each k-9 character helped role playing.
We were looking for something fun and a bit out of the ordinary to play together when the weather might not permit other planned activities on our multi- generation family vacation. We chose The Great Canine Follicles Debacle mystery because there was no actual murder and our youngest member was 7. Along with the game script I packed some face-painting makeup. On the day chosen we read the characters and each person chose theirs. A couple players changed the name of their character to the name of their own pet dog. In preparation the 15 year old painted everyone’s face to enhance their role. The 30 minute mystery was just long enough to intrigue all those playing from ages 7-62. We only had 7 players but it was easy for one person to play the role of 2 characters…even adding to the humor of the game. Everyone enjoyed the game…even the adult initially reluctant to play laughed hardily. In the end the children asked to play again. The mystery was good clean fun enjoyed by all. Picking a new mystery for our next extended time together.
Ms. Johnson –
Headline 4th Grade Fun
Nickname Ms. Johnson
I used this party with my 4th grade gifted and talented class, and they absolutely loved it. We played “Toy Chest Trauma” at Christmas time, and they were begging for another one. The kids got really into the characters, and had a blast. I was slightly worried that no one would want to be Motley, the “stinky” dog, but he ended up being the coolest character. I wish there was another non-holiday themed party I could download for the end of the year. These parties are great!
Marina –
Headline So much fun!
Nickname Marina
This was more fun than I expected. Even my dad was funny, which did not see coming! I bought some dog-ear-headbands which added to the laughter. I’m shopping for my next mystery now, love ’em!
Jackie –
Headline Youth Group Mystery and Dinner Night
Nickname Jackie
We invited our youth group (gr 6 to 8) to participate for an evening of fun and dinner. Everyone had so much fun. The parts were assigned when they arrived, but they were told to come dressed as dogs if they wanted to. On arrival they each received a "dog collar" (candy necklace). After the first round we offered Scooby Snack Treats. After the 2nd round we offered Mystery flavored Oreo’s. The kids really had fun getting into character. Our dectectives were given names of famous dog detectives, McGruff the Crime Dog, Hong Kong Phue, Scooby Doo. Our detectives really enjoyed their parts, too!
Della Yaxley –
Headline Celebrate Spring Champagne Brunch
Nickname Della Yaxley
Regrets, postponed to April 22 2018 due to stormy weather conditions and renting the location.
Brent Highfil –
Headline Christmas Party Fun
Nickname Brent Highfil
We used this for the Senior Adult CHRISTmas party at church. They really got into their parts and had everyone in stitches. We had so much fun and plan on doing another on in the future. Low prep and great fun – AWESOME
Daralyn –
Headline Who dun it?
Nickname Daralyn
Kids had a blast. We grouped the kids together because some couldn’t read. They all made a poster of their character, and we put the clues on the board. They loved it. We are going to order another one soon.
Suprano –
Headline FUN!
Nickname Suprano
at a overnight trek, was a great ice breaker and enjoyed by all
Cathy Ballou –
Headline GREAT FUN!!!
Nickname Cathy Ballou
Last year I purchased Toy Chest Trauma and actually turned it into a play for our clients in an Adult Day Program complete with costumes. The staff had a ball performing it. It was so much fun staff and clients asked if we could do it again. We did this for our Holiday Party in December. Of course we will do it again. This year it will be the Great Canine Follicle Debacle. I will write it and do the costumes. Looking forward to another "theatrical success."
Su –
Headline Youth group lock in
Nickname Su
Church youth group. I was afraid this mystery would be kinda lame for my sophisticated middle schoolers, but they dug in and took on the part of their particular dog character using accents and actions. The one who was guilty did such a good job that no one guessed him! They excitedly all agreed they want to do another.
Albany NY Mom –
Headline Classroom Party: Canine Follicle Debacle
Nickname Albany NY Mom
Terrific game! This was played in my daughter’s 4th grade class on Valentines Day. We actually played two different games…this and the Terror in the Basement. Each game had 12 players which seemed the perfect amount.
A few tips if you are buying for younger kids, give your kids plenty of time to read their parts and encourage them to get into character. We only had an hour to prepare and play and that wasn’t quite enough time for 9-10 year olds. I printed masks using google images and it was a hoot.
Well written game, great instructions. I will definitely try out some of their other games with my girl scouts and for slumber parties.
Kayla –
Headline Dinner Party
Nickname Kayla
We had a get together with a bunch of friends and ate different courses in between the murder mystery chapters.
It was a huge success and everyone had a lot of fun.
Some of the fun was having people really taking on their characters and making alliances with eachother. Lots of people took on a unique voice for their character.
ShonaLynne –
Headline Fellowship Group
Nickname ShonaLynne
Our ladies Bible study group decided to have a "Mystery Night" and it was a blast! Even though we are all ladies a couple of our gals enjoyed swaggering around as Brutus, Angus and Motley! We had a "Mystery Menu" potluck and played the game during appetizers, dinner, and dessert courses- it worked perfect and the whole evening was only 2 hrs! Definitely looking to do another like the Great Folicle Debacle!
Adriana –
Headline Urgent Care Team Building
Nickname Adriana
Played the game in our monthly department meeting. We are a group of 12 urgent care veterinary technicians. It was great to see the team work together to solve the mystery. We have lots of fun!!
Mrs. Koleszar –
Headline High Ability Students Solve It
Nickname Mrs. Koleszar
The students had great fun playing their roles I had given them their sheets the night before so they could prepare. We had plenty of investigators as well, who asked some tough questions. The highlight of the party was seeing the reactions of the group when certain clues were revealed. There was shock, anger, disbelief, and more, as we tried to discover who the culprit was. Everyone had a great time, and not everyone got the answer right.
Matthew Ropp –
Headline The Great Canine Follicle Debacle
Nickname Matthew Ropp
We used this mystery game for our 12 year old son’s birthday party. The material is very well written and entertaining. However, it was hard to get a decent sized group of boys this age to concentrate. The 30 minute game took over an hour. 🙂 Would probably recommend using this only with kids a bit older.