Dragons are typically depicted as reptilian, scaly creatures but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fur or feathers. In fact, the idea of dragons with fur has become a popular theme in modern fantasy works.
Dragons with fur allow for a more realistic and humanlike take on the mythical creature, blending animal traits like warmth and nurturing with the epic might and mystery dragons are renowned for. It also allows for a greater variety of habitats, such as deep forests or freezing environments.
The earliest depictions of dragons, for example, show a mix of reptilian and mammalian features. Some of the ancient Slavic dragons, such as the zmeu and the Germanic Lindworm, were said to have hair or feathers on their bodies.
Feathered dragons are also a popular feature in modern fantasy fiction, including the drakes from the Dragonlance book series and the ice wyrms from the Temeraire novel series. Feathered dragons can also be found in many video games, such as the bearded dragon races of Warcraft.
To have fur, dragons must undergo a significant biological change, Live Science reports. To grow fur, a dragon would need to develop an additional layer of skin that contains hair follicles. In addition, their bodies might need to be larger to accommodate the bulkier layers of fur that could help them retain heat. Dragons with fur are portrayed in various ways by artists, from manes that symbolize the wisdom of older dragons to extra fur around their heads that mimics the rice-paddy hats worn by ancient Chinese farmers.
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