Foo Dogs

Fu Dogs

Happiness Dogs

Celestial Dogs

Foo dogs are mythical creatures from Chinese legend.  They serve as guardians, protecting the home from intruders and warding off evil influences.  They symbolize fidelity, truth, wisdom, authority and protection.

There are many different stories explaining their origins.  While they are commonly thought of as celestial dogs, some believe them to be stylized representations of lions.   Lions are not indigenous to China, which may explain their conventionalized look in early Chinese art.  Lions may have been introduced to China through the teachings of Buddhism, as lions are divine companions of Buddha.  During the Han dynasty, Persia gave lions to the emperor as gifts of tribute, and so they came to symbolize imperial power and authority.  Other representations in Chinese art show these beasts as obviously mythical creatures with horns, hooves and scales.  Various iterations of these chimerical creatures are found throughout all of Asia.

Foo dogs are often placed at entrances to sacred buildings and homes.  They are found in male-female pairs.  The male foo dog usually has his left paw atop a globe while the female foo dog has her opposite paw resting on a baby pup.  According to some, the globe connotes worldly success and possessions, while the baby pup symbolizes home and family; others say that the sphere signifies Heaven and the pup represents Earth.  The raised paws are always on the inside, ensuring that all is protected.  The two dogs have their heads turned slightly to opposite directions, always watchful and alert.