
What is the meaning of foofoo dogs?
Foo dogs are meant to be a pair Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs – one is female, the other is male. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself.
What do foo dogs mean in feng shui?
These fascinating lion-like or dog-like statues typically come in pairs and guard the doorways of Chinese temples. They are similarly placed in Feng Shui too as they are believed to help protect the Chi balance of the home. So, what do you need to know about the Foo dogs, and what exactly do these statues even represent? What Are Foo Dogs?
Are foo dogs meant to be a pair?
Foo dogs are meant to be a pair. Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs — one is female, the other is male. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself.
What are fu dogs or foo dogs?
The term “Foo dogs” or “Fu dogs” is actually a western one and isn’t used for these statues in China and in Asia. In China, they are called Shi which is the Chinese word for lions. In most other Asian countries they are just called Chinese Shi and in Japan – Korean Shi.

Where should foo dogs be placed?
Fu dogs are typically placed on each side of a doorway, on the exterior and facing out away from the interior of the home. It's best to place them in pairs (see below about pairs) and not on the floor. You often see them on platforms, raised above the ground at waist height.
Can foo dogs be placed inside the house?
Feng Shui Tips For Placing The Fu Dogs Chinese Guardian Lions or Imperial Guardian Lions are often called the Fu Dogs, and are placed inside or outside buildings to block negative energies.
Is it okay to get a foo dog tattoo?
Foo dogs are chosen to guard homes and important buildings for good reason. They are powerful symbols that offer protection. However, it is said that they will only protect those who have complete faith in their power. For those who put their trust in this Chinese tattoo, it is a powerful protective charm.
Are foo dogs supposed to be in pairs?
Foo dogs are meant to be a pair. Foo dogs are symbolic, protective statues, and they are designed in pairs — one is female, the other is male. The female represents yin, and symbolically protects the people dwelling inside the home, while the male statue, representing yang, protects the structure itself.
Are Foo dogs Chinese or Japanese?
Foo dog, dog breeds originating in China that resemble "Chinese guardian lions" and hence are also called Lion Dogs. Asiatic lions found in nearby India are the ones depicted in the Chinese culture.
What tattoo goes with a foo dog?
Foo Dog tattoos are a popular oriental design and are frequently paired with other Asian symbols like flowers and dragons. Foo Dog tattoos are likewise a popular image in traditional Japanese tattooing and have found a place in many Irezumi style bodysuits and sleeves.
What is a foo dog in Japanese?
They are variously known in English as lions, dogs, lion dogs, Fu dogs or Foo dogs. In Japan they are called komainu 狛犬 こまいぬ , and in Okinawa they are shīsā.
What does Oni tattoo mean?
Oni Tattoos means the devil's ability to punish any evil or unjust act. You can embrace that meaning and show that you're a tough guy with this sleeve idea. This tattoo will protect you from evil and it will represent your bold character as well as your journey or the life that is ahead or behind you.
What are yakuza tattoos?
Yakuza tattoos can be colorful or complicated black outlines. They typically cover the entire body from the shoulders down to the legs, called a Yakuza bodysuit. Focused on Japanese mythology and the history of the Yakuza, these Japanese tattoos show the person's identity to the world.
What do tattoos mean in Japan?
Traditionally, Japanese tattoos began as a means of conveying societal status as well as serving as spiritual symbols that were often used as a sort of charm for protection as well as symbolizing devotion, not unlike modern religious tattoos.
What does a female Fu dog symbolize?
The female fu dog symbolizes her maternal instinct to protect her baby. This same devotion, loyalty and protection translates to the home or business she protects.
What does the male Fu dog represent?
Some depictions refer to this as a globe. It symbolizes the male fu dog's control over circumstances and how it effects your own private world.
What is a pair of Fu dogs?
A pair of fu dogs guards the entrances to Chinese palaces, temples and even garden gates. Any place considered important or sacred is usually protected by a pair of fu dogs, one female and one male.
What dog guards the gates at the entrance to heaven?
A pair of enormous fu dogs, one female (yin) and the other male (yang), were believed to stand guard on either side of the gates at the entrance to heaven.
What does the Fu Dog mean?
The meaning of the fu dog (or foo dog) in feng shui is a symbol of protection. Most importantly, fu dogs are known as the Imperial Guardian Lions.
When were Fu Dogs created?
The featured partial statue had been paired with another one at the gate of the Eastern Han capital, Luoyang. The Eastern Han dynasty (second Han period) was from 25 AD to 220 AD).
Where to put a fu dog?
You can also place a pair of fu dog on either side of your driveway entrance or at a garden gate entrance. You don't necessarily need to invest in large statues, you can use smaller ones on a console foyer table or shelf facing the front door.
What is a foo dog?
Foo dogs were originally displayed outdoors. These Chinese guardian lions were found standing sentry in front of palaces, temples, and homes of the elite.
How to tell the gender of a Foo dog?
Each detail of the is symbolic. You can tell their gender by examining what’s beneath the paws.
What does a puppy ball represent?
The ball represents the world and the puppy represents nature or a nurturing spirit. If it has an open mouth and the other has closed one, this may represent the in-and-out breath, or the sound of “om.”. There is a right way and a wrong way to position the pair.
What is a foo dog?
Foo dogs are actually lions. In China, where foo dogs originated, they are called shi, meaning ‘lion’, or shishi, meaning ‘stone lion’. They do share a resemblance with the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu, which led these figures to be called foo dogs (or fu dogs) in English – though you may also see them referred to as Chinese guardian lions, ...
How to tell which foo dog is which?
Each detail of the foo dog is symbolic. You can tell which foo dog is which by examining what’s beneath the paws: the male dog holds a ball; the female dog holds a puppy. The ball may represent the world, and the puppy may represent nature, or a nurturing spirit.
Where do foo dogs come from?
Versions of the foo dog have been used in homes in China as symbolically protective decor for hundreds of years. Whether flanking the front door, perched on the mantel, or given pride of place on a special shelf, these unique creatures have been guarding and adorning homes for ages.
Where did the Foo Dog originate?
Foo dog statues, with their striking, often colourful appearance, have become a favourite of decorators in the West – but their history spans thousands of years, tracing back to ancient China. If you’ve ever spied these creatures and found yourself wondering about them, here are seven things to know about foo dogs. 1.
Where should I place my foo dog?
When you’re facing a pair of foo dogs, the most auspicious placement according to feng shui is with the female (with cub) on the left, and the male (with ball) on the right. And if you have a pair, displaying them together rather than in different rooms is the way to go.
Where did Staffordshire dogs originate?
While Staffordshire dogs originated in 19th-century England, like foo dogs they were used as symbols of protection and status. Staffordshire dogs were o ften found flanking the fireplace in well-to-do British homes, and were strikingly similar in pose and scale – I can’t help but wonder if they were at all influenced by these ancient guardian statues of China.
What does a Fu Dog represent?
They were also a traditional feng shui symbol of family wealth and social status and were placed in front of wealthy homes. Fu Dogs are usually displayed as a couple. The male Fu Dog is holding a globe under his right paw, which signifies control over his domain and protection of his home.
What Are Fu Dogs?
Fu (or fo) dogs are mythical lion-like animals that are protectors. Fu dog statues can be found in China flanking the entrances and gates to palaces, official buildings, temples, homes, and even tombs. These guard dogs keep watch and were historically placed to ward off any negative energies.
What is a metal Fu dog?
Metal Fu Dogs. A metal Fu Dog couple is good for a front door direction that calls for the Metal feng shui element, such as a northwest- or west-, or north-facing front door (the water feng shui element benefits from metal's energy). The male Fu Dog (the one holding the globe) is always placed on the male, or Dragon side of the house ...
What color are Fu dogs?
Ceramic Fu Dogs in soft white color can be an excellent feng shui decor addition to an Asian-inspired space. White Fu Dogs tend to have a graceful energy and can work with most home decor.
Where to place Fu dogs in feng shui?
Fu dogs are typically placed on each side of a doorway, on the exterior and facing out away from the interior of the home. It’s best to place them in pairs (see below about pairs) and not on the floor. You often see them on platforms, raised above the ground at waist height. They don’t need to be super large, but they do need to be proportionally sized to the building and/or space they are protecting.
Is a lion an animal?
It is interesting to note that the lion is not an animal indigenous to China. It is believed that travelers to China brought stories about lions as Buddhist protectors of Dharma. Statues of lions were modeled in feng shui based on the travelers' descriptions and drawing inspiration from native dogs.
Can you use a blue Fu dog in a bagua?
Suitable for inside, you can use them in almost any area of the bagua that needs an extra energy boost of protection. No matter which feng shui area of the bagua you choose to place these Fu Dogs, have them face toward the main door, or the outside of the house, not the inside.
What is a foo dog?
Foo Dogs, or Guardian Lions in English, are a common sight worldwide with a rich history.
What does a Foo Dog tattoo represent?
By whatever name you call them, Foo Dog tattoos are a beautiful symbol of regality, strength, balance, and vitality.
Why are lions called foo dogs?
Because Guardian Lions were often stationed outside of temples, they were referred to as “foo dogs” by Westerners because “fo” and “fu” mean “Buddha” in Chinese.
What dog breeds are associated with lions?
One only needs to look at their adorable little faces to see why! These dogs are shih tzu (lion dog), Chow Chow (puffy lion dog) and the Pekignese ( Fu-lin in Chinese, meaning Lion Dog.)
Why do people get a Foo Dog tattoo?
A Foo Dog tattoo is a nice option because it represents the strength so many of us aspire to, while being tempered by a more feminine, contemplative and gentle quality.
What is the Japanese guardian lion?
The Japanese guardian Lion, with its bulbous eyes and bared teeth, is a ubiquitous image when people think of Japan. Not only that, but Foo Dog have become quite the popular image for tattoo designs. Sometimes depicted as colorful and playful- other times menacing, the Foo Dog tattoo is a crowd pleasing design.
What is the Korean word for a dog?
As an extra historical side note- Komainu is actually the Korean word for dog- so it seems no matter what, dogs and royal lions will be inextricably linked across Asian countries.
What is the difference between a female Fu dog and a male Fu dog?
The male Fu dog can be recognized with his paw on the ball, while the female one is the one with her paws on a cub.
Where are Fu dogs placed?
Fu Dogs are usually depicted as a pair of lion statue that is traditionally placed at the entrance of Chinese imperial palaces, imperial tombs, temples etc. They were also symbols of family wealth and social status and were positioned in front of rich homes.
What is the Chinese lion known as?
The Chinese Imperial Lions are widely known as the Fu Dogs / Foo Dogs, especially in the Western society. In the Chinese Asian countries, it is being known as the Guardian Lion, an auspicious symbol of protection and power.
Can Fu Dogs help with negative sha qi?
For example, if your house is facing sharp corner of a building, lamp post and other external negative energy, you can place one pair of Fu Dogs facing it.
