
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 do fufu dogs symbolize?
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 a Foo dog?
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. 4.
How to tell if a dog is a foo?
4. 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. If one of your foo dogs has an open mouth, and the other has a closed one, this may represent the in-and-out breath, or the sound “om.”
What were Foo Dogs made of?
Standing sentry in front of palaces, temples and homes of the elite, foo dogs were first made of stone and could be quite massive! These impressive beasts, with their wide-open mouths as if in midroar, signified that the place they were guarding was an important one and certainly gave pause to anyone about to enter.
What does a ball represent in a dog?
The ball may represent the world , and the puppy may represent nature, or a nurturing spirit. If one of your foo dogs has an open mouth, and the other has a closed one, this may represent the in-and-out breath, or the sound “om.”. 5. There is a right way and a wrong way to position your pair.
Where to put foo dogs?
Because of their protective symbolism, foo dogs seem especially appropriate in places where they are sure to be noticed. Place a pair on a console in the foyer, or make them a focal point of the living room atop the mantel. Foo dogs also work well as decorative bookends, and look stunning placed at either end of a buffet in a dining room, as shown here.
Where did the Foo Dog originate?
Foo dog statues, with their striking, often colorful appearance, have become a favorite 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.
Can you use a foo dog as decor?
7. Using foo dogs as decor is nothing new. 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. Why not add a pair to yours?
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 tassel in feng shui?
A tassel offers an alternative feng shui use of the Fu Dogs symbol. It is best to display a Fu Dogs tassel close to the home's main door. A mystic knot feng shui design in a tassel adds to its protective and good luck energy, as does the auspicious feng shui power of the color red. Do not display a Fu Dogs tassel in the bathroom or kitchen.
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.
