Foo Dog Statue

The Foo Dog or Fu Dog is a mythical beast whose
statue and image is prominent throughout the far east.

One of origins of the name Foo / Fu Dog is said to be
derived from the city Foochow , also known as Fu- chou.
The two different prefixes foo and fu on the cities two
name designations may be the reason for the two
different spellings of Foo Dog.

It is said Foo / Fu Dogs, though refered to as dogs
are really lions, an animal sacred to Buddism. There are
many different artistic renderings of this mythical beast
with some foo dog statues resembling lions more than
others.

The Foo Dog is also known as the Celestial Dog or
happiness dog. Foo Dog statues usually show this beast
with one of its paws reaching out and resting on a sphere
or pedistal, as if it were standind guard.

The Foo / Fu Dogs are said to protect humans from
evil spirits and those that would do harm.

Foo dog statues are often placed at the entrances to
Buddist Temples and are used to guard tombs. They are
also placed on guard at the front porch entrances of
houses.