Foo Dogs, the Chinese Guardian Lions

Share this story
Did you know foo dogs are misnamed? They are not actually dogs at all. These imperial guardian lions can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 211 CE). While these architectural elements have been made from bronze, marble, and even silver, it’s most commonly made out of stone. This is why it’s traditionally called shishi, which means “stone lion.” Their resemblance to the dog breeds, chow chows and shih tzus, is what led them to be called, “foo dogs.”

Source: Unsplash
The concept features highly stylized lions, one male with a ball and one female with a cub. These lions were situated outside the home or building to protect it from harmful spiritual influences or people who they deemed as threats. Not only were their likeness made into statues, but door knockers as well.
They were commonly seen outside imperial Chinese palaces and tombs, and they spread to different parts of Asia like Japan, Korea, Tibet, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cambodia, Laos, Taiwan, and even Singapore.
Nowadays, you can still see large versions of the foo dogs placed outside the home, while others opt for the small versions inside their living space. They are often kept together in the same room with the female lion on the left and the male on the right. According to tradition, this ensures their beneficial effect.
Do you have any foo dogs on display?
Can’t get enough of dogs in general? Check out the cutest Chinese dog breeds here.
Share this story
Related Posts
7 Clever Ways to Sneakily Pay the Restaurant Bill
- Posted by Jodie Tanco
- 0 comments
Do you want to treat your family or friends without the fuss? If so, then you better learn the 7 clever strategies to sneakily pay the restaurant bill.
Dishonor on Your Cow: Ways You Have Probably Disappointed Your Ancestors
- Posted by Regiena Siy
- 0 comments
6 Pandemic Struggles that Chinoys Can Probably Relate to
- Posted by Regiena Siy
- 0 comments
Top 10 Chinese Surnames in the Philippines
- Posted by Jodie Tanco
- 0 comments
Ever wondered what the most common Chinoy surnames are? Take a look at our list here!
Why You Should Watch Vlogger Mike Chen
- Posted by Mary Matias
- 0 comments
Enjoy passing the time by watching vlogs? Then you should check out Mike Chen, one of the most well-known Chinese vloggers in the world. Learn more about him here.
Things Non-Traditional Chinoys Still Find Useful
- Posted by Stephanie Liao
- 0 comments
If you’re even the tiniest bit Chinese, there are Chinese traditions you can’t escape: Chinese New Year, the Mooncake Festival, birthday noodles, or even fireworks. Whether or not you follow these traditions, there may be some things of Chinese origins that you still find useful in your daily life.Here are some things that even non-traditional Chinoys may find helpful.
9 Things Non-Traditional Chinoys Should Know
- Posted by Stephanie Liao
- 0 comments
The struggle is real when you belong to a Chinoy family but just aren’t Chinese enough. Here are a few things to keep in mind at family gatherings so that you can get at least a few nods of approval from the relatives before retreating back to the comfort of your own home.
Everything You Need to Know About the Blue Dragon Festival
- Posted by Jodie Tanco
- 0 comments
Commemorating one of the most auspicious animals in Chinese mythology, the Blue Dragon Festival is said to be a time perfect for wishing for good blessings, good weather, and a good harvest.
Chinese Medicinal Cuisine: What You Need to Know
- Posted by Mary Matias
- 0 comments
Interested in exploring traditional Chinese medicinal food to better your health? Read on for the general principles of Chinese medicinal cuisine.
Tattoos in Chinese History and Culture
- Posted by Stephanie Liao
- 0 comments
The art of tattooing has existed in China for thousands of years. The Chinese term is “ci shen” which translates to “puncture the body.” And we take you through tattoos in Chinese history and culture.
5 Types of Chinese Hot Pot You Need To Try!
- Posted by Jodie Tanco
- 0 comments
With a history dating back to over a thousand years, there”s a whole variety of hot pot styles that have popped up around China. For all those adventurous foodies out there, here are five kinds of Chinese hot pots that you just absolutely need to try!
The Mosuo: China’s Last Matrilineal Society
- Posted by Jodie Tanco
- 0 comments
This tribal community exists in a societal structure that most of the world can only imagine — one where neither the patriarchy nor marriage exists!