| Country of origin: | China |
| Registries: | Chinese Foo Dog Club of America |
| Occupation: | Watchdog |
| Size: | Toy, mini, standard from under 10 in to 15+ in tall; from under 20 lbs to 50+ lbs |
| Longevity: | 12 to 14 years |
| Exercise: | Moderate |
| Training: | Easy |
| Grooming: | Regular brushing; sheds |
Dog name synonyms: Chinese Dragon Dog & Happiness Dog
HISTORY
The Chinese Foo Dog is an ancient Spitz-type breed. It is believed that Foos originated in China around 208 BC and were used for guarding Buddhist temples. Both the existence and the naming of the breed are very important to Buddhist religion. Chinese Foos look like lions, which are sacred animals to Buddhists. The Chinese word for Buddha is Fo, which led to the breed’s name – the Dog of Fo.
Chinese Foo Dogs are probably descendants of the Chow Chows from the barren steppes of Mongolia, crossed with several Northern European hunting dogs. Another popular belief is that the Chinese Foo Dog might be the missing link between the Chinese Wolf and the ancient Chow Chow.
Rare enough to be almost extinct in the 19th century, today the breed is still rare but growing in popularity.
PERSONALITY
Chinese Foo Dogs are known for their strength and liveliness. They are energetic, active, brave, courageous, agile and alert.
Chinese Foo Dogs are sociable, playful and friendly, but do not tolerate disrespectful behavior. Unlike many other breeds they are remain playful even when they grow up. They are affectionate, devoted and family-oriented and thrive on human interaction and attention.
True of their hunting heritage, Chinese Foo Dogs occasionally tend to be domineering independent thinkers and difficult to handle, but never aggressive. Unless there is a good reason, they are not excessive barkers.
TRAITS
The typical Chinese Foo Dog has short and upright ears, small and dark eyes, dark blue tongues, lion’s manes and high-set tails curled over the back. They are compact dogs with square built.
Chinese Foo Dogs are double coated. Acceptable coat colors include any shade or combination of black, black and tan, blue, brown and blue, cream and sable, fawn, orange, red, sable, wolf gray. Small and limited white markings are also acceptable.
In the Chinese Foo Dog there are three size varieties – the toy, the miniature and the standard. The toy type stands about 10’’ (25.4cm) tall at the withers, while the miniature type ranges from 10-15’’ (25.4-38cm) tall. The standard Chinese Foo stands over 15’’ (38cm) tall and weights as much as 60Ib (27kg).
HANDLING
Chinese Foo Dogs are not recommended for first time owners. They are intelligent and capable of quick learning, but have mind of their own and do not like being told what to do. Since being obedient is not their strong suit, training them is quite a challenge. In most cases it is only logical to seek formal obedience training.
Contrary to the obedience training, socialization is quite easy when it comes to this breed. Chinese Foo Dogs are friendly and patient and can learn to be well behaved with other dogs and small children. Because of their protective nature, strangers must be careful around them. Athough Chinese Foo Dogs are even-tempered as a breed, they never back down when confronted.
Despite their size, Foos are great indoor pets and do not became destructive, even if left home alone for a longer period of time.
HEALTH
The Chinese Foo Dogs are not genetically predisposed to any major health problems. However, as any other dog of their their size, they may develop bone and joint problems such as panosteitis, hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), ununited anconeal process, elbow dysplasia and last but not least – hip dysplasia.
The Chinese Foo Dog’s lifespan is estimated to be 10-12 years.