Foo Dog
Breed Description

The Foo Dog is known by several alternative names that reflect its rich heritage and regal bearing. In its homeland of Tibet and China, this breed has been called the Lion Dog, a reference to its distinctive appearance that resembles the mythical stone lions that guard imperial palaces and temples. Some historical texts refer to the breed as the Imperial Palace Dog, acknowledging its favored status among Chinese royalty during various dynasties.

In Western countries, the Foo Dog has occasionally been called the Chrysanthemum Dog, named for the way its facial hair radiates from the center like the petals of the flower that holds special significance in Chinese culture. Regional variations in pronunciation have also led to alternative spellings and names, though Foo Dog remains the most widely recognized designation for this distinctive toy breed.

The Foo Dog stands as one of the most distinctive and cherished toy breeds, embodying centuries of careful breeding to create the perfect companion animal. This small but sturdy dog presents a unique combination of elegance and robustness, with a compact body that moves with surprising grace and confidence. The breed's most striking feature is undoubtedly its magnificent coat, which flows like silk and frames the face in a distinctive pattern that has captivated dog enthusiasts for generations.

Measuring between 9 to 10.5 inches at the shoulder and weighing 9 to 16 pounds, the Foo Dog occupies that perfect size range that makes it an ideal apartment dweller while still possessing enough substance to be a sturdy family companion. The breed exhibits a slightly longer than tall rectangular build, creating a harmonious silhouette that suggests both mobility and stability. Despite their small stature, these dogs carry themselves with an unmistakable air of dignity and self-importance that reflects their imperial heritage.

The head of the Foo Dog is one of its most defining characteristics, featuring a broad, round skull with a definite stop and a short, square muzzle. The large, dark eyes are set wide apart and convey an expression of warmth and intelligence, often described as having an almost human-like quality in their expressiveness. The ears are large and drop close to the head, heavily feathered with long, flowing hair that blends seamlessly with the facial furnishings.

Perhaps no aspect of the Foo Dog is more celebrated than its luxurious double coat, which consists of a soft, woolly undercoat topped by a long, flowing outer coat that requires significant maintenance but rewards owners with unparalleled beauty. The coat comes in a variety of colors and combinations, from solid gold and white to more complex parti-color patterns with combinations of black, white, gold, and brindle markings. The coat texture should feel silky to the touch, with the hair on the ears, legs, and tail being particularly long and flowing.

The Foo Dog's movement is another point of distinction, with a smooth, flowing gait that appears effortless despite the breed's heavy coat. The front legs reach forward with good extension while the rear provides strong drive, creating a ground-covering stride that belies the dog's small size. When moving, the abundant coat flows like a banner, adding to the breed's overall impression of elegance and nobility.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard describes the Foo Dog as a toy dog with a compact, solid build covered by a luxurious double coat. The head should be round and broad with a short, square muzzle that is well-cushioned and never pointed. Eyes are large, round, dark, and set well apart with an expression that is warm, sweet, and appealing. The body is slightly longer than tall, well-ribbed with a level topline. The tail is set high and carried over the back in a graceful curve, heavily plumed with long, flowing hair. Movement should be smooth and flowing with good reach and drive. The coat is double with a soft, woolly undercoat and a long, straight, dense outer coat that may have a slight wave. All colors and markings are permissible and of equal merit. The ideal weight range is 9 to 16 pounds with a height of 9 to 10.5 inches at the withers.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard emphasizes the Foo Dog's origins as a palace companion, describing a small, sturdy dog of rectangular outline with a proud, dignified bearing. The head is broad and round with a pronounced stop and short muzzle. The bite should be level or slightly undershot. The body shows good substance with well-sprung ribs and a firm, level topline. The coat is long and abundant, straight or slightly wavy, with extensive feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. The standard recognizes all color combinations as acceptable, with particular attention to the quality and texture of the coat. Movement should be free and flowing, covering ground efficiently despite the dog's small size. Temperament should be friendly, alert, and lively, showing confidence and dignity in carriage and expression.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC standard describes the Foo Dog as a well-balanced toy breed with a rectangular body shape that is longer than tall. The head is proportionate to the body with a broad skull, definite stop, and short, square muzzle. Eyes are large, round, and dark, conveying a sweet, friendly expression. The body is compact and well-ribbed with a straight, firm topline. The tail is high-set and carried in a plume over the back. The double coat consists of a dense, soft undercoat and a long, straight outer coat that flows freely. All colors and color combinations are acceptable. The gait should be smooth and effortless with good forward reach and rear drive. The breed should display an outgoing, friendly temperament with natural confidence and dignity. Weight should be between 9 and 16 pounds with an ideal height of 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder.

Other Organizations

Various other kennel clubs and breed organizations worldwide recognize the Foo Dog with standards that closely align with the major international organizations. The Kennel Club (UK) emphasizes the breed's toy classification while maintaining requirements for soundness and typical breed character. Canadian Kennel Club standards mirror the AKC requirements with particular attention to coat quality and temperament. Australian National Kennel Council standards focus on the breed's suitability as a companion animal while preserving traditional physical characteristics. Regional breed clubs often provide additional guidance on grooming presentation and training methods specific to the Foo Dog's temperament and physical needs.

The history of the Foo Dog stretches back over a thousand years, deeply intertwined with the imperial courts of ancient China and Tibet. Archaeological evidence and historical paintings suggest that dogs resembling the modern Foo Dog existed as early as the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where they were prized as palace companions and symbols of good fortune. These small, luxuriously coated dogs were so highly valued that they were often given as tribute gifts between kingdoms and were considered sacred animals worthy of imperial protection.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the breed reached new heights of popularity and refinement within the Forbidden City. Court records from this period describe elaborate breeding programs overseen by palace eunuchs, who maintained detailed genealogies and carefully selected breeding pairs to preserve the most desirable characteristics. The dogs lived in luxury within the imperial quarters, often sleeping on silk cushions and dining on specially prepared meals. Their similarity to the mythical lions that guarded Buddhist temples made them particularly significant in Chinese culture, where they were believed to bring protection and good fortune to their owners.

The breed's development was significantly influenced by its geographic isolation within the palace walls and the selective breeding practices of the imperial court. For centuries, these dogs were forbidden to leave the palace grounds, creating a genetically distinct population that developed the refined characteristics we see today. The emphasis placed on coat quality, temperament, and size during this period established the foundation for the modern breed standard.

The Foo Dog remained virtually unknown outside of China until the mid-19th century, when European and American visitors to the imperial court first encountered these remarkable little dogs. The opening of China to Western trade during the late 1800s led to the first exports of the breed to Europe and America, though initial breeding stock was extremely limited and highly prized. Early Western breeders faced significant challenges in maintaining the breed's distinctive characteristics while expanding the gene pool necessary for sustainable breeding programs.

The political upheavals of 20th century China, including the fall of the imperial system and subsequent wars, nearly led to the extinction of the Foo Dog in its homeland. Fortunately, breeding populations that had been established in Europe and America during the early 1900s preserved the breed through these turbulent times. British and American breeders worked diligently to maintain the breed's essential characteristics while improving overall health and genetic diversity.

Recognition by major kennel clubs began in the early 1900s, with formal breed standards established based on the few remaining examples of authentic palace-bred dogs. The breed gained popularity as a companion animal throughout the 20th century, though it remained relatively rare compared to other toy breeds. Today, the Foo Dog continues to be cherished as both a show dog and family companion, with breeders worldwide working to preserve the unique heritage and characteristics that make this breed so special.

Throughout their history, Foo Dogs have served primarily as companion animals and palace guardians, roles that have shaped both their physical characteristics and temperamental qualities. Unlike many toy breeds that were developed for specific working purposes, the Foo Dog was bred exclusively to be the perfect imperial companion, combining the qualities of alertness, beauty, and devotion that made them ideal palace pets. Their primary function was to provide companionship to Chinese royalty while serving as living symbols of wealth, status, and good fortune.

As palace guardians, Foo Dogs performed an important alerting function despite their small size. Their acute hearing and naturally watchful nature made them excellent early warning systems for approaching visitors or potential threats. While they were never expected to physically defend against intruders, their distinctive bark served to alert human guards and palace staff to unusual activity. This guardian instinct remains strong in modern Foo Dogs, making them excellent watchdogs for contemporary households.

The breed's function as a therapy and emotional support animal has been recognized for centuries, though not formalized until modern times. Historical accounts describe how these dogs provided comfort and companionship to lonely palace inhabitants, particularly elderly royalty and palace women who spent much of their time in isolation. Their intuitive understanding of human emotions and their desire to remain close to their owners made them natural emotional support animals long before the term was coined.

In contemporary settings, Foo Dogs excel as therapy dogs in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. Their gentle nature, appropriate size for lap sitting, and hypoallergenic qualities make them particularly suitable for this work. Many owners report that their Foo Dogs seem to instinctively know when comfort is needed and will seek out family members who are experiencing stress or illness. This empathetic quality appears to be deeply ingrained in the breed's character and represents a continuation of their historical role as emotional companions.

Modern Foo Dogs have also found success in various canine sports and activities, though always with consideration for their physical limitations and coat care requirements. They can excel in obedience trials, rally competitions, and even agility events designed for smaller dogs. However, their primary function remains that of a devoted family companion, where they continue to fulfill the role for which they were originally bred: providing unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship to their human families.

The breed's function in contemporary dog showing and breeding programs serves to preserve the historical characteristics and qualities that made them so treasured by ancient Chinese royalty. Show dogs and breeding animals serve as living repositories of breed heritage, ensuring that future generations can continue to benefit from the wisdom and selective breeding practices of centuries past. This preservation function is crucial for maintaining the breed's unique characteristics and preventing the loss of genetic diversity that has occurred in some other ancient breeds.

The Foo Dog exhibits a distinctive behavioral profile that reflects centuries of selective breeding for companionship and palace life. These dogs possess a unique combination of dignity and playfulness that sets them apart from other toy breeds. They carry themselves with an almost regal bearing, yet can quickly transform into enthusiastic playmates when the mood strikes. This duality in their nature makes them fascinating companions who can adapt their behavior to match their owners' needs and energy levels.

One of the most notable behavioral characteristics of the Foo Dog is their strong desire to be near their human family members at all times. This trait, developed through generations of close palace living, manifests as a gentle but persistent following behavior. Foo Dogs will often position themselves where they can observe family activities, moving from room to room to maintain visual contact with their preferred humans. Unlike some clingy breeds, however, they typically do this without being demanding or disruptive, content simply to be present and available.

Intelligence is a hallmark of the breed, and Foo Dogs demonstrate remarkable problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence. They quickly learn household routines and can anticipate their owners' needs with uncanny accuracy. Many owners report that their Foo Dogs seem to understand complex communications and can distinguish between different types of activities and their own role in each situation. This cognitive ability makes them highly trainable, though their sometimes independent nature requires patient, consistent training approaches.

The breed's alertness levels are finely calibrated, making them excellent companions for those who appreciate a dog that notices everything but doesn't overreact. Foo Dogs will typically alert their owners to visitors or unusual sounds with a brief bark, then quickly assess whether continued alarm is necessary. They rarely engage in excessive barking once they understand that their owners are aware of the situation. This measured response to stimuli makes them suitable for apartment living and close-quarter situations.

Socially, Foo Dogs tend to be somewhat selective in their interactions, preferring quality relationships over quantity. They often form particularly strong bonds with one or two family members while remaining friendly and affectionate with others. With strangers, they typically display initial reserve followed by gradual warming as they assess the newcomer's intentions and their owner's reaction. This cautious but not fearful approach to new people reflects their breeding as palace dogs who needed to distinguish between welcomed guests and potential threats.

Play behavior in Foo Dogs is characterized by bursts of enthusiastic activity followed by periods of calm observation. They enjoy interactive games with their owners and can be quite creative in initiating play sessions. Many Foo Dogs develop favorite toys that they will carry around the house or bring to their owners as invitations to play. Their play style tends to be gentle but persistent, making them suitable companions for older children who understand appropriate interaction with small dogs.

The breed's grooming behavior reflects their long history of being pampered and maintained by palace servants. Most Foo Dogs readily accept grooming procedures and many seem to genuinely enjoy the attention and care involved in coat maintenance. This acceptance of handling extends to veterinary care and general maintenance activities, making them relatively easy dogs to care for despite their grooming requirements. Some individuals even seem to take pride in their appearance, carrying themselves differently after grooming sessions.

Within the family unit, Foo Dogs demonstrate exceptional adaptability and emotional intelligence, making them ideal companions for a wide variety of household compositions and lifestyles. Their centuries of breeding as palace companions have instilled in them an intuitive understanding of human social dynamics and hierarchy, allowing them to integrate seamlessly into family structures while respecting individual family members' roles and preferences. This adaptability makes them particularly valuable in multi-generational households where they can provide companionship to family members of all ages.

The Foo Dog's relationship with children requires careful consideration and proper introduction, though when handled correctly, these relationships can be deeply rewarding for both parties. These dogs generally do best with children who are old enough to understand gentle handling and respect the dog's size limitations. They rarely show aggression toward children, but their small size makes them vulnerable to unintentional injury from very young children who may not yet understand appropriate interaction with small dogs. When properly socialized with children from an early age, Foo Dogs often become devoted playmates and protective companions, displaying remarkable patience and tolerance.

In households with multiple adults, Foo Dogs often display fascinating social awareness, seemingly understanding different family members' roles and adjusting their behavior accordingly. They may be more playful with some family members while seeking quiet companionship from others. This ability to read and respond to individual family members' personalities and needs makes them exceptional therapy dogs within their own families, often providing comfort during times of stress or illness without being intrusive or demanding.

The breed's interaction with other pets in the household is generally positive, particularly when proper introductions are made and socialization occurs during puppyhood. Foo Dogs rarely show dog-aggressive tendencies and often enjoy the companionship of other small to medium-sized dogs. Their confident but non-confrontational nature usually helps them establish peaceful relationships with existing pets. With cats, they typically demonstrate curiosity followed by acceptance, though individual personalities and early socialization experiences will influence these relationships significantly.

As family guardians, Foo Dogs excel at reading household routines and identifying unusual situations that may require attention. They serve as excellent early warning systems for their families, alerting to visitors, unusual sounds, or changes in routine without becoming unnecessarily aggressive or territorial. Their small size means they're not physical deterrents to intruders, but their alert nature and distinctive bark often serve as effective burglar alarms while their presence provides emotional security to family members.

The breed's need for human companionship makes them less suitable for families who are away from home for extended periods. Foo Dogs can develop separation anxiety if left alone too frequently or for too long, though this can be managed with proper training and gradual conditioning. They thrive in households where at least one family member is present most of the time or where they can accompany family members on daily activities. Their portable size and generally good travel behavior make them excellent companions for families who enjoy including their pets in various activities.

In terms of family hierarchy, Foo Dogs typically accept leadership from all adult family members while maintaining their own gentle dignity. They respond well to consistent, positive training methods and appreciate clear expectations and routines. Their intelligence means they can be trained to follow different rules with different family members, making them adaptable to complex household dynamics. They rarely challenge authority in destructive ways, though they may occasionally display selective hearing when it comes to commands they find particularly unapppealing, such as coming in from outdoor exploration or ending a particularly enjoyable play session.

The Foo Dog is generally considered a healthy breed with a relatively long lifespan ranging from 10 to 18 years, though like all purebred dogs, they are predisposed to certain health conditions that potential owners should understand and monitor. Their longevity can be attributed in part to their diverse genetic foundation and the careful breeding practices that have been maintained by responsible breeders over many generations. However, their unique physical characteristics, particularly their shortened facial structure and long, flowing coat, do present some specific health considerations that require attentive care throughout their lives.

Due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) features, Foo Dogs can be susceptible to breathing difficulties, particularly in hot weather or during strenuous exercise. Owners must be vigilant about providing adequate ventilation and avoiding overexertion, especially during summer months. Signs of respiratory distress include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, or blue-tinged gums, and any of these symptoms require immediate veterinary attention. Many Foo Dogs benefit from air conditioning during hot weather and should never be left in enclosed vehicles or other poorly ventilated spaces.

Eye health represents another area of concern for the breed, as their prominent, large eyes are more vulnerable to injury and certain hereditary conditions. Regular veterinary eye examinations can help identify problems early, when treatment is most effective. Owners should also be attentive to signs of eye irritation, excessive tearing, or changes in vision, as these may indicate developing problems that require professional evaluation. Daily gentle cleaning around the eyes can help prevent buildup of debris and reduce the risk of infection.

The breed's luxurious coat, while beautiful, requires consistent maintenance not only for appearance but also for health reasons. Matted or poorly maintained coats can lead to skin problems, including hot spots, bacterial infections, and parasitic infestations. Regular professional grooming combined with daily brushing at home is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing coat-related problems. The area around the feet and sanitary areas requires particular attention to prevent matting and bacterial growth.

Orthopedic issues, while less common in Foo Dogs than in some other breeds, can still occur and may be influenced by the breed's structure and activity levels. Hip dysplasia, while rare in toy breeds, can occasionally affect Foo Dogs, as can luxating patella (kneecap dislocation), which is more common in small breeds. Maintaining appropriate weight and providing regular, moderate exercise can help support joint health throughout the dog's life. Any signs of lameness, difficulty rising, or reluctance to exercise should be evaluated by a veterinarian promptly.

Dental health requires special attention in Foo Dogs, as their small mouths can lead to overcrowding of teeth and associated problems including periodontal disease and tooth loss. Regular dental care, including professional cleanings and daily tooth brushing or dental treats, is essential for maintaining oral health. Many Foo Dogs benefit from dental diets designed to help reduce tartar buildup, and owners should be attentive to signs of dental problems such as bad breath, difficulty eating, or visible tartar accumulation.

If you're looking to adopt a Foo Dog, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Foo Dogs waiting for their forever homes.

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.