Chinese Foo Dog

Chinese Foo Dogs, also known as the Happiness Dog or Celestial Dog, is a very rare breed of dog that has a dense double-coat that resembles the Chow Chow.

Appearance
Chinese Foo Dogs have the standard appearance of a Northern breed, i.e., square in profile and quite compact. They have a broad head with pricked ears, and a slightly curled tail that is carried over the back. Their coarse double-coat is very woolly and weather-resistant. This coat comes in black, black & tan, blue, brown & blue, cream & sable, red, fawn, orange, wolf gray, or sable, all with or without white markings. These dogs are divided into 3 different height classes: They are also divided into 3 different weight classes: The toy stands up to 10 inches tall, whilst miniature stands 10-15 inches tall, and standard stands over 15 inches. The small weight class weighs up to 20 lbs., while medium weighs 21-50 lbs, and large weighs up to 51 lbs.
 * Toy
 * Miniature
 * Standard
 * Small
 * Medium
 * Large

Behavior
These dogs are energetic, bold, quite alert, and loving. They are strong and sometimes independent. They learn quickly and love to defend their owner and his/her possessions. This breed also loves children.

History
This dog originated in China where its name supposedly deriving from the city of Foochow. Their name might also come from the Chinese word for Buddha, Fo. This coined them their original name, Dog of Fo. Chinese Foo Dogs trace their ancestry back 3,000 years where its progenitors include the Spitz Foo Dog and the Chow Chow. It was initially used as a hunter, working dog, and a family defender. They served primarily as guardians for the Han Dynasty as well, dating its origins all the way back to 200 B.C. During 618 A.D., the Tang Dynasty gave these dogs as gifts to royalty. They were highly regarded due to their resemblance to a lion, a sacred animal in Buddhist culture. The Chinese believed that if they placed Foo dogs outside temples, businesses, homes, estates, etc. they would ward off evil spirits or un-welcomed guests. After an artistic explosion regarding these breeds, they became a highly valued symbol of value to the owner. Sculptures of these dogs are commonly depicted in Chinese culture. They depict a male playing with a ball (that happens to be the earth), while the female caresses a cub. To this day, the breed continues to be rare.

They are registered by the IRBDC (International Rare Breed Dog Club), the CFDCA (Chinese Foo Dog Club of America), and the ICFDA (International Chinese Foo Dog Association).

Breed Club Information
The Chinese Foo Dog Club of America

Brad Trom, Stockbury Kennel

P.O. Box 757

Blooming Prairie, MN 55917-0757 USA

Phone: 507-583-7718

E-Mail: [mailto:trom.brad@gmail.com?subject=Referred%20by%20the%20RareBreed%20Network%20e-mail%20link trom.brad@gmail.com]