Dog of Fo (Fu-Dog) The Buddhist lion is a recurring symbol in Chinese art and legend. The Empress Tzu Hsi laid down the rule: The Lion Dog shall have short legs not to wander far off, body like that of a hunting dog, lively and pompous yet, timid to avoid danger; the color golden sable (like a lion), striped like a dragon to suit costumes. It should wash its face like a cat—dainty. The Dog of Fo shall be courageous and fierce. The Chinese word for Buddha is Fo and when Buddhist tales of the religious significance of lions reached China (where at this point the animal was unknown), devotional statues of it were modeled after the countries native dogs. Becoming known as “dog of fo” they were placed on either side of the entrance as protectors for sacred Buddhist temples. After this point they also became guardians to tombs, official buildings and homes.
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