Fu Quan

		Fu Quan
		He is not recognized by the F.C.I.


Origin			China
Translation			Francis Vandersteen
En français, cette race se dit			Fu Quan
Diese Norm ist in deutscher Sprache sichtbar			Fu Quan
En español, esta raza se dice			Fu Quan
In het Nederlands, wordt dit ras gezegd			Fu Quan
This breed is also known as			Xiong Quan Long Quan Tian Quan Chinese Foo Dog Chinese Temple Forest Dog Chinese Lung-Kou Chinese Choo Hunting Dog Sinkiang Sacred Dog T'ien-Kou

The Fu Quan is a rare working dog breed originating in China. Due to its rarity, it is listed as an endangered and protected species in China. The Fu Quan has been present in China for at least 3,000 years. Several hypotheses exist regarding its origins: it may have descended from a cross between Northern European wolves and Chow Chows, or from a cross between Chinese wolves and Chow Chows. The Fu Quan is a versatile working dog. The Chinese use it as a sheepdog, hunting dog, guard dog, and sled dog. Today, it can also be appreciated as a companion dog. In addition to its role as a working dog, the Fu Quan is also the mascot of Chinese temples and is considered a good luck charm. Fu Quan dogs, reputed to bring good fortune, were used as national symbols during the Tang Dynasty. This Spitz-type dog has a compact, square body, a broad head, erect ears, a deep chest, muscular loins, and a tail carried over its back.

Its thick, wiry coat comes in a variety of colors, such as silver, blue, black, brown, or red. Fu Quan dogs played an important role in ancient Chinese culture. In the past, they were used for religious sacrifices and royal hunting. Later, particularly during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, they became symbols of good fortune, loyalty, and prosperity. In Chinese art, they are often depicted playing with children, symbolizing family harmony and future blessings. The "Fu Quan" (or Chinese Foo Dog/Lion Dog) refers to an ancient Chinese Spitz-type breed, similar to the Chow Chow, nicknamed the "Fluffy Lion Dog." Used as a guardian and symbol of protection in Asian culture, it is characterized by a square build, a broad head, erect ears, and a thick double coat. Today, modern depictions have integrated it more into art than into a distinct breed, but it retains traits of ancient Chinese dogs.

The Chinese Foo Dog is a little-known and rare breed. These bright-eyed, Chow-Chow-like puppies have certainly made an impression. After all, they possess the adorable teddy bear look and hunting instincts of the Chow Chow, without its sometimes unpredictable temperament. The Chinese Foo Dog is known to be very active, playful, and alert. Always ready to intervene, it is constantly attentive to its surroundings and will not hesitate to rescue a member of its family if it senses they are in danger. This is why they make excellent guard dogs, capable of effectively protecting a family. They don't just alert you and leave you to do all the work; They intervene in case of threat. The Fu Quan are now in danger of extinction, with fewer than 15 individuals in the world.