What are foo dogs all about? In Toronto & Vancouver, you’ve seen them guarding the steps of the ROM. Foo dogs aren’t just statues, they’re also a popular Asian tattoo design. They’re impressive and detailed, but what is their significance?
We take a look at their meaning, symbolism, and tattoo designs.
The female (left) clutching the pup, the male (right) clutching an orb.
Whether you opt to get a pair or a single foo dog, it’s worthwhile to understand the difference between the two in their designs and meaning.

Imperial Lion Tattoo
Despite their name, a foo dog is not a dog, but a lion tattoo. They are the Chinese guardian lions of Imperial China. Asiatic lions were once common throughout Central and Southwest Asia. Through the Silk Roads, lions became well-known in China. They were commonly given as tribute and became symbolic guardians, with their regal and powerful affiliation. The confusion of foo dogs being misidentified as dogs isn’t just due to the name. They have also been mistaken as representing Chinese dog breeds like the Pekingese and chow chow. These breeds do have some resemblance, to the statues and with its “mane” the chow chow can even look a little lion-like.
Imperial Guardians
Foo dog statues became a popular symbol outside of buildings. They were deemed Imperial guardian lions and decorated the entrances of temples, palaces and tombs. In years to come, they became common in front of homes, businesses, and government businesses as well. In addition to offering protection, these Imperial guardians contain a lot of symbolism. They are as much a sign of luck as a form of protection. With their importance and meaning foo dogs are a popular Asian tattoo design. We take a look at some of the symbolic meaning of foo dog tattoos:Meaning & Symbolism of Foo Dog Tattoos
Positive Energy & Happiness
Foo dogs are more than simply protectors. They also bring happiness and positive energy. In the home, they are used with Feng Shui to harmonize individuals with their environment through their energy forces. On the body, they can also serve as a vessel for positive energy. To achieve this positive energy, you must treat the foo dog(s) respectfully. For statues, it is common to pat them and thank them for watching your home. You should also treat your foo dog tattoo with respect, as it watches over you and blesses you with its mystical powers.Peace
As a protector, a foo dog tattoo can help you achieve peace. Their colours and appearance can enhance their peaceful meaning. Golden foo dogs represent the essential elements of peace - wealth, power, and protection. For a more “Zen” peace, you may want a different colour. Multicolour porcelain foo dogs provide peace and serenity. Regardless of style, a foo dog tattoo is said to grant calmness and peace to anyone who wears it.
Luck
Luck is a popular symbol in Asian tattoos. For luck, foo dogs serve a dual purpose. They simultaneously invite good luck and repel bad luck. As well, they also serve to trap the good luck inside. They are especially effective working in pairs.Protection
Foo dogs are chosen to guard homes and important buildings for good reason. They are powerful symbols that offer protection. However, it is said that they will only protect those who have complete faith in their power. For those who put their trust in this Chinese tattoo, it is a powerful protective charm. To get the maximum protection out of these Chinese lions it is best to place them where you need maximum protection. It’s common to see these tattoos watching people backs or covering their chest.Foo Dog Tattoo Designs
These Chinese tattoos typically have large and detailed designs. The specific details can alter the meanings of a foo dog’s design, so it helps to have a large tattoo, such as a back, chest, or Asian sleeve tattoo.Pairs
Foo dogs are almost always in pairs. They are representative of duality, with a male and female Chinese lion. Together, the dual yin and yang parts form a more complete symbolism. Used in pairs they offer greater protection and energy. Each of the two has its own specific details that provide different elements of protection. Generally, the male is on the left side (from the perspective of the foo dog) and the female on the right. So for someone looking at the tattoo, the male is on the viewers’ right side and the female on the viewers’ left side: