Welcome to Chronic Ink Tattoo's comprehensive guide on the captivating world of Foo Dog tattoos. In this article, we will delve into the meaning, cultural significance, and diverse variations of Foo Dog tattoos. As a leading tattoo studio, Chronic Ink Tattoo specializes in crafting exceptional body art, including Foo Dog designs. Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the spiritual essence and symbolism behind these magnificent creatures.
What are Foo Dogs?
Foo Dogs, also known as Fu Dogs or Lion Dogs, are mythical creatures originating from Chinese culture. Despite their name, these magnificent beings bear resemblance to lions more than dogs. In Chinese mythology, Foo Dogs are believed to be sacred guardians that protect people from evil spirits and negative energies.
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. 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. 
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:
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.
Male vs. Female Foo Dog Tattoo
There are two easy identifiers between male and female foo dogs. The first, is the above-mentioned positioning. When shown in pairs, their placement denotes their gender. But what about if there is only one? At first glance, the male and female foo dogs are nearly identical. A good place to look is at their paws. Typically the female carries a cub in her paw, whereas the male holds an orb. The cub is a symbol of the cycle of life, as well as nurturing and maternal protection. The orb, as with the pearl in Asian dragon tattoos, represents possessing wisdom and power.
Open vs. Closed Mouth
In a pair, there is usually one close-mouthed foo dog, and one open-mouthed one. It’s more common for the male to have the open mouth, but is not always the case. The symbolism of this is most significant in a pair. The open mouth represents the Buddhist “a” sound. The closed mouth is the “un” sound. Together they form “a-un” which represents the sound of the vibration of the universe. A Japanese foo dog with the open “a” expression may represent a beginning. Such a tattoo may represent a fresh start or a new journey/undertaking. Wheres as the closed “un” is for endings. This Japanese tattoo can represent overcoming an obstacle or successfully completing something. In using a foo dog tattoo for luck, the mouth has other meaning. The open mouth faces outward, away from the core of the body. It invites new luck into the body. The close-mouthed Chinese lion faces towards the core. By closing its mouth it traps the bearer’s good luck inside their body. At the same time, it turns its back on bad luck, dissuading it from affecting the wearer.
The Background
Different backgrounds can hold different meanings, and there are a lot of options. Dating back to the Irezumi tattooing, it’s common for Asian tattoos to use elemental backgrounds featuring wind, waves, or fire. These backgrounds add interesting detail and help to seamlessly combine tattoos and patterns into one larger picture. As well, they can include different meaning or sentiment. Some may even use their birth element, making it similar to a Chinese zodiac tattoo.
Paired With Other Objects
It’s not uncommon to pair foo dog tattoos with other images. Already stated, they often have a cub or an orb which represent, respectively, nurturing and wisdom. As well, it’s common to tattoo a temple behind or between them, showing them as protectors. As with other creatures, pairing them with different plant life can change their meaning. Koi fish tattoos paired with a lotus flower represents growth or overcoming struggle. A common combination for foo dogs is to place them next to bamboo. This symbolizes good fortune.
