| Fu Quan | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other names | Xiong Quan, Long Quan, Tian Quan, Chinese Fu Quan, Fu Dog, Chinese Foo Dog, Chinese Temple Forest Dog, Chinese Foo, Chinese Choo Hunting Dog, Chinese Dragon Dog, Chinese Celestial Dog, Sacred Dog of Sinkiang | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Origin |  China | ||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||
| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Fu quan (福犬), also known asxiong quan (熊犬),long quan (龍犬),tian quan (天犬),Chinese foo dog,Chinese foo andChinese temple forest dog, is a rareworking dog breed that originated inChina. Due to the fu quan's rarity, they are on thelist of endangered and protected species of China.[1]
Shoulder height: less than 25cm (toy type), 25cm~38cm (mini type), greater than 38cm(standard type).
Body weight: less than 9kg (toy type), 9.5kg to 22kg (mini type), more than 23kg (standard type).
Head: The head is wide and wedge-shaped.
Ears: The ears are relatively small, slightly surrounding both sides of the head. It's best to
have a standing ear. Of course, a half-standing ear is also acceptable.
Eyes: dark brown, almond-shaped.
Nose: the bridge of the nose is straight and black.
Lower bar: the mouth is dark blue and the tongue is pink or red.
Four limbs: simple and square in appearance. The neck is medium-length and muscular.
Hair: double-layer hair.
Wool color: There are many different colors. Acceptable colors may be all dark or
combined black, such as: black, blue, brown and blue, cream and sable, brown, orange,
golden and dark mahogany, sable, medium gray and silver.
The fu quan has been present inChina for at least 3,000 years ago. There are multiple origins theorized, including that the fu quan was originally a mix of Northern Europe's wolves andChow Chows and another being a mixture ofChinese wolves and Chow Chows. Fu quan are versatileworking dogs. The Chinese use fu quan as ashepherd dog,hunting dog,guard dog andsled dog. Today, the fu quan can also be used as acompanion dog.[2]
In addition to being used asworking dogs, Fu Quan are also themascots ofChinese temples and are considered by theChinese to bring good luck.[3] Because Fu Quan were believed to bring good fortune, they were used asnational symbols during theTang dynasty.[4]
Regular combing every week is necessary, and cleaning is also very necessary. Three
times a week in summer, and several times a few weeks in winter.
The fu quan is spitztugou with a compact, square-shaped body, broad head, pricked ears, deep chest, muscular loin, and a tail that is carried over their back.[citation needed] This dog has a thick, rough coat that comes in a variety of colors, such as silver, blue, black, brown, or red.[citation needed]
Fu Quan (quan, 福犬) have played an important role in ancient Chinese culture. In early times, they were used in religious sacrifices and royal hunting. Books likeZhouli (The Rites of Zhou) andLiji (The Book of Rites) recorded their uses. InZhouli, dogs were listed as one of the "six domestic animals" for sacrifices, and special officials managed them for the royal court. InLiji, dogs were considered valuable offerings and had to be raised properly according to rituals. These records show that dogs were important in both religion and daily life inancient China.[5][6]
In later periods, especially during theSong,Ming, andQing dynasties, Fu Quan became symbols of good fortune (fu, 福), loyalty, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Small, friendly dogs often appeared in paintings and decorations as lucky animals. In traditional folk beliefs, raising a dog was thought to bring safety, happiness, and wealth to the household.
In Chinese art, Fu Quan has shown playing with children, symbolizing family harmony and future blessings. A famous example is the painting"Children Playing with Dogs" (《婴戏图》)[7] attributed to Song dynasty artistSu Hanchen (苏汉臣),[8] where Fu Quan are depicted alongside playful children to express wishes for a happy and prosperous family.[9]
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, New Year prints inFujian (nianhua, 年画)[citation needed] have featured Fu Quan to convey blessings for wealth and longevity. One common theme was "Dog Brings Blessings" (Gou Lai Fu,狗来福),[10] showing this certain dog entering a house with auspicious symbols like peaches and gold ingots.
Fu Quan is now endangered, with fewer than 15 individuals worldwide. Here are the main reasons for its dramatic decline[11][12]