Information, Facts & Origins of the
Chinese Foo Dog Breed
The Chinese
Foo
originates from China and was bred originally for guarding
Buddhist temples.
It's origins can be dated back to Antiquity.
It now has three sizes, however this page deals only with the
large Chinese Foo Dog. The naming of this dog is highly
significant to the Buddhist religion. The Chinese Foo resembles
the looks of the lion which is a sacred animal to Buddhists. The
Chinese word for Buddha is Fo, which led to the original name -
the Dog of Fo. Dog Name Facts and Dog Names:The Chinese Foo is also known by
the other names of the Sacred Dog of Sinkiang, the Chinese Choo
Hunting Dog, the Chinese Temple Forest Dog, the Chinese T'ien Kou
(Chinese Celestial Dog) and the Chinese Lung- Kou (Chinese Dragon
Dog).
This dog is classified as one of the
Working Dog Group which we
go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this
page. The Chinese Foo is not currently Registered by the AKC
(American Kennel Club) and is therefore in the category of dogs we
have termed termed Unrecognised & Rare Breeds.
Description
of the Chinese Foo Dog Character and Temperament
Working dogs, like the Chinese Foo, are
medium to giant size and are strong, often independent, domineering
and difficult to manage. This, together with the immense sizes of
many of the breeds, make many of the working dogs unsuitable as a
normal family pet or first time dog owners. These dogs
require firm control and must be properly trained. Formal obedience
training should include a proper socialising program. Training
need not be difficult as Working dog breeds are generally quick to
learn and intelligent. Some of the working dog breeds are easier
to handle such as the Newfoundland dog, the Portuguese Water Dog,
the Samoyed and the Saint Bernard.
Description
of the Chinese Foo Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Chinese Foo's coat is normally any shade of black, black and
tan, blue, brown and blue, cream and sable, fawn, orange, red ,
sable and grey with some white markings.
The outer coat is coarse, straight-haired with a soft, dense,
woolly undercoat.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the Chinese Foo Dog Breed
All owners of dogs and puppies
are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with
humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog
health problems, including those of the Chinese Foo, can prove to be
costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining
dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of
trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors,
or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions
occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears,
Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate
to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune &
Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. There are no
apparent common health problems with the Chinese Foo Dog.Please click the following link for additional
information which we have provided via our:
This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.
Information
on Grooming and Care of the Chinese Foo Dog Breed
The Chinese
Foo
requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming
and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best.
Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing
but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and
nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health
problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially
important in puppies and older Chinese Foo dogs.
Life
Expectancy information of the Chinese Foo Dog Breed
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.
Age
comparison between the Chinese Foo Dog Breed and a Human
Age
comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of
debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the
situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to
sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at
three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine
a dog's age.
The
Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes
providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Chinese
Foo- essential
information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that
the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally
considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can
easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan
" A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated
by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of
the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely
clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will
suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Chinese Foo
Dog - Puppies Info and Names
The
Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed
information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy
Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that
the following considerations should always be taken into account
when choosing puppies:
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
Exercising
requirements for the Chinese Foo breed
Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family
- child suitability
Puppy and Dog
Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
Working
Dog Breed Information Dogs in the
Working group, which
include the Chinese Foo, were developed to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as pulling, hauling, herding, hunting, rescuing and guarding.
The very nature of many of these tasks require a big, strong dog.
These dogs have a long and close association with man and have
provided invaluable help to their owners. The working dogs are
generally large, intelligent, and protective of their masters.
Working dogs have always been viewed as real assets to their
owners and have worked with man replacing larger animals such as
horses when none such animals were available. Advanced technology
and machinery have negated some of the working requirements of
these dogs but strength, courage and a fast reactions ensure that
this partnership will continue long into the future.
Working
Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features
of Working Dogs have been introduced and strengthened
by
breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits.
Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century.
Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits
helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the
various Working breeds, including the Chinese Foo, were introduced to help man
according to his specific requirements such as:
Guarding
premises
Herding
or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
Pulling
or hauling various vehicles such as carts and sleds
Hunting
which could range from all kinds of smaller animals to big
game including lions and tigers
Performing
water and mountain rescues
In
this day and age not every Chinese Foo might be called to undertake these tasks, but
nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made
the original Chinese Foo breeding program successful. Many of the Working
dogs group are still gainfully employed as:
Guard
Dogs
Police
dogs
Sled dogs
Rescue
dogs
More Info &
History about the Spitz Dog Group
Spitz dogs are
characterized by a wolf-like appearance with a high carried tail
which in the canine world normally signals dominant status. The
term Spitz translates as Sharp Point and refers to the pointed
muzzle which is characteristic of the breed. Most of the
Spitz-type breeds were developed thousands of years ago in the
colder northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. As the
Spitz travelled to other countries, it was given a new title
reflecting its new country. The following dogs, which are included
in the Spitz breeds, have also been featured on this web site and
can be accessed via the Dog Breeds ABC List at the bottom of this
page.
Spitz
Breeds also Featured on this Website
Akita
Alaskan Husky
Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Malamute
American Eskimo
Canadian Eskimo Dog
Chinese Foo Dog
Chow Chow
Finnish Spitz
German Spitz
Japanese Spitz
Keeshond
Examples
of other Unrecognised Breeds
The Chinese Foo
belongs to the Working Group of dogs but is currently
Unrecognised by the AKC. Other Unrecognised Breeds that have been
featured on this site include the following:
Other Unrecognised & Rare Breeds that have been featured on this
site include the following: Tibetan Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux,
Hovawarts, Patterdale Terriers, Alaskan Klee Kai, Bandogs,
Boerboels, Chinese Foo Dog, Catahoula Leopards, New Guinea Singing
Dog, Shikokus, Tosa Inus, Rat Terriers and Thai Ridgebacks.
Details and information about all of the above Unrecognised breeds
may be found via the following links:
