Fu Dogs or Temple Lions, that is the question.

 
Names are plentiful for this popular feng shui symbol.  Which ever one you choose to use, it will not be wrong. Contemporary beliefs seemingly push the use of Fu Dogs, probably because of the resemblance to the small dog with a lion like mane. Ancient beliefs generally favor the use of the Guardian  Lion or Temple Lion. I am happy with Fu Dogs and that is what I call the pair at my front door.

Generally, Fu Dogs find their existence to be dated to the early Chinese period of (206 BC) throughout the Han Dynasty then gradually disappearing until the time of the Tang Dynasty in (618—900 AD). During these early days, a “Dog of Happiness” or Celestial Lion Dog could be found guarding the entrances of the Buddhist temples or the homes of affluent Chinese families. The relative expense of creating a pair of these symbols of protection prohibited their use by the masses of the time. Today however, they are readily available and have gained huge popularity allowing even owners of small homes to have their entrances guarded.

The Celestial Lion Dog name probably gained favor due to the combined mixed appearance of both a lion and a Chinese favorite, the dog breed known as the shitz zu. Even though lions are not native to China, art containing their image surfaced after lions were imported as gifts to the emperor. The Lion Dog, believed to be a companion of Budda, was also believed to possess the ability to chase away evil spirits as they stood guard over his temples and over tombs.

Fu Dogs are always used together in pairs in order to maintain balance in the environment. Proper placement is vital because if they are misrepresented, you stand the chance of inviting bad luck rather than their powerful protection. As you stand inside your home or business looking out, place the female outside the entrance to your right; place the male outside to your left.

The male has his foot placed on a sphere, some say it is a ball, some say it represents the world.  Neither is wrong. Its placement, however, on the sphere, symbolizes the Fu Dogs authority and power over evil spirits. The female cuddles a cub as she exhibits strong maternal instincts.  It is her job to protect the interior of the home or building while the male guards the structure itself. The male stands taller than the female and he represents yang energy with his mouth open, she possesses yin energy with her mouth closed. Together, with their tilted heads, they imply that they are keeping a sharp eye out for evil spirits while denying them entry into your home or business. If danger threatens, you can count upon this pair of protectors to ward it away by using their menacing looks and displaying the impression of powerful aggression.

May your good fortune be plentiful.  Peace.