Feng shui Fu Dogs, or Imperial Guardian Lions, are a strong feng shui protection symbol. Fu Dogs were traditionally placed in front of Imperial palaces, temples, and government offices. Fu Dogs were also a tradional feng shui symbol of family wealth and social status and were placed in front of wealthy homes.
Fu Dogs are usually displayed as a couple. The male Fu Dog is holding a globe under his right paw, which signifies control over his domain and protection of his home. The female Fu Dog is holding a cub under her left paw, signifying strong maternal protective instincts.
It is interesting to note that the lion is not an animal indigenous to China. History says that travellers brought stories about lions as a Buddhist protector of Dharma, and statues of lions were modelled in feng shui after the travellers' descriptions and after the native dogs.