8 Fantastic Foo Dog Tattoo Ideas And Designs

Embrace the power of the ancient guardian through body art.

Reviewed by Brik Rangel, Tattoo Artist Brik Rangel Brik RangelTattoo Artist facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) Joyce Joyson MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) linkedin_icon
Last Updated on

Cultural symbols have become increasingly popular choices for tattoos, and the trend of getting a foo dog tattoo is no exception. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly adorable name. It doesn’t refer to a cute little puppy tattoo but a formidable and commanding symbol representing the Chinese guardian lions. These creatures are revered as the ultimate guardians, embodying protection and security, effectively shielding against bad luck and adversity. If you are curious about foo dog tattoos and their underlying meanings, you are at the right place. This article can help you know more about these tattoo designs and their meanings. Keep reading!

Meaning Of A Foo Dog Tattoo

Getting a foo dog tattoo is primarily for protection and is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. These tattoos are not just about safeguarding the wearer; they also bring happiness and positive energy. With their fierce expressions and strong, muscular bodies, foo dogs have been guardians of temples, homes, and businesses for centuries. These powerful symbols are believed to offer protection to those who have complete faith in them. For believers, a foo dog tattoo acts as a potent protective charm, embodying the essence of security and positivity. Placing these tattoos on one’s back or chest ensures they are positioned to provide maximum protection, constantly watching over the wearer and warding off negative energies. Check out the next section to learn more about these tattoos.

8 Fantastic Foo Dog Tattoo Ideas And Designs

A foo dog tattoo can be inked alone or with additional elements to enhance its meaning. Here are a few tattoos for you to take inspiration from:

1. Realistic Foo Dog Tattoo

A realistic foo dog tattoo on the arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The tattoo here is a realistic black and gray depiction of a foo dog face. The nose and eyes feature detailed, lifelike elements, while the fur and ears have a more artistic, illustrative feel. The closed mouth of the foo dog can symbolize overcoming an obstacle or successfully completing something, as well as trapping luck inside the body.

2. Traditional Foo Dog Tattoo

A traditional foo dog tattoo on the upper arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The traditional foo dog tattoo, featuring vivid red colors and a bold black outline, is very captivating. The open mouth of the foo dog symbolizes a fresh start or a new journey. With its fierce expression, red eyes, and sharp teeth, the foo dog represents a powerful symbol of protection.

3. New School Foo Dog Tattoo

New school foo dog tattoo on the back
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The foo dog tattoo on the back has a caricature-like quality with bright and vivid colors. Its fierce look and vibrant details, including the big teeth, make the tattoo attention-grabbing.

4. Irezumi Foo Dog Tattoo

Japanese foo dog tattoo on the back of a woman
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The combination of black, red, and orange colors on the foo dog creates a Japanese wonder. The tattoo on the back offers protection, with the open mouth symbolizing a new beginning. This combination embodies the Japanese tattoo’s meaning of protection during new beginnings.

5. Black And Gray Foo Dog Tattoo

Black and gray foo dog tattoo on the upper arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The black and gray tattoo on the forearm depicts a fierce foo dog with a sharp gaze. The detailed shading and detailing in black and grey demand extra attention. According to beliefs, a foo dog tattoo wards off bad luck, protecting the wearer. The threatening look of the foo dog may be to intimidate bad luck.

6. Feminine Foo Dog Tattoo

A feminine foo dog tattoo on the arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The feminine foo dog tattoo here features vivid colors and a calm demeanor. Despite the open mouth, there is no scowl or frown in its appearance. It portrays a moderate stance, symbolizing protection and luck for the wearer. The red, blue, and yellowish colors give the tattoo a more feminine look.

7. Flaming Foo Dog Tattoo

A foo dog with flames tattooed on the upper arm
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

The foo dog tattoo here has a flaming appearance, with orange flames engulfing the figure. The powerful foo dog is enhanced by the addition of fire, adding depth to the design. This completes the tattoo and may symbolize how the foo dog’s power cannot be extinguished by fire, emphasizing the ultimate protection it offers.

8. Foo Dog And Cherry Blossom Tattoo

Foo dog with cherry blossom tattoo on the shoulder
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A foo dog paired with cherry blossoms creates the quintessential Japanese tattoo. The fusion of Japan’s beauty with the symbolism of cherry blossoms and foo dogs enhances the tattoo’s appeal. The pleasing color combinations also give the tattoo an extra special touch. The combination of a foo dog and cherry blossom may signify good fortune and positivity.

A foo dog serves as a cultural symbol in Chinese culture, representing protection and luck. Those who believe in its power often get the tattoo to enhance their luck and rely on the dog’s protective qualities. The positivity, luck, and protection offered by the foo dog are commonly symbolized through images of male and female foo dogs, alone, or accompanied by additional elements like fire or cherry blossoms. The vivid representation of these elements enhances the beauty of the tattoos.

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Brik Rangel
Brik RangelTattoo Artist
Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

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Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Joyce Joyson
Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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