Foo Lions originated in China,  shi, meaning lion or shishi or stone lion. Yet they resemble the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu which led them to be called foo dogs (or fu dogs) in English

Feng shui Fu Dogs or Imperial Guardian Lions were traditionally placed in front of Imperial palaces, temples, and government offices.  Always displayed as a couple, Fu Dogs represent the Yin and Yang in Chinese philosophy.

The male Fu Dog is holding a globe under his right paw symbolising control over his domain and protection of his home. The female Fu Dog is holding a cub under her left paw, signifying strong maternal and protective instincts.

There is a right way and a wrong way to position the pair. When you’re facing a pair of foo dogs, the ball and the puppy/child should be on the inside of the pair.