China’s First Police Corgi Has 400,000 Followers and a Nose for Trouble

Gazette

Meet Fu Zai, China’s first corgi police dog, whose unique blend of charm and skill has captured the hearts of many. Despite his diminutive stature, Fu Zai has proven himself a formidable asset in the realm of explosive detection. However, his recent behavior has led to some humorous consequences.

Fu Zai’s Rise to Prominence

Born on August 28, 2023, Fu Zai joined the Weifang Public Security Bureau in Shandong province as a reserve explosives detection dog in January 2024, at just four months old. His exceptional abilities quickly set him apart, and by October 2024, he had graduated to a fully qualified police dog. His journey has been widely shared on Douyin, China’s equivalent of TikTok, where he has amassed a significant following. (euronews.com)

Performance Review and Playful Penalty

In January 2025, during an end-of-year performance review, Fu Zai was commended for his contributions, including completing various security tasks and enhancing the image of police dogs in Weifang. He was presented with a red flower, treats, and toys as rewards. However, the celebration took a humorous turn when it was revealed that Fu Zai had been sleeping on duty and had urinated in his own food bowl. As a playful penalty, his treats and toys were confiscated, leaving only the red flower as a reminder of his achievements. (euronews.com)

Public Reaction and Support

The incident sparked widespread amusement and sympathy on Chinese social media. Many netizens expressed their support for Fu Zai, with some commenting, “Poor Fu Zai worked hard all year, only to lose its year-end bonus. I can relate so much.” Another user remarked, “He peed in his own bowl, not in the bowl of its boss… return his bonus immediately.” (euronews.com)

Lunar New Year Celebration

To celebrate the Lunar New Year, Fu Zai was presented with a lavish gift package, including Pacific herring, pumpkin soup, dumplings, rabbit meatballs, and a pet-friendly version of the Chinese delicacy “Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.” This gesture reassured the public that Fu Zai was well-cared for and appreciated. (euronews.com)

Ongoing Adventures

Fu Zai’s adventures continue to captivate the public. In May 2025, he was spotted during a patrol, where he playfully snatched a sausage from a child, leading to another round of online discussions and support for the lovable corgi. (scmp.com)

Fu Zai’s story is a testament to the unexpected joys and challenges that come with integrating unique talents into traditional roles. His journey continues to inspire and entertain, bridging the gap between duty and delight.