WEIFANG, China — With short legs, a strong sense of smell and an unrelenting appetite for treats, Fu Zai, the country’s first known police corgi, is both a working sniffer dog and a social media sensation, the New York Times reported.
Recruited by the Weifang Public Security Bureau in Shandong Province last fall, the 2-year-old corgi has gained a following online for his police duties and playful antics. Originally a pet, Fu Zai was spotted by Officer Zhao Qingshuai during a visit to a park, according to the report. Impressed by the corgi’s eagerness for food and responsiveness to commands, Zhao invited him for training, where Fu Zai showed strong potential in detecting explosives.
Despite initial concerns about his suitability — corgis are known for their distractibility and stubbornness — Fu Zai has excelled in environments requiring agility. His compact frame allows him to maneuver under vehicles and inspect tight spaces other dogs struggle to reach. In October, he officially joined the police force.
His rise has been chronicled through frequent appearances on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok. The account “Fu Zai and his comrades” has more than 400,000 followers and features videos of him patrolling festivals, completing drills and riding motorcycles in dog goggles.
But Fu Zai’s food drive has occasionally caused problems, according to the report. In one patrol, he was caught snatching a sausage from a child. In another video, he lost some of his toys and snacks as a light-hearted punishment for sleeping on the job and using his food bowl “inappropriately.”
Dog trainers say such behavior is typical of the breed. Corgis were historically herding dogs and are known for their curiosity and prey drive, traits that can both help and hinder police training. Experts note that while breeds like golden retrievers and spaniels are preferred for public-facing roles, unconventional choices like Fu Zai can succeed with the right motivation.
“His short legs have actually become an advantage, allowing him to perform tasks that larger dogs can’t,” Zhao said.
Despite the training hurdles, Fu Zai’s popularity continues to grow, fueled by his charm, determination and unmistakable silhouette.
