Fu Zai: China's first corgi police dog with short legs and big skills

China's first corgi police dog, Fu Zai, went viral online as he made his debut at a police open day in Weifang, east China's Shandong Province. Unlike typical police dogs with long limbs and agile bodies, Fu Zai captivated the internet with his iconic short legs and superb explosive detection skills.

Fu Zai, a six-month-old male corgi, is currently undergoing training as a "reserve police dog" at the Changle County Police Dog Base in Weifang. Unlike common large dog breeds, Fu Zai has undergone four months of training, utilizing his short legs to excel in obedience, explosive detection, and scent tracking, achieving impressive results at the base.

Trainer Zhao Qingshuai explained that this was his first attempt at training a corgi. Before enlisting, Fu Zai was a pet dog that exhibited traits suitable for police dog training. At just one month old, Fu Zai was taken to the park by his owner for a walk. Zhao called out to him and Fu Zai immediately ran towards Zhao.

With the owner's permission, Zhao Qingshuai interacted with Fu Zai using his usual dog training methods and was pleasantly surprised by the results. Fu Zai's interest in objects, and ability to play are higher compared to other pet dogs. After discussion, the owner decided to send Fu Zai to the Police Dog Base, making him the first corgi reserve police dog in China.

After more than four months of training, Fu Zai has already begun learning obedience, explosive detection, scent tracking, and other skills during the puppy training stage. Moreover, he has leveraged his short legs to excel in a unique skill at the base: maneuvering under vehicles and searching narrow spaces, making him a standout "top student" in low-ground combat.

"Short legs are not his weakness but his advantage," remarked trainer Zhao Qingshuai.

At six months old, Fu Zai is currently in the foundational training stage as a reserve police dog. Soon, he will undergo formal grading assessments, transitioning from a trainee to a fully-fledged police dog. By the age of 1, he will be ready for operational duties.