Fu Zai, a corgi with stubby legs, a boundless appetite, and an even bigger fan following, has taken China by storm. Once just a family pet, he has now become the country’s first police corgi—and a viral sensation—thanks to his surprising leap into law enforcement and his hilarious, food-fueled adventures.
Since officially joining the Weifang Public Security Bureau in Shandong province in October last year, Fu Zai has been serving as a sniffer dog, trained to detect explosives with remarkable precision. But it’s not just his skills that have made headlines—it’s his endearing personality, comical blunders, and love of snacks that have captured the hearts of millions online.
Fu Zai’s transformation from a pet to a police recruit began when Zhao Qingshuai, a police dog trainer, spotted him in a local park. When Zhao called out, Fu Zai responded immediately, spinning around and racing over—especially at the prospect of food.
“He couldn’t resist food, which actually showed he had a strong drive to work,” Zhao told Chinese state media.
That drive has translated into both impressive achievements and a series of comical mishaps. In one widely shared video, Fu Zai was caught snatching a sausage from a child during patrol. Though his handlers have since focused on managing his food-driven impulses, the incident only added to his popularity. Fans flooded social media with supportive messages—and plenty of virtual sausages.
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In another viral moment, Fu Zai found himself in trouble for falling asleep on duty and mistaking his food bowl for a toilet. As a light-hearted punishment, his New Year treats and toys were briefly taken away, drawing more laughs and love from his online followers.
Despite his occasional lapses, Fu Zai has proven to be an effective member of the police team. Thanks to his small stature and low center of gravity, he can navigate spaces that larger dogs can’t—such as beneath vehicles or between tightly packed seats on buses. This makes him a unique asset in operations requiring agility and access to hard-to-reach areas.
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His rise in the ranks is even more remarkable given that corgis are rarely chosen for police work. Traditional breeds like German shepherds, golden retrievers, and spaniels dominate the field due to their strong trainability and focus. Corgis, often perceived as easily distracted and playful, are usually overlooked.
“Corgis are like big dogs in small bodies. They’re confident but can get distracted,” explained Leonardo Palacio, a U.S.-based dog trainer. “Still, with proper training, their drive can definitely be harnessed.”
Fu Zai’s fame has skyrocketed through Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, where the Weifang police maintain a popular account named "Fu Zai and His Comrades". The page boasts over 400,000 followers who eagerly watch his adventures—from patrolling local festivals in doggy sunglasses to participating in training drills.
Even his former owner remains a part of his journey, frequently visiting Fu Zai at the police base and cheering on his achievements. From stealing sausages to sniffing out danger, Fu Zai’s story is proof that determination, heart, and a fondness for food can turn an unlikely candidate into a star officer—and a national darling.
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