BEIJING: China’s first Corgi police dog has found itself in trouble again, this time for stealing a sausage from a child during a patrol, however, netizens have leapt to the canine’s defence.
One-and-a-half-year-old Fuzai, from a police dog training base in Weifang, Shandong province in eastern China, was given the name to bring good luck and success.
His talent was spotted when he was just two months old when his owner took him to a park, where police dog trainer Zhao Qingshuai noticed his drive, curiosity, and hunting instincts.
Seeing his potential, the owner donated Fuzai to the police dog training centre.
Fuzai started training as a reserve explosives-detection operative in January 2024.
In October 2024, after months of learning tasks like searching luggage, inspecting vehicles, and crossing obstacles, Fuzai passed his tests and officially joined the police force.
In April, he helped provide security at the Weifang International Kite Festival.
Fuzai has also taken part in public open house events, where he interacted with visitors and showed off his skills.
With his big smile, short legs, and sharp detection skills, Fuzai quickly won hearts online.
His story, posted on social media by the Weifang Public Security Bureau, has attracted over 400,000 followers.
In January, Fuzai was punished for napping on the job and peeing in his food bowl, which cost him his year-end bonus of snacks and toys.
The incident amused social media users across China.
A few days later, his trainer shared a video saying that although the treats were taken away, Fuzai still received a festive Lunar New Year meal with Pacific herring, pumpkin soup, colourful dumplings, and rabbit meatballs.
But the naughty canine was soon up to more mischief.
On April 26, while on patrol, Fuzai snatched a grilled sausage from a child’s hand.
A video shows him turning his head, taking a bite of the sausage, then casually walking away as a crowd bursts into laughter.
The girl’s mother later said her daughter finished the rest of the sausage without complaint.
After the patrol, Fuzai’s trainer tried to find the family to make up for the snack but could not find them. She later posted an apology online, saying Fuzai had been formally scolded.
“Fuzai broke the rule of never taking anything from the public,” the trainer said, adding that stricter food refusal training would follow.
The story has received much attention online, with many netizens calling for forgiveness.
“With a dog as cute as Fuzai, how could anyone stay mad?” one online observer said.
“Maybe it is time to upgrade his meals so he is not so tempted,” said another.
On April 29, two trainers took Fuzai and two sausages to the girl’s kindergarten, where they gave her and her mother some Fuzai-themed gifts and a kite.
“I hope both Fuzai and my daughter grow up healthy and happy. Stay strong, Fuzai,” the mother said. - South China Morning Post
