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Description
Species information
Classification: Yokai/Mammal
Scientific name: Leocanis custos
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Canidae
Genus: Leocanis
Species: L. custos
Diet: Carnivorous
Native range: Japan, Korea, China, India
Habitat: Shrines
Common name: Lion dog
Also called: Shisa, Koma inu, Guardian dog, lion, foo dog, fu dog, shishi, Korean dog, Chinese Guardian lion
Distinctions: Large in size, may have a horn, a lion-like mane, ability to turn into a statue
Lifespan: 80 years (though they can extend their lives by turning into a statue)
Abilities: Supernatural strength, demon killing, self petrification, life extension
Lion dogs are large mammalian Yokai that resemble lions. While many think they're actually lions, in reality, they're closer to dogs. They do however have spiritual connections to the primordial animal that branched out into the felines and canines. Their purpose is to protect shrines, or households, from evil spirits, which they can destroy. There are many statues of these creatures, and they've become quite an icon in popular culture. While their natural lifespan is 80 years, they can preserve themselves by turning into a statue, and thus increase their lifespan.

Description
Species information
Classification: Yokai/Mammal
Scientific name: Leocanis custos
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Canidae
Genus: Leocanis
Species: L. custos
Diet: Carnivorous
Native range: Japan, Korea, China, India
Habitat: Shrines
Common name: Lion dog
Also called: Shisa, Koma inu, Guardian dog, lion, foo dog, fu dog, shishi, Korean dog, Chinese Guardian lion
Distinctions: Large in size, may have a horn, a lion-like mane, ability to turn into a statue
Lifespan: 80 years (though they can extend their lives by turning into a statue)
Abilities: Supernatural strength, demon killing, self petrification, life extension
Lion dogs are large mammalian Yokai that resemble lions. While many think they're actually lions, in reality, they're closer to dogs. They do however have spiritual connections to the primordial animal that branched out into the felines and canines. Their purpose is to protect shrines, or households, from evil spirits, which they can destroy. There are many statues of these creatures, and they've become quite an icon in popular culture. While their natural lifespan is 80 years, they can preserve themselves by turning into a statue, and thus increase their lifespan.