ABOUT
Heavenly Stem: Wu
Earthly Branch: Xu
Energy: Yang
In Chinese culture, dogs represent loyalty, protection, and trustworthiness. People born in the Year of the Dog are typically seen as honest, reliable, and caring individuals who value friendship and take their responsibilities seriously.
Those with the Dog sign are known for their strong moral compass - they're brave, fair-minded, and have zero tolerance for betrayal or dishonesty. They're naturally helpful and kind, often putting others' needs before their own.
Dogs are also considered lucky symbols in Chinese tradition. There's a belief that when a dog comes into your home, it brings good fortune with it. Even in ancient legends, powerful deities like Erlang were accompanied by faithful canine companions.
Essentially, the Dog represents the ideal friend - someone who's humble, devoted, and will always have your back when you need them most.
Why is Dog the eleventh zodiac sign?
Long ago, the Jade Emperor held a race across a heavenly river to choose the zodiac animals. Dog was a good swimmer and well-liked, but it got distracted by attention and started late. By the time it joined the race, most animals had already finished.
In another version, the Emperor wanted to pick animals based on how helpful they were to humans. Dog and Cat both argued their case—Dog said it guarded homes and needed one basin of food; Cat said it caught rats and only needed a small bowl. The Emperor chose Cat. Dog felt betrayed, attacked the Cat, and it ran away. That’s why dogs still chase cats.
Later, the rule changed: the first 12 animals to reach the palace would be in the zodiac. Dog was with Rooster, who ran ahead. Cat, hiding from Dog, came too late and missed out. The smart Rat arrived first.
Dog was finally placed 11th, as its active time (7–9 PM) matched the "Xu" hour in traditional Chinese timekeeping. Though it didn't win, Dog's loyalty and protectiveness earned it a spot in the zodiac.
DOG YEARS
When is the Year of Dog?
The Dog is the 11th animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. Dog years include:
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, 2042, and so on.
If you were born in one of these years, your zodiac sign is likely the Dog.
But the Chinese zodiac year starts on Chinese New Year, not January 1st. It usually falls between late January and mid-February.
So, if you were born in January or early February, you might be a Dog or the sign before or after (Rooster or Pig), depending on the exact New Year date.
To be sure of your zodiac sign, it’s best to check the exact Chinese New Year date for your birth year.
PERSONALITY
Understanding the Dog Zodiac Sign
Dogs are basically the golden retrievers of the zodiac - loyal, honest, and super caring. They'll move mountains for the people they love and always have your back. At first, they might seem a bit shy or cautious, but once you're in their circle, you've got a friend who's as warm as they come.
You know that friend who acts like you've been gone for months when you just ran to grab coffee? That's totally a Dog person. They're genuinely excited to see you, always ready to jump in and help, and completely drama-free - they just wear their hearts on their sleeves.
Dogs are full of energy and love trying new things, but they can also be pretty anxious. They worry about stuff and need reassurance that everything's okay. They might put on a tough front, but they're actually sensitive and just want everyone they care about to be safe and happy.
Sometimes Dogs aren't great at expressing their feelings, which can make them seem stubborn or quiet. But they feel everything deeply and always want to do what's right. They also have this thing where they see the best in everyone, even when they shouldn't - it's sweet but makes them easy targets sometimes.
The flip side? Dogs can be brutally honest and pretty critical. They aren't afraid to tell you exactly what they think and can be quick to point fingers when things go wrong. But even with their flaws, if you want someone who's got your back no matter what, a Dog person is your best bet.
Strengths of the Dogs
People born in the Year of the Dog are all about loyalty - once you're in their inner circle, you've got a friend for life. They're the "what you see is what you get" type - no games, no hidden agendas, just genuine honesty.
They're natural protectors who go out of their way to keep their loved ones safe and happy. Sure, they might be a bit shy when you first meet them, but once they trust you, they become these warm, affectionate people who light up around the people they care about.
Dogs are energetic and enthusiastic, whether they're helping a friend move or planning some spontaneous adventure. They find joy in simple things - good relationships, quiet moments, just being around the people they love.
What really stands out about them is how they put others first and will always speak up for what's right, even when it's tough. They're reliable, kind, and have this way of making everyone around them feel safe. Plus, they've got great instincts and are surprisingly good at reading people and situations.
In relationships, they're steady as a rock - when a Dog commits, they're all in. They bring this genuine warmth and trustworthiness wherever they go, making them the kind of people everyone wants in their corner.
Weaknesses of the Dogs
Dogs can be pretty cautious with new people and situations - they'd rather hang back and observe than jump right in. Sometimes they struggle to put their feelings into words, which doesn't help when they're already feeling hesitant.
They feel everything intensely, which means when they're happy, they're really happy, but when they're down, they can get pretty moody or have emotional outbursts that catch everyone off guard.
Their minds are constantly racing with worry - about their loved ones, work stuff, or honestly just random things that probably don't even matter. All that overthinking can be exhausting for them and everyone around them.
That fierce loyalty of theirs can sometimes flip into neediness. They might constantly seek reassurance or lean too heavily on others, even when they could totally handle things themselves.
Because they always want to see the best in people, Dogs can be easy targets for anyone with bad intentions. Their trusting nature sometimes works against them.
They can also be pretty stubborn about their opinions and don't love compromising. Mix that with a quick temper and some impulsive decisions, and you've got a recipe for relationship drama.
Dogs can be overly critical and suspicious too - they might nitpick or start arguments over things that really aren't worth it. And when they're overwhelmed, they tend to shut down completely, leaving everyone else wondering what happened and how to help.
While their loyalty is genuine, all these mood swings and emotional walls can make them seem unpredictable or even two-faced to others.
Dog Men
Dog men are honest, friendly guys who are popular and determined, but don't like unclear situations. They're practical, great listeners, and put family first. In relationships, they're steady and caring rather than impulsive - they show love through actions and make reliable partners and fathers.
They're straightforward with a strong sense of justice, which attracts people, and they're the type of friends who'll always be there when you need help. They come from traditional backgrounds and focus on building stable, secure lives without many vices.
Their downside is that their strong moral compass can make them seem too serious, and they struggle with being indecisive, awkward communicators, and resistant to change. They tend to overthink but don't always follow through on their plans.
Dog Women
Dog women are cautious but deeply loyal once they trust you. They're traditional, family-oriented, and prefer simplicity over glamour - think simple styles and minimal makeup. While they're considered good luck for partners, they can be awkward in romantic relationships, often being too reserved to express their feelings directly.
They're steady workers who prioritize security over flashy success and are great at business once committed. Their independence means they handle things well even when partners aren't super family-focused.
On the positive side, they're honest, helpful, and passionate about their work. On the downside, they can be overly persistent about small things, tend to think too simply and miss details, and struggle with communication and tact despite their loyalty.
Overall, they make better marriage partners than girlfriends - solid, dependable life companions rather than romantic dreamers.
FIVE ELEMENTS
In Chinese astrology, each zodiac sign combines with five elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) in a 60-year cycle. This creates different personality types for each sign.
Your birth year determines both your zodiac animal and element, which together are believed to shape your personality traits.
The five types of Dogs:
Wood Dog: Honest, reliable, patient
Fire Dog: Smart, hardworking, honest
Earth Dog: Good communicator, serious, responsible
Metal Dog: Careful, helpful, conservative
Water Dog: Brave, independent, good with money
CAREER
Dogs put their whole heart into their work. They don't just complete tasks - they truly care about doing well and helping others. This comes naturally to them because they want to make a real difference.
Dogs are everyone's favorite coworkers. They always help teammates who are struggling or stressed. If someone is working late, Dogs will offer to help without being asked. This makes them very popular at work, but sometimes they help others so much that they forget to take care of themselves.
Dogs are extremely loyal. When they join a team, they stick with it no matter what. You can always count on them to keep their promises and finish what they start. This makes everyone feel secure working with them.
Dogs have a strong sense of right and wrong. They hate unfairness and always try to treat everyone properly. They're also great at noticing small details others miss, which helps prevent problems before they happen.
Dogs prefer talking face to face instead of using emails or texts. They like honest, direct conversations that solve problems quickly. Once they start a job, they never give up - even when the work gets tough or boring. This determination helps them succeed where others might quit.
Career
Outlook:
Dogs make excellent right-hand people for bosses due to their loyalty, leading to steady career growth. They prefer traditional industries over creative fields and excel in jobs that serve others and society.
Best Career Matches:
- Law: Lawyers, judges (natural sense of justice)
- Education: Teachers (like direct interaction)
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses (desire to help others)
- Public Service: Civil servants, politicians
- Counseling: Psychologists, counselors, priests
- Behind-the-scenes roles: Supporting others without needing attention
- Competitive jobs: Where they can interact directly with people
- Sales and customer service: They handle relationships well and solve problems smoothly, perfect for local businesses
Less Ideal Career for Dogs:
Dogs are smart and like change, so they don’t like sitting still all day. Because of this, they are not good at indoor jobs that are boring or always the same. These kinds of jobs can make them feel stressed or unhappy. Instead, they do better with work that is exciting, different, or challenging.
❗Note: These job suggestions are general guidelines. Your best career fit also depends on other factors in your full birth chart.
COMPATIBILITY
Love Compatibility for Dogs
Dogs take a pretty relaxed approach to love - they're loyal and accepting once they commit, but don't expect any dramatic whirlwind romances. They'd much rather start as friends and let things build naturally over time.
They're definitely not the "love at first sight" type. Dogs will take their sweet time getting to know someone before making any moves, but this slow-and-steady approach usually pays off. They've got good instincts for building real, lasting relationships instead of just casual hookups.
Because they're so thoughtful about choosing partners, Dogs tend to do well in love. They know what they want and how to make it work.
❤️ Best Matches for Dogs
Dog and Rabbit
Dogs are really honest and stable people, so when they meet a Rabbit - who's fun and full of surprises - they fall hard. Rabbits have this sweet, playful way about them that Dogs just love.
Dogs don't always notice that Rabbits are actually pretty worried and unsure deep down. But that's what makes them perfect together - Dog's strong loyalty and the way they always stick around is exactly what Rabbit needs to feel safe and happy.
Dog and Tiger
Dogs and Tigers are both really loyal, but they show it in different ways. Dogs will always put their partner first without thinking twice. Tigers are more like protective leaders who want to keep their loved ones safe. Even though they act different, they both know right from wrong, which keeps their relationship strong.
Dog and Horse
Dogs and Horses work great together because they're both honest people who say what they really think. No games or drama - just clear talk, which makes relationships so much easier. They also want the same kinds of things in life, so they agree on most stuff.
This turns into one of those nice, easy relationships that just feels right. Dog's loyalty actually helps Horse want to stay in one place. Horses like to move around a lot, but being with a Dog makes them want that steady, settled life too.
💔 Bad Matches for Dogs
Dog and Rooster
Dogs and Roosters will probably let each other down a lot. Roosters pick on small things and complain, while Dogs can say really mean things when they're angry. It's like watching two people who won't give in or say sorry after a fight.
Since they're both really stubborn, their fights turn into big battles where no one will back down. If they get married, it'll probably end in a really bad divorce where both people get hurt.
Dog and Dragon
These two just don't understand each other at all. Dogs might hurt Dragon's big ego without meaning to, while Dragons think Dogs are really boring. Dragons want fun and excitement, but Dogs like things calm and steady - which Dragons think is dull.
They'll probably get colder and pull away from each other until they both start looking for happiness somewhere else. It's probably good that these two usually don't like each other from the start. Sometimes things just aren't meant to be.
Summary of Love Compatibility for Dogs
💓Best Matches: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse
💔Bad Matches: Rooster, Dragon
Each zodiac sign has its own special traits. In Chinese zodiac love compatibility, the traits of each animal are considered. Only signs that match well can be good partners. Below is how the Dragon matches with other signs.
You can check your compatibility using an online Chinese zodiac calculator.
❗Note: Compatibility isn’t determined solely by your zodiac sign—it also depends on the effort you put into the relationship.
How to Get Along with Dog People
Dog people put others first and have strong values - they won't do anything they think is wrong.
Dogs take time to trust new people, but once you're their friend, they'll stick with you forever. They're super loyal.
In love, Dogs don't fall fast, but when they do, they're completely faithful. Their feelings can be up and down though, and they're not good at showing how much they care.
Don't push too hard or come on too strong - Dogs like to take things slow and think about everything first.
If you're dating a Dog, plan sweet dates and romantic moments. Most important: always be honest with them. They hate lies and cheating. Be real with them and they'll love you forever.
HEALTH
Dog people are usually pretty healthy because they stay positive and love being active. Playing sports keeps them strong and helps them avoid getting sick.
Dogs don't worry much about making lots of money or getting promoted, so they're way less stressed than most people.
But Dogs have one big problem - they say yes to everything and try to help everyone. This can wear them out completely, even though they're naturally strong and energetic.
When Dogs are really busy with work or social stuff, they need to make sure they get enough sleep and exercise. Their mind needs rest too, not just their body.
As they get older, Dogs need to learn to say no and set limits. They can't keep taking care of everyone else while forgetting about themselves. Things like meditation or deep breathing can help them stay calm and healthy.
FAMOUS PEOPLE
Dog Year People
Dogs are naturally sweet and real people. Sometimes they put themselves down or don't think they're good enough, but that humble way about them is part of what makes them so lovable. People really like their honest, down-to-earth personality - it's the kind of charm that makes Dogs well-liked and hard to forget.
Metal Dog
- John Tyler: Mar 29, 1790 (10th US President)
- John Gibson: June 19, 1790 (Sculptor)
- George Everest: Jul 4, 1790 (Explorer)
- Alphonse de Lamartine: Oct 21, 1790 (Poet)
- Tomas Garrigue Masaryk: Mar 7, 1850 (1st President of Czechoslovakia)
- Thomas Lipton: May 10, 1850 (Entrepreneur)
- Frances Xavier Cabrini: Jul 15, 1850 (Religious Leader)
- Jack Daniel: Sep 5, 1850 (Entrepreneur)
- Lee Byung-chul: Feb 12, 1910 (Entrepreneur)
- Momofuku Ando: mar 5, 1910 (Entrepreneur)
- Jacques Cousteau: June 11, 1910 (Oceanographer)
- Mother Teresa: Aug 26, 1910 (Religious Leader)
- Dorothy Vaughan: Sep 20, 1910 (Mathematician)
- Queen Latifah: Mar 18, 1970 (Actress)
- Swifty: Apr 8, 1970 (YouTube Star)
- Holly Frazier: May 11, 1970 (Reality Star)
- Naomi Campbell: May 22, 1970 (Model)
- Lee Byung-hun: Jul 12, 1970 (Actor)
- River Phoenix: Aug 23, 1970 (Actor)
- DMX: Dec 18, 1970 (Rapper)
- Sandra Lee: Dec 20, 1970 (YouTube Star)
Water Dog
- Victor Hugo: Feb 3, 1802 (Novelist)
- Dorothea Dix: Apr 4, 1802 (Civil Rights Leader)
- Thomas Davenport: Jul 9, 1802 (Inventor)
- John Cadbury: Aug 12, 1802 (Entrepreneur)
- John Purdue: Oct 31, 1802 (Entrepreneur)
- Claude Debussy: Aug 22, 1862 (Composer)
- Ida B. Wells: Jul 16, 1862 (Civil Rights Leader)
- Joseph Carey Merrick: Aug 5, 1862 (The Elephant Man)
- Julius Rosenwald: Aug 12, 1862 (Entrepreneur)
- Doris Day: Apr 3, 1922 (Actress)
- Christopher Lee: May 27, 1922 (Actor)
- Judy Garland: June 10, 1922 (Actress)
- Redd Foxx: Dec 9, 1922 (Actor)
- Stan Lee: Dec 28, 1922 (Comic Book Author)
- Ong Squad: Mar 9, 1982 (TikTok Star)
- Kaká: Apr 22, 1982 (Soccer Player)
- William Prince of Wales: June 21, 1982
- Lil Wayne: Sep 27, 1982 (Rapper)
- Rebecca Zamolo: Sep 28, 1982 (YouTube Star)
- Ms. Rachel: Nov 30, 1982 (YouTube Star)
- Nicki Minaj: Dec 8, 1982 (Rapper)
Wood Dog
- Nicolas Baudin: Feb 17, 1754 (Explorer)
- Pierre Charles Lenfant: Aug 2, 1754 (Architect)
- Louis XVI: Aug 23, 1754 (Former King of France)
- William Marsden: Nov 16, 1754 (Novelist)
- Jenny Von Westphalen: Feb 12, 1814 (Author & Spouse of Karl Marx)
- Samuel Colt: Jul 19, 1814 (Inventor)
- Henri Nestle: Aug 10, 1814 (Entrepreneur)
- Adolphe Sax: Nov 6, 1814 (Entrepreneur)
- Harry Houdini: Mar 24, 1874 (Magician)
- Howard Carter: May 9, 1874 (Archeologist)
- Herbert Hoover: Aug 10, 1874 (31st US President)
- Winston Churchill: Nov 30, 1874 (Former PM of UK)
- Norma jessandnorma: Mar 6, 1934 (TikTok Star)
- Jane Goodall: Apr 3, 1934 (Zoologist)
- Roberto Clemente: Aug 8, 1934 (Baseball Player)
- Fairuz: Nov 21, 1934 (Singer)
- Judi Dench: Dec 9, 1934 (Actress)
- Maggie Smith: Dec 28, 1934 (Actress)
- Duke Dennis: Feb 26, 1994 (YouTube Star)
- Justin Bieber: Mar 1, 1994 (Singer)
- InquisitorMaster: May 1, 1994 (Roblox Star)
- PrestonPlayz: May 4, 1994 (YouTube Star)
- Taylor Paul: May 23, 1994 (TikTok Star)
- King Von: Aug 9, 1994 (Rapper)
- HopeScope: Aug 12, 1994 (YouTube Star)
- Cameron Dallas: Sep 8, 1994 (Instagram Star)
- RM: Sep 12, 1994 (Rapper)
- Logan Thirtyacre: Nov 17, 1994 (YouTube Star)
Fire Dog
- Jacob Perkins: Jul 9, 1766 (Engineer)
- John Dalton: Sep 6, 1766 (Chemist)
- Charles Macintosh: Dec 29, 1766 (Entrepreneur)
- Joseph Rene Bellot: Mar 18, 1826 (Explorer)
- Daniel Freeman: Apr 26, 1826 (Doctor)
- Stephen Foster: Jul 4, 1826 (Singer)
- Laura Keene: Jul 20, 1826 (Business Executive)
- Ma Rainey: Apr 26, 1886 (Singer)
- Al Jolson: May 26, 1886 (Singer)
- Rose Wilder Lane: Dec 5, 1886 (Journalist)
- Diego Rivera: Dec 8, 1886 (Painter)
- Phil Robertson: Apr 24, 1946 (Reality Star)
- Cher: May 20, 1946 (Singer)
- Donald Trump: June 14, 1946 (45th and 47th US President)
- George W. Bush: Jul 6, 1946 (43rd US President)
- Bill Clinton: Aug 19, 1946 (42nd US President)
- Freddie Mercury: Sep 5, 1946 (Singer)
- Susan Sarandon: Oct 4, 1946 (Actress)
- Steven Spielberg: Dec 18, 1946 (Film Director)
- Ashton Myler: Jan 30, 2006 (YouTube Star)
- LiLee Anne Nelson: Mar 12, 2006 (YouTube Star)
- Gibson Ardoline: Mar 28, 2006 (TikTok Star
- Noah Risling: June 15, 2006 (TikTok Star)
- youcantfindalex: Oct 10, 2006 (TikTok Star)
- Cadel__06: Nov 16, 2006 (Instagram Star)
Earth Dog
- Robert Emmet: Mar 4, 1778 (Activist)
- Sophie Blanchard: Mar 25, 1778 (Balloonist @ Pilot)
- Catherine McAuley: Sep 29, 1778 (Religious Leader)
- Humphry Davy: Dec 17, 1778 (Chemist)
- Henry Adams: Feb 16, 1838 (Novelist)
- John Muir: Apr 21, 1838 (Conservationist)
- Liliuokalani: Sep 2, 1838 (Former Queen of Hawaii)
- Annie Edson Taylor: Oct 24, 1838 (Explorer)
- Lil Hardin Armstrong: Feb 3, 1898 (Singer)
- Enzo Ferrari: Feb 18, 1898 (Entrepreneur)
- Misao Okawa: Mar 5, 1898 (Supercentenarian)
- William James Sidis: Apr 1, 1898 (Mathematician)
- Golda Meir: May 3, 1898 (4th PM of Israel)
- Harry Patch: June 17, 1898 (Supercentenarian)
- MC Escher: June 17, 1898 (Graphic Designer)
- C.S. Lewis: Nov 29, 1898 (Author)
- Umm Kulthum: Dec 31, 1898 (Singer)
- Alec Baldwin: Apr 3, 1958 (Actor)
- Prince: June 7, 1958 (Singer)
- Mark Cuban: Jul 31, 1958 (Entrepreneur)
- Madonna: Aug 16, 1958 (Singer)
- Angela Bassett: Aug 16, 1958 (Actress)
- Michael Jackson: Aug 29, 1958 (Singer)
