Year of Dog: Personality Traits, Horoscope, Forecast - Chinese Zodiac

Year of Dog. Photo: DogTime

A symbol of loyalty and honesty, the dog, is the eleventh sign in the 12-year old cycle of Chinese zodiac signs. The Year of the Dog is a recurring position in this cycle. The period of 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM is the hour of the Dog.

When is the Year of the Dog?

The Chinese Calendar is luni-solar and based on a 12-year cycle in which each new year is associated with one of 12 Chinese zodiac animals, which always appear in the same order. These 12 animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. With each passing lunar year, the 12-year zodiac cycle rotates to the next animal in line.

Because the lunar calendar isn’t standardized the way that the Western calendar is, the dates of the Chinese New Year holiday — and thus, the date of the switch from one zodiac animal to the next — vary from year to year. For example, in 2021, Chinese New Year fell on February 12, ushering in the Year of the Ox. In 2022, Spring Festival is set to take place on February 2, which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit.

According to ancient Chinese tradition, every person is represented by the zodiac animal of their birth year. Individuals born in 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 belong to the Year of the Dog (狗年 gǒunián).

For all dogs and dog-lovers out there, note that the next Year of the Dog will begin on February 3, 2030 and end on January 22, 2031.

The dog in Chinese culture

To better appreciate the rich symbolism associated with the Year of the Dog, it’s important to understand the place of the dog in Chinese culture more generally.

The myth of the dog

There are several myths used to explain the origins of the dog zodiac sign and how the dog came to represent the 11th year of this auspicious cycle.

According to one well-known story, the mythological Jade Emperor (one of the first representations of God in Chinese theology) sought 12 animals to defend his palace. In order to identify the most worthy animals for the task, he held a grand competition by inviting all animals on Earth to his palace for a festive banquet. Per the Emperor’s decree, the 12 animals arriving first would be named as winners.

While on his way to the palace, the dog decided to stop for a quick bath in the river. This caused him to arrive late. By the time he got to the palace, 10 animals had already arrived, so the dog ended up as number 11 on the zodiac, between the Rooster and Pig. The Year of the Dog is thus the eleventh year of the Chinese astrological calendar.

Dog's Personality: Dogs are loyal, honest, but not good at communication.

Dogs are loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Due to having a strong sense of loyalty and sincerity, Dogs will do everything for the person who they think is most important.

As Dogs are not good at communication, it is difficult for them to convey their thoughts to others. Therefore, Dogs tend to leave others with the impression that they have a stubborn personality.

When thrown into doubt, Dogs think the world is evil and complicated. Then they criticize sharply when making comments, and infer that all things are according to their pessimistic point of view.

Men born in the Dog year are straightforward and genuine. They are energetic, though they’re more pessimistic inside. Very opinionated, they’re always ready to correct others and defend their stance. It’s not that they want to show off. They just feel it’s necessary to help others realize their mistakes. These men care deeply for their family. Their stubbornness fades in the face of their loved ones. They work to understand and compromise, resulting in a harmonious family life. Women born in the Dog year are very cautious. They are indifferent towards people they don’t like, and don’t trust easily. But once they do, it’s permanent. They are intensely protective of their friends and family. They are genial and independent. They love outdoor activities and being in nature. However, they are also hard workers and don’t give up until they succeed. Security and a stable income are her requirements for a career.

Chinese Horoscope for Fire, Earth, Metal and Water Dogs

Photo: Pngtree

Below, in accordance with the Chinese horoscope, you will find a detailed description of the personality and specificities of the 5 existing types of Dog, which associate the terrestrial branch of the Dog with the 5 Yang celestial trunks of WuXing and Feng Shui (Yang Wood, Yang Fire, Yang Earth, Yang Metal, Yang Water). Indeed, the Dog being a Chinese astrological sign with Yang polarity, the elements of Nature to which he can be connected are always in their Yang form. Likewise, for each Dog associated with his celestial trunk (Wood Dog, Fire Dog, Earth Dog, Metal Dog, Water Dog), discover the pillar of destiny he is associated with and its meaning, in relation to its imaged destiny.

Wood Dog

Characteristics: You’re a Wood Dog if you’re born in 1934 or 1994. In 2021, you’re 87 or 27 years old. Your lucky number is 11.

Personality: The native of the Year of the Wood Dog is endowed with a noble, stable and powerful personality. The Yang Wood element brings to the Wood Dog his creative qualities, his generosity and his balance in his relations with others. Disinterested, honest and devoted to his family, but also capable of sporadic anger, the Wood Dog is above all an epicurean, usually an excellent cook, and always charming and popular with his friends. His professional ambition and his material comfort can only develop if he learns to rely more on himself, while taking care to listen to the people of trust who surround him.

Wood Dog's Pillar of Destiny

Imaged destiny: "Fire at the top of the mountain" (Yang)

Meaning of the Wood Dog's birth pillar: Solid ambition, exemplarity, clairvoyance and kindness, empathy and protection, social ascent supported by a keen sense of concrete realities, possible difficulty in expressing emotions clearly.

Earth Dog

Characteristics: You’re an Earth Dog if you’re born in 1958. In 2021, you’re 63 years old. Your lucky number is 35.

Personality: The native of the Year of the Earth Dog has a responsible character, and he makes his decisions for the collective interest. Skilled in mediation, the Earth Dog is also pragmatic, calm and serene. Gentler in approach than his fellow Dogs, his flair and his insight are very developed. Always cautious and alert, sometimes undecided, the Earth Dog doesn't lose his biting skills when he feels threatened or betrayed by someone he had previously gratified of his friendship.

Earth Dog's Pillar of Destiny

Imaged destiny: "The wood of the plains" (Yang)

Meaning of the Earth Dog's birth pillar: Great creativity, generosity, fertility and sense of family, ability to make objective judgments, risk of frustrations and unfinished achievements due to possible difficulties in channeling an overflowing energy.

Metal Dog

Characteristics: You’re a Metal Dog if you’re born in 1970 or 2030 (on Chinese New Year 2030, the next generation of Metal Dogs will be born). In 2021, you’re 51 years old. Your lucky number is 47.

Personality: The person born in the Year of the Metal Dog can be cold and severe in his relationship to others. Honorable, austere but charitable, his personal interests closely related to the good he can do around him. It's better not to make an enemy of of him, because the Metal Dog is a tenacious opponent, who doesn't let go the trace of his prey once the hunt is launched. Conservative and patriotic, rarely in doubt of himself, the Metal Dog usually appreciates the military, political, justice and police careers.

Metal Dog's Pillar of Destiny

Imaged destiny: "Gold ornaments and hairpins" (Yang)

Meaning of the Metal Dog's birth pillar: Luck and fortune at hand, exacerbated charisma, qualities of dialogue and force of conviction, ideal for those who choose the professions of politics, diplomacy, law, commerce and marketing, taste for power and pleasure in confrontation (at the risk of losing your skills).

Water Dog

Characteristics: You’re a Water Dog if you’re born in 1922 or 1982. In 2021, you’re 99 or 39 years old. Your lucky number is 59.

Personality: The native of the Year of the Water Dog has the sharpest instinct of his fellows. His sense of smell and his perspicacity are qualities that allow him to always find his way and rarely go wrong. Pleasant and gifted, with an attentive ear for his friends, the Water Dog is overflowing with charm. Refined and eloquent, his company is always pleasant, especially since of all Dogs he is the least authoritarian and the most tolerant.

Water Dog's Pillar of Destiny

Imaged destiny: "The water of the great ocean" (Yang)

Meaning of the Water Dog's birth pillar: Exceptional learning and knowledge-building capacities, preference for consultancy and administration, remarkable analytical skills, risk of obstinacy and rigidity in the face of the unknown.

Chinese Zodiac Dog Kids – Girls

Year of Dog. Photo: PARTNER Productions

Girls born in the Chinese Zodiac Year of the Dog have amazing facial expressions. Everything is written there like a book of introduction. And watch out for those eyes when she’s angry or trying to get her way. They dazzle.

Because the girl Dog acts so mature, people often envision her as older than her body expresses. She isn’t overly worried about physical beauty even though she has charm. The child born under this sign are naturally hard workers. Your girl likes to keep busy. Don’t let her sit still for too long as she may become maudlin and spiral into that negative energy.

Healthwise female kids born in the Chinese Year of the Dog hate being sick more than anything else. Your child will rarely tell you if they feel yucky and goes to the doctor only when she feels REALLY bad. Parents have to keep a firm hand on any physician’s orders, making sure she follows them.

Girls born under the Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Dog are fierce advocates for humanitarian causes. Driven by idealism – balanced by practicality she gives without expectations. If the social issue centers on women and children, all the more so.

Females born under the Chinese Zodiac sign of the dog sometimes have trouble showing their emotions. They are not the most demonstrative of the signs, even though their feelings run deep. Some in her circle interpret this as her being aloof so you may need to work on social skills before she heads off to school.The Dog daughter strives to remain true to herself and others. She has no tolerance for lies and has a work ethic that cannot be ridiculed. Sometimes she goes overboard and may experience physical or emotional repercussions, so mom and dad be on the look-out. The need to be needed is strong in this girl.

The greatest gift a parent can give their Dog daughter is a good sense of humor and whimsy. Dogs often take everything way too seriously. Satire or elusive communication is often lost with her. Dog children need play time!

She dogs in the Chinese Zodiac often come with quite the bark. That biting tongue comes out when her sense of morality and values are challenged. She is always sincere, but the Dog’s truth comes without bandages.

Chinese Zodiac Dog Kids – Boys

The boy born in the Chinese Year of the Dog always seems like an elderly man filled with tension and a sense of adversity. He is not fond of physical labors, partially due to an awkward sense of his body. This kid needs serious self-affirmation.

He is a very emotional Chinese Zodiac sign. When he reacts it’s very inwardly intense. Outwardly no one but the closest of family and friends would even know what was going on. This internalization can lead to stress-related disorders if not resolved by adulthood. Ultimately the male Dog youth must learn the limits of his energetic leash to avoid sickness, be it emotional or physical.

Chinese Zodiac Dog children illustrate high ideals and sound dedication. He is the child with a cause, in part because he craves admiration. This boy isn’t aware of this need. Rather he sticks to his convictions and carries on the “fight” no matter the cost.

Like the female Chinese Zodiac Dog sign, justice matters to your son. Equality must be for all. He will always want to be the proverbial Knight against the Dragon. Generally speaking, Dog keeps this attitude to the local circle of family, friends, school and community. As he matures, however, that scope may reach around the world with compassion. In his mind, every person deserves dignity and it is his moral duty to help manifest that in reality. As with his sister, the boy Dog child’s language of love is service.

As with all children born in the Chinese Year of the Dog, honesty is the name of the game. Don’t ever lie to a Dog and expect him to ever trust you again. Hypocrisy is also a “sin”. Tell-it-like-it-is to Dog, and you will be rewarded with long-term loyalty. Even Chinese Animal Signs that clash with Dog find these attributes commendable.During teen years your son may be a bit of a revolutionary. This isn’t in a violent way. It’s far more practical, recognizing that change does not happen overnight. That outlook meshes perfectly with his conservative nature. One does not simply rebel without just cause.

Responsibility and duty run in boy Dog’s veins. As such he may find himself attracted to the Military or other service-oriented futures. That’s an excellent choice since the Chinese Zodiac Dog boy is as patient as he is faithful.

Careers Fit for Dogs

Dogs are loyal and obey all orders. They put in their biggest effort to accomplish any task given to them. Because they aren’t satisfied with being worse than others, a competitive job would suit them well.

They are also sensitive to details and have strong reasoning skills. They see the dangers of being in a position of high status. This is why they’re willing to stay in the background and support others. They’d do well in a behind-the-scenes type of job. Dogs are observant and have strong morals. They judge everyone before deciding if the person is trustworthy. This makes them a good candidate for careers such as referees, lawyers and interviewers.

Health and Lifestyle

Year of Dog. Photo: PNGEgg

Dogs are healthy overall, but the status of their health often has drastic changes. Though they seem resilient, it actually hides the symptoms that they may have. The smallest colds can put them in bed for days. Be wary of influenza and other contagious diseases during summer and autumn seasons

They should pay attention to their digestive system during their youth. Their biggest enemy is their unhealthy diet.

Once in the workforce, Dogs will constantly be busy. The stress will lead to headaches and migraines. In extreme cases, it can even lead to hysteria.

To create a strong base, Dogs should begin the habit of exercising early on. Taking breaks as needed and relaxing activities such as yoga are recommended.

How to Build Relationships with Dogs

They would rather suffer a loss than make trouble for others, and never go against their hearts to do something immoral.

When making close friends, Dogs will take some time to gain a thorough understanding of their friends, due to their traits of being conservative and cautious. Once they become close friends, Dogs will be faithful to maintain the relationship.

In love relationships, Dogs will not easily fall in love with someone. But once they do, they will be incredibly faithful to maintain the relationship and be loyal to their partner. However, their emotions have ups and downs when dealing with love relationships.

Compatibility

Most compatible with Dog: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse

Dogs are the most compatible with Rabbits. They’re attracted to the Rabbit’s kindness, while the Rabbit supports Dogs in the background.

Dogs are often pessimistic and needs a Tiger’s reassurance. Tigers also need a Dog’s loyalty. With Horses, both understand and respect each other’s opinions.

Least compatible with Dog: Dragon, Ox, Goat

Dogs and Dragons clash strongly and are the least compatible. Neither trusts each other and they have intense arguments.

There’s a cold relationship with Oxen. They have different interests and can’t interact smoothly. Dogs and Goats are able to tolerate each other, but there’s not much else.

Lucky things for Dogs

* Colors: green, red, purple

* Numbers: 3, 4, 9

* Mineral: emerald

* Directions of auspiciousness: north, northwest

* Directions of wealth: southeast

* Directions of love: south

Unlucky things

* Colors: blue, brown

* Numbers: 1, 7, 8

Year of the Dog: Birthstones

Dog Chinese zodiac lucky stones: Bronzite, carnelian, cat's eye, chrysoberyl, citrine, eudialyte, golden rutilated quartz, golden topaz, manganocalcite, moonstone, rainbow fluorite, septaria, silver rutilated quartz, tiger's eye, tiger iron, white noble opal, yellow citrine

Dog's Fate by Birth Time Best Birth Time: 09:00AM - 11:00AM, 11:00AM - 01:00PM, and 03:00PM - 05:00PM Dog's Fate by Birth Date Best Birth Dates: the 1st, 6th, 7th, 17th, 21th, 24th, 26th, 28th and the 30th day in Chinese lunar calendar Dog's Fate by Birth Month Best Birth Months: The Dog people born in January, February, March, August or December are lucky to enjoy a good fortune in various aspects. January: The Dog people born in January are honest. They usually could receive love, kindness and help from their parents thus enjoy a comfortable, safe and carefree life. February: The Dogs born in February usually have great courage. Although their life are mingled with both hope and fear, they can get help from others thus spend the whole life without misfortune. March: Delicate, pretty, versatile, clever and capable, the Dog people born in March usually could have a good income. They like to juggle ideas when doing things. Also, they have the ability to achieve great success by standing on their own feet. August: The Dog people with the birth month of August are bright, intelligent, able and extraordinary talented. So, they could win recognition from others. Also, career for them could blossom and money rolls in. December: The Dogs born in December are blessed to enjoy the splendor and joys of family life. They don’t need to tug all the life to make a living. Note: The dates and months here is based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Please use the Gregorian-Chinese Calendar Converter tool on Chinese calendar page to find your lunar birth date and month.

Famous People: Dog Zodiac Eminent Personalities

Stan Lee: December 28, 1922, Water Dog

Donald Trump: June 14, 1946, Fire Dog

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958, Earth Dog

Madonna: August 16, 1958, Earth Dog

Kim Jong-un: January 8, 1983, Water Dog

Justin Bieber: March 1, 1994, Wood Dog

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