Year of The Dog Chinese Zodiac
Year of the Dog Chinese Zodiac Sign – Traits, Personality & Compatibility
A Loyal and Protective Spirit
In Chinese astrology, the Dog is the eleventh sign of the zodiac, symbolizing loyalty, integrity, and vigilance. People born in the Year of the Dog are known for their deep sense of justice, sincerity, and protective nature. They are dependable companions who value truth and fairness above all.
If you were born in the Year of the Dog, your personality likely leans toward honesty, emotional intelligence, and a strong desire to defend those in need. Let’s explore your personality traits, love compatibility, elemental influence, and more to better understand what it means to be a Dog in Chinese astrology.
Zodiac Years of the Dog
1934–1935
Wood Dog
February 14, 1934 – February 3, 1935
1946–1947
Fire Dog
February 2, 1946 – January 21, 1947
1958–1959
Earth Dog
February 18, 1958 – February 7, 1959
1970–1971
Metal Dog
February 6, 1970 – January 26, 1971
1982–1983
Water Dog
January 25, 1982 – February 12, 1983
1994–1995
Wood Dog
February 10, 1994 – January 30, 1995
2006–2007
Fire Dog
January 29, 2006 – February 17, 2007
2018–2019
Earth Dog
February 16, 2018 – February 4, 2019
2030-2031
Metal Dog
February 3, 2030 – January 22, 2031
Note: If your birthday falls in January or February, double-check the date range above, as the Chinese New Year varies each year.
Chinese Zodiac Calculator
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Personality Traits of the Dog Zodiac
People born in the Year of the Dog are trustworthy, protective, and deeply loyal. They are natural defenders and often put others before themselves. Dogs value integrity, honesty, and emotional connections in all relationships. They tend to be cautious but sincere, and they have a strong internal code of ethics that guides their actions.
Strengths
Loyal and trustworthy companions
Honest and morally upright
Emotionally intelligent and empathetic
Protective of loved ones
Hardworking and responsible
Weaknesses
Can be overly cautious or suspicious
Prone to anxiety or worry
Sometimes stubborn in their beliefs
May find it hard to forgive betrayal
Dogs are ideal friends and partners — steadfast and sincere. Their greatest strength lies in their reliability and deep emotional bonds, but they may need to manage self-doubt and avoid overly defensive behavior.
Influence of the Five Elements on Dog Sign
Each Dog year is governed by one of the five elements — adding deeper layers to their personality:
Wood Dog (1994): Creative, kind-hearted, and cooperative
Fire Dog (2006): Energetic, courageous, but can be impulsive
Earth Dog (2018): Steady, pragmatic, and loyal to a fault
Metal Dog (1970, 2030): Strong-willed, principled, and determined
Water Dog (1982): Intuitive, emotional, and thoughtful
Each elemental Dog has its own expression of loyalty and justice. Fire Dogs may be more intense, while Earth Dogs bring a grounded sense of duty.
Love Compatibility for the Dog
Dogs are faithful and loving partners who value emotional connection and shared values. In love, they are protective, kind, and committed.
Best Matches for the Dog
Tiger: Shared sense of justice and mutual admiration
Rabbit: Complementary personalities and emotional harmony
Horse: Energetic balance and loyal partnership
Least Compatible with the Dog
Dragon: Clashing values and struggle for control
Ox: Differences in emotional needs and worldview
Rooster: Mismatched priorities and potential communication issues
Ideal Careers for Dog Zodiac
Due to their sense of duty and moral integrity, Dogs excel in roles that involve helping others or standing up for what’s right.
Social Work & Counseling
Law & Public Policy
Veterinary or Animal Care
Education
Law Enforcement & Military
NGO or Humanitarian Work
They thrive in positions of trust where they can serve a meaningful cause.
Quick Facts About the Dog Zodiac
Chinese Name
狗 (Gǒu)
Elemental Cycle
Earth
Polarity
Yang
Lucky Numbers
3, 4, 9
Lucky Colors
Red, Green, Purple
Compatible Signs
Tiger, Rabbit, Horse
Opposing Sign
Summary
The Dog represents faithfulness, protection, and justice in Chinese astrology. People born in the Year of the Dog are sincere, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded. They shine in relationships and careers that demand integrity, loyalty, and a sense of responsibility. While they can be cautious and anxious at times, their strong moral compass and love for others make them trusted friends and respected leaders.
The 12-Year Cycle of Chinese Zodiac Signs
Explore the animals of the Chinese zodiac and their symbolic meanings by selecting a sign below.
