Loyal, honest and fair
No sign is more closely tied to loyalty than the Dog. Chinese astrology links it with faithfulness, honesty, a strong sense of justice and a protective instinct toward the people it loves.
Dog people are described as dependable friends who keep their word and stand up for what is right. Tradition names the shadow of that watchfulness: worry, suspicion of strangers, pessimism and sharp words when the Dog feels something is unfair.
In old Chinese households the dog guarded the home through the evening, and the Dog hour reflects that: 7 pm to 9 pm.
Eleventh, because the water was too nice
The Dog was one of the best swimmers in the race and should have done well. But once it reached the river, it could not resist splashing and playing in the clear water.
By the time it climbed out, ten animals had already finished, and the Dog took eleventh place. It is one of the most cheerful tales in the legend, showing a side of the Dog that is playful rather than serious.
Dogs of every element
Wood Dog (the year starting in 1994, for example): described as warm, patient and cooperative, the most easygoing Dog.
Fire Dog (2006): the most lively and adventurous Dog, linked with charm, courage and strong convictions.
Earth Dog (2018): Earth doubled, since Earth is also the Dog's fixed element. Tradition reads it as calm, fair and steady, a careful judge of character.
Metal Dog (1970, and next in 2030): pictured as the most principled and determined Dog, very loyal and unwilling to bend on matters of right and wrong.
Water Dog (1982): the gentlest Dog, described as intuitive, sympathetic and good at listening.
The Dog in folk compatibility
The Dog belongs to the harmony group with the Tiger and the Horse. This trine is linked with honesty, idealism and loyalty, and tradition sees the three as natural allies.
Its secret friend is the Rabbit, and its clash sign is the Dragon, directly opposite. Folk astrology contrasts the Dog's caution and realism with the Dragon's grand plans. Try any pair in the compatibility tool; it shows the tradition, not a judgment of real people.
Your Dog year, day by day
On this page you will find each Dog year with its exact start and end date, which the site computes from the second new moon after the December solstice.
If you were born in January or early February of a Dog year number, the Rooster may be your real animal. Check with the Chinese zodiac calculator. If you want to look at loyalty and commitment in Western terms too, the Venus sign calculator covers the planet astrologers link with affection and values.