Year of the Dog
The Dog in the Chinese zodiac — personality, compatibility, career, and lucky traits.
Dog
| Animal | 戌 Dog |
|---|---|
| Order | 11 of 12 |
| Earthly branch | Xu |
| Fixed element | Earth |
| Best matches | Tiger, Horse |
| Clash (avoid) | Dragon |
| Lucky | Lucky numbers 3, 4, and 9; lucky colours green, red, and purple; lucky flowers rose and cymbidium orchid. |
What is the Year of the Dog?
The Dog (戌, branch Xu) is sign 11 of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals, with the fixed element Earth. The Dog is the eleventh sign of the Chinese zodiac — loyal, honest, and deeply principled. Dog people are faithful friends and steadfast defenders of justice, valuing fairness, sincerity, and duty above all. Kind, reliable, and protective, they give their trust carefully but their loyalty completely, standing firmly by those they love. Ruled by the fixed element Earth, the Dog blends warm-hearted devotion with a strong moral compass, making it one of the most trustworthy and admirable signs of the cycle.
Dog strengths
Loyal, honest, and dependable, Dogs are faithful friends and principled defenders of what is right. Kind, fair, and protective, they inspire trust and stand firm for justice. Responsible and sincere, they work hard for the people and causes they believe in, and their warmth and integrity make them steadfast companions and champions.
Dog weaknesses
Dogs can be anxious, pessimistic, and stubborn, prone to worry and harsh self-criticism. Their strong principles may make them judgmental, cynical, or quick to see the worst in a situation. Cautious and guarded, they can struggle to relax or trust, and their sensitivity to injustice sometimes hardens into defensiveness.
Dog love and compatibility
In love the Dog is loyal, sincere, and protective, offering steadfast devotion to a trusted partner. They pair best with the Tiger and Horse of their trine, who share their courage and vitality. Their clash is the Dragon, whose grand self-assurance strikes the grounded, sceptical Dog as bluster.
Dog career and work
Dogs excel in fields built on trust, service, and justice: law, social work, medicine, education, the military, activism, and public service. Reliable and conscientious, they work devotedly for causes and communities. They thrive where their integrity is valued, and their loyalty and fairness make them respected colleagues and steadfast leaders.
What years are the Year of the Dog?
Recent and upcoming Years of the Dog:
- 1958
- 1970
- 1982
- 1994
- 2006
- 2018
- 2030
- 2042
Note: the Chinese zodiac year begins at Lunar New Year (late January to mid-February), not January 1. If you were born in that window, your sign may be the previous year’s animal — your BaZi chart settles it precisely.
Your animal is only one pillar
Your birth year gives your zodiac animal — but your full BaZi (Four Pillars) chart maps the year, month, day, and hour, revealing your elements, Day Master, and destiny.
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