Year of the Dog

Written by Ruby Zhao Updated Oct. 29, 2024
Chinese zodiac sign dog

The Dog ranks the 11th among the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Years of the Dog include 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946...The next Dog year is 2030.

In Chinese culture, the Dog is highly regarded for its protective nature, strong sense of responsibility, and willingness to go above and beyond for loved ones. The zodiac sign Dog is a symbol of loyalty, companionship, and faithfulness.

People born in the Year of the Dog are often described as reliable, honest, and steadfast.

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Find Out if You Were Born in a Dog Year

The most relevant years of the Tiger include 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946...

If you were born in one of the above calendar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is probably the Dog, and in China you would be known as a Dog.

However, the Chinese zodiac year is usually said to start from Chinese New Year, which ranges from late January to mid-February. Therefore, if you were born in January or February in one of the above years, you might be a Dog, or possibly an Rooster.

Additionally, if you were born in January/February in one of the years immediately following those above (2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, etc.), then you may be a Dog or a Pig.

You can use our free Chinese zodiac sign calculator tool below to find your zodiac animal sign or see the table below.

Chinese Zodiac Caculator
Choose your date of birth and find out about your Chinese zodiac sign.
Dog Years Date Element
1934 February 14, 1934 – February 3, 1935 Wood Dog
1946 February 2, 1946 – January 21, 1947 Fire Dog
1958 February 18, 1958 – February 7, 1959 Earth Dog
1970 February 6, 1970 – January 26, 1971 Metal (Gold) Dog
1982 January 25, 1982 – February 12, 1983 Water Dog
1994 February 10, 1994 – January 30, 1995 Wood Dog
2006 January 29, 2006 – February 17, 2007 Fire Dog
2018 February 16, 2018– February 4, 2019 Earth Dog
2030 February 3, 2030 – January 22, 2031 Gold Dog

Dogs' Horoscope Predictions and Lucky Color for 2025

2025 is the Year of the Snake, and for you, being a Dog, there's not really a strong connection between your sign and the Snake. Overall, things should be pretty stable, but watch out for some fluctuations in your luck due to some negative influences. Don't take things lightly—keep an eye on how your fortunes develop!

  • Career: Your career looks stable in 2025. With some lucky stars shining on you, you might find some helpful people popping up in your life. Your relationships with colleagues and leaders should improve, and if you've had any past conflicts with coworkers, you'll likely be able to resolve them. With the support of these lucky stars, you'll gain your boss's trust, so make sure to seize any opportunities that come your way. This could be a great chance for a turnaround!
  • Wealth: When it comes to finances, you can expect stability in 2025. Your strong career will bring you good luck with money, and you might even get a promotion or a raise thanks to the recognition you'll receive. If you're in business, collaborating with other merchants could lead to some nice gains. For those of you working a regular job, keep pushing yourself to improve and plan for the future. Don't just settle; take action to avoid being left behind.
  • Relationships: In terms of love, things should be quite stable for you this year. Thanks to some lucky influences, single Dogs might find their romantic prospects looking up, and you could meet someone special. Plus, older relatives might step in to help you find a match, speeding up your journey to finding love. If you're already in a relationship, things look good—your love life is vibrant, and it won't affect your bond with your partner.
  • Health: Health-wise, though, you might face some challenges in 2025. Overall, it could be a bit unstable, and the presence of negative influences means you should be careful with your health. With a busy work schedule, remember to take care of yourself and enjoy life. Don't neglect your well-being for the sake of work!

Lucky color for 2025: silver, brown, and red

Dogs' Horoscope Predictions and Lucky Color for 2024

According to Chinese astrology, it seems that Dogs may face some challenges ahead in 2024. Unfortunately, the influence of unfortunate stars might bring setbacks and difficulties into different areas of your life. If you're born in a year of the Dog, it will be crucial for you to put in extra effort this year.

In 2024, you're suggested to pay close attention to your finances. Be wise in managing our money, embrace frugality, and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Nevertheless, amidst the less than favorable luck, there is still some good news for you. Your destiny palace will be graced with an auspicious star, which can help shield you from some of the misfortunes. This star brings with it opportunities and sparks of hope in your careers. If you seize the moment, you could potentially turn the tide of luck in your favor.

In terms of love fortunes, Dogs will probably encounter a decline in their love fortunes. Although there will be chances for developing new relationships, it is essential to exercise caution to avoid making mistakes that may lead to losses.

Lucky color for 2024: orange, deep purple, crimson

Read on Monthly Horoscope for Dogs.

Dog's Personality

Dogs are usually 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.

They are usually protective and caring, going to great lengths to ensure the safety and happiness of their loved ones.

Most Dogs may initially be cautious, but once trust is built, they can be warm and friendly. They are known for their reserved nature, usually preferring to stay in the background rather than seeking the spotlight.

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

Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water Dogs

In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. For example, a Wood Dog comes once in a 60-year cycle.

It is theorized that a person's characteristics are decided by their birth year's zodiac animal sign and element. So there are five types of Dog, each with different characteristics.

Element of Dog Personality
Wood Dog Sincere, reliable, considerate, understanding, and patient
Fire Dog Intelligent, hardworking, and sincere
Earth Dog Communicative, serious, and responsible in work
Gold Dog Conservative, desirable, cautious, and always ready to help others
Water Dog Brave and self-centered, even seemingly selfish; well-versed in dealing with financial issues

See Chinese Zodiac Dogs of 5 Elements: Characters and Destinies.

Lucky Things for People Born in a Year of the Dog

Lucky Things for the Dogs

Things that will bring Dogs luck:

  • Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9, and numbers containing them (like 34 and 49)
  • Lucky colors: red, green, and purple
  • Lucky flowers: rose, cymbidium orchids
  • Lucky directions: east, south, and northeast

Things that Dogs should avoid:

  • Unlucky colors: blue, white, gold
  • Unlucky numbers: 1, 6, and 7
  • Unlucky direction: southeast

Zodiac Dogs' Love Compatibility

The Dog's Love Compatibility

See below for the compatibility of the Dog with other animals, and find out if the Dog is compatible with your sign or not.

Each animal sign has its unique characteristics. Love compatibility within the Chinese zodiac animals works on the principle that only those whose characteristics match have good compatibility. Those who don't match need to put more effort into their relationships.

  • Best with: Tiger, Rabbit, Horse, or Monkey
  • Worst with: Dragon or Goat

Want to know if she/he is compatible with you? Use our zodiac love compatibility calculator below. Or you can check the 12 Chinese zodiac signs' love compatibility in detail.

Chinese Zodiac Compatibility Caculator
Enter date of birth and test now
Boy's date of birth:
Girl's date of birth:

Best-Suited Careers for Dogs

Due to their loyal personality, Dogs tend to choose a career based on the principle of serving others. Dogs are seen as valuable employees as they put their heart and soul into their tasks.

They are easygoing and kind, and are always ready to alleviate the workload of others, which makes them very popular in their work circle.

Recommended careers for Dogs include: Police officer, Scientist, Counselor, Interior designer, Professor, Politician, Priest, Nurse, Clerk, and Judge.

Health Tips for Dogs

Overall, Dogs enjoy good health as they tend to be happy all the time. Dogs are active at sports so they are resilient to illnesses, such as colds, coughs, and fever.

In heavy work periods and frequent social activities, they should ensure they get plenty of rest in addition to taking proper exercise, which will benefit both their physical and mental health. Since Dogs are not keen on seeking money and power, they feel less stressed and tense at work and in their home lives.

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.

Famous Dog Year People

  • Donald Trump: born on June 14, 1946, a Fire Dog
  • Madonna: born on August 16, 1958, an Earth Dog
  • Michael Jackson: born on August 29, 1958, an Earth Dog
  • Justin Bieber, born on March 1, 1994, a Wood Dog

Check Other Chinese Zodiac Animals

Click the zodiac sign below to check each animal sign's horoscope, personality, love compatibility, etc. in detail.

Year of the Ox
Year of the Dog
Year of the Pig
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