Year of the Dog

Year of the Dog

Dog people are known for their loyalty and honesty. They stick to their principles of fairness. They are creative, and have problem-solving skills. As friends and lovers, they are very trustworthy and make great listeners. You should think highly of these qualities of Dogs instead of overlooking them, or the Dogs may feel disrespected. They are loyal to others, so they can keep a good, long-lasting relationship. Dogs are very kind to help others over themselves. They protect and defend their loved ones even at great personal sacrifice.

The Story of the Dog

The next creature to arrive was another surprise to the Emperor. The Dog finally bounded across the finish line some time after the Rooster and into eleventh place, even though he was the best swimmer of the group and was anticipated to finish second or third behind the flying Dragon, strong Ox, and fast Horse. However, while crossing the river, he started to play in the water and was having so much fun that he forgot about the race until he saw the raft carrying the Sheep, Monkey, and Rooster.

Years and types

There are five elements that give the Dog specific characteristics and personality traits beyond its symbol of wealth. The most recent years of the Dog include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982 1994, 2006, 2018. After 2019, the next two years we will be 2030 and 2042.

Types Years of Birth Characteristics and Personality Traits
Wood Dog 1934, 1994 Independent, creative, protective.
Fire Dog 1946, 2006 Kind-hearted, patient, helpful.
Earth Dog 1958, 2018 Ambitious, hard-worker, friendly
Metal Dog 1970, 2030 Loyal, intuitive, honorable.
Water Dog 1982, 2042 Active, charming, sociable, popular.

Famous people born in the year of the Dog

In Western Countries

Thomas Edison (born Feb 11, 1847) was an American inventor and businessman, who is described as America’s greatest inventor. Winston Churchill (born Nov 30, 1875) was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945, army officer, and writer. The “King of Pop”, Michael Jackson (born Aug 29, 1958). Other celebrities born in the year of the dog include popular Hollywood director Steven Spielberg (born Dec 18, 1946), British model, actress, and business woman Naomi Campbell (born May 22, 1970), the UK’s Prince William’s wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (born Jan 9, 1982), and Canadian singer-songwriter Justin Bieber (born Mar 1, 1994).

In China

Emperor Huizong of Song (born June 7, 1082), aka Zhao Ji, was the eighth emperor of the Song dynasty in China. He was also a very well-known calligrapher. He had great artistic talent in art, calligraphy, music, and he invented the Slender Gold style of calligraphy.

Zhou Enlai (born Mar 5, 1898) was the first Premier of the People’s Republic of China. Zhou served under Chairman Mao Zedong and was instrumental in the Communist Party’s rise to power, and later in consolidating its control, forming foreign policy, and developing the Chinese economy.

Song Mei-ling (born Mar 5, 1898) was a Chinese political figure who was First Lady of the Republic of China, the wife of President Chiang Kai-shek.

Feng Zikai (born Nov 9, 1898) was an influential and pioneering Chinese painter, essayist, and Buddhist of twentieth century China.

Qian Zhongshu (born Nov 21, 1910) was a Chinese literary scholar and writer, known for his wit and knowledge. He is best known for his satirical novel “Fortress Besieged”.

Hua Luogeng (born Nov 12, 1910) was a Chinese mathematician and politician famous for his important contributions to number theory and for his role as the leader of mathematics research and education in the People’s Republic of China.

Ruan Lingyu (born Apr, 1910), also known by her English name Lily Yuen, was a Chinese silent film actress who became one of the most prominent Chinese film stars of the 1930s.

Wong Kar-wai (born July 17, 1958) is a Hong Kong filmmaker. Internationally renowned as an major contributor to the Hong Kong Second Wave, his unique and highly stylized work includes “As Tears Go By” (1990), “Fallen Angels” (1995), “In the Mood for Love” (2000), “2046” (2004), and “The Grandmaster” (2013).

Hu Ge (born Sept 20, 1982) is one of China’s most popular actors and singers. Hu gained widespread acclaim with his roles as Mei Changsu in the wuxia drama “Nirvana in Fire”, for which he received the Best Actor award at the 22nd Magnolia and Golden Eagle awards.

Du Juan (born Sept 15, 1982) is a Chinese fashion model, film actress, and former ballet dancer. She has been touted as the world’s first international Chinese supermodel.

Personality Traits and Character

Positive personality traits

a smile dog

Valiant, giving, playful, lively, prudent, sincere, uncomplicated, loyal, honest, clever, courageous, trustworthy, responsible, friendly, faithful.
People born in the year of Dog are very friendly and giving – they may sacrifice everything they have for the sake of others’ happiness. As friends and lovers, they are very trustworthy and make great listeners. You should think highly of these qualities of Dogs instead of overlooking them, or the Dogs may feel disrespected. They are loyal to others, so they can keep a good, long-lasting relationship. Dogs are very kind to help others over themselves. They protect and defend their loved ones even at great personal sacrifice. Dogs have the ability to save themselves in almost any situation by using their natural smarts and instincts. They will accept a true leader as long as that leader doesn’t go against the Dog’s system of morality. Dogs are not always leaders but will be the right-hand men of leaders. Dogs are great organizers and have a knack for managing chaotic situations with their quick minds. The Dogs’ devotion to others is admirable, but don’t overlook the Dogs' needs.

Negative personality traits

a cute dog

Sensitive, unsatisfied, skeptical, negative, emotional, easily distracted, stubborn, conservative, self-conscious.
Dogs can be temperamental and pessimistic, especially about their own capabilities. This is often a result of low self-esteem. Some have the tendency to be impatient and critical of people, or certain situations. Many Dogs are seen as cold or detached, but this can be a misinterpretation of when they are simply on guard and alert, and not so concerned with the social aspect of an event. They also may simply not know how to open up emotionally to other people – especially strangers. Anxious and short-tempered at times, don’t ever attack a Dog’s children, spouse, or home as their kind and gentle nature can quickly turn into a ferocious and vicious beast. Sometimes, Dogs have trouble controlling their emotions and can over react to perceived threats.

Exclusive Travel Destinations for the Dog

The Dog is the symbol of loyalty and honesty. You may be a homebody but love being active outside. A countryside touring perhaps makes you feel a little more at home and at ease. The beauty of Guilin is world famous, and you can enjoy a very easy-going pace for your trip.If you are interested, please check the Exclusive Travel Destinations for Chinese 12 Zodiac to know more details.

Love and Compatibility

Dogs are trustworthy and reliable. When making friends, Dogs will take their time to get to know people, to build trust. Dogs find it difficult to fall in love, because they're very cautious and conservative. As friends and lovers, they are very trustworthy and make great listeners. Dogs are very kind to help others over themselves. They protect and defend their loved ones even at great personal sacrifice. They generally don’t date many people and finally start a romantic relationship with friends. Partners shouldn’t overlook these qualities of Dogs or they may feel disrespected..

For Men

The Dog man is often sensitive and proud. A Dog man will get his feelings hurt if someone laughs at him or otherwise does something disrespectful and they may withdraw for a while. Most Dog men tend not to like too much freedom as they interpret that as a lack of caring. Instead, most prefer that someone else leads with softness and tenderness and will love you forever for the guidance you give. He will only accept a partner who is committed to the truth and leading a moral life. His loyalty is legendary and in fact, if for some reason the relationship doesn’t work out, it can be nearly impossible for a Dog man to recant their feelings which can cause long term problems for his ex-partner.

For Women

lovers

Dog women can be hard to catch and tend to seem distant even when they may actually be dreaming of passionate love with someone. Dog women therefore generally tend to be attracted to strong personalities who aren’t afraid to make their romantic intentions clear and confidently pursue her. When a Dog woman realizes she is in love, she may not show this all at once and instead reveal her feelings slowly and discreetly, until she is sure about the relationship. If you love a Dog woman, you’ll learn that she doesn’t trust many people but when she does, it’s forever. When a Dog becomes a mom, her involvement in the lives of, and care for, her children will be so grand, that it can border on obsessive. A Dog’s children are the best in the world and can’t do any wrong in her eyes. Her devotion to her children and spouse will be unrivaled.

Best Matches: Rabbit, Tiger, Horse

1. Dog and Rabbit

The Dog and the Rabbit have many different personality traits, but they complement each other with their differences. The Rabbit is sensitive and the Dog will offer security and protection to the Rabbit, while the latter will bring much - needed positivity to the Dog's life.

2. Dog and Tiger

The Tiger and the Dog make a great match. The Dog may be considerate and tolerant of the Tiger, which makes the Tiger feel at ease. The Dog can get a sense of security from the Tiger, and they can understand and tolerate each other.

3. Dog and Horse

The Horse and the Dog are lively, energetic, and hard-working people. The generous Dog will be fascinated by the Horse's intelligence, while the Horse will gently encourage the Dog to try new things and experience new adventures. Both are active people and can keep each other entertained. This can be a long-lasting union if they're able to overcome their nominal differences.

Worst Matches: Dragon, Ox, Sheep

1. Dog and Dragon

The Dog and the Dragon are not very compatible. The energetic Dragon loves traveling and excitement, while the Dog prefers to stay close to home and stick to a routine. The Dragon is attracted to material success and power, while the hard-working and ethical Dog is unable to understand this quest for power. The Dog is often too docile for the more assertive Dragon who instead seeks someone who can keep up with them.

2. Dog and Ox

Both the Dog and the Ox can be stubborn in their own ways and this will harm their relationship. The Dog's emotional insecurity can create problems by constantly needing reassurance from their partner which will be too burdensome and seemingly unnecessary by the Ox. Neither are strong leaders and the Dog may feel uncomfortable not having a clear direction.

3. Dog and Sheep

The Dog and the Sheep have low chances of romantic compatibility. Both signs are somewhat emotionally insecure and need consistent love and support by their loved ones. Both can be somewhat sensitive and if the Dog’s mood changes too frequently, this will not be taken well by the Sheep who prefers predictability and calmness. Both signs are fairly docile meaning neither will want to take the lead, leaving both looking for direction and unable to make decisions.

Lucky and Unlucky Things

Lucky Unlucky
1. Numbers Three, four and nine One, six and seven
2. Colors Green, red and purple Blue, white and gold
3. Flowers Rose, Oncidium Orchids, Cymbidium Orchids No unlucky flowers
4. Directions East, southeast and south No unlucky directions
5. Element Earth No unlucky element
6. Season Autumn No unlucky season
7. Gemstone Diamond No unlucky gemstone

Career and Health Outlook

Career

various of careers

Dogs are honest, kind, hardworking, sincere and helpful, so their coworkers always trust them. Dogs are loyal, realistic, modest. Dogs can be perfect team members who will devote themselves to tasks, doing anything to keep the team working. When it comes to money, Dogs usually need to keep a frugal mind. Without a long-term plan, they will spend money like water. Finances can worry them if they don’t feel enough to adequately take care of their needs.
Good career choices include: counselor, professor, scientist, police officer, interior designer, nurse, judge, politician, clerk, priest, teacher, social worker.

Health

Dogs are lively individuals who tend to stay fairly happy. Many Dogs are active in sports, so their health is good, and they are fairly resistant to diseases. However, Dogs tend to work harder than the other Chinese signs, so they should ensure they get plenty of rest in addition to regular physical activity and eating a healthy diet. They don’t usually suffer from stress related illnesses, but sometimes overly rely on a stronger partner or family member to push them to keep up with their health care.

a dog with ink painting

Dog Horoscope in 2025

2025 Overall: 4/5 stars

In 2025, people born in the year of Dog should remember to maintain equanimity, avoid impatience, and handle challenges with a calm demeanor to foster prosperity with a gentle approach.

Career: 4/5 stars

You should make a plan for your career in 2025. You need to work hard and down-to-earth, and good opportunities of work will definitely appear.

Wealth: 4/5 stars

You may have an improvement in investment. There will be big breakthroughs for those who work hard at work.

Love: 4/5 stars

The love relationship will be very good in 2025. You need to be confident, which will contribute to the good development of the relationship. You also need to face your loved ones with a positive attitude.

Health: 4/5 stars

In 2025, the health of Dog people will be stable. You need to engage in regular exercise to boost physical fitness and build up energy to face challenges with vigor.

By Eric M. Meyer
Senior Editor
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