What are the personality traits of the Dog?

The Dog is commonly described as loyal, honest, amiable, and kind. Frequently mentioned strengths include fiercely loyal and protective and strong moral compass and integrity.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with the Dog?

The Dog usually works most smoothly with Rabbit and Tiger. Tension is more often noted with Dragon, Goat, Rooster.

What years belong to the Dog?

Recent Dog years include 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030. The cycle repeats every 12 years.

What element is associated with the Dog?

The Dog's fixed element is Earth. Each individual Dog year also carries a yearly element, which is why Fire Dog and Water Dog are not read the same way.

Is the Dog yin or yang?

The Dog is Yang. Yang signs are usually read as more active and outward.

Dog Chinese Zodiac Sign

狗 (Gou) · #11 / 12 · Yang · XU Branch

🌍 EarthAutumn · West-Northwest · 7 PM - 9 PM

Dog Personality Traits

People born in the Year of the Dog are often described as loyal, honest, amiable, and kind. The Dog ranks #11 in the zodiac cycle and carries the fixed Earth element, which adds stable, practical, and reliable qualities to the reading. As a yang sign, it is usually read as more outward and active.

The Dog's hour is 7 PM - 9 PM. In traditional reading, that time is linked with the dog's natural rhythm. It also connects with the XU branch, the West-Northwest direction, and the Autumn season.

Strengths

✓Fiercely loyal and protective
✓Strong moral compass and integrity
✓Reliable and trustworthy friend
✓Courageous when defending others
✓Fair-minded and just

Weaknesses

✗Can be overly anxious and worried
✗Tendency toward pessimism
✗May be judgmental of others
✗Stubborn in beliefs
✗Difficulty relaxing and letting go

Dog by Element

Each 12-year cycle pairs the Dog branch with a different yearly phase. The animal stays the same, but the tone of the reading shifts.

Wood Dog Wood

Years: 1934, 1994

Wood Dog is usually read as a Dog expressed in a more expansive, ideal-driven, and developmental register.

Fire Dog Fire

Years: 1946, 2006

Fire Dog is usually read as a Dog expressed in a more visible, urgent, and expressive register.

Earth Dog Earth

Years: 1958, 2018

Earth Dog is usually read as a Dog expressed in a more grounded, measured, and durable register.

Metal Dog Metal

Years: 1970, 2030

Metal Dog is usually read as a Dog expressed in a more disciplined, exacting, and self-controlled register.

Water Dog Water

Years: 1982

Water Dog is usually read as a Dog expressed in a more perceptive, adaptive, and inwardly strategic register.

Method note: This site uses Lunar New Year as the year boundary for general zodiac-sign pages. Some BaZi schools instead mark the year at Li Chun, so advanced chart interpretations may differ.