Chinese Horoscope Dog Personality: Strengths & Weaknesses

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle that assigns an animal to each year. The people born within that year are meant to share personality traits with that animal. The 11th animal in the Chinese zodiac is the dog, known for being loyal and honest. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about the dog personality, including strengths, weaknesses, career opportunities, romantic compatibility, and health advice. Plus, get an overview of the Chinese zodiac.

Year of the Dog Personality Traits

Daoist Metaphysical Expert Dr. Tamsin Lee says people with dog in their chart are extremely loyal and great at following rules. Sometimes they struggle to balance loyalty with their own moral convictions. They tend to be grounded, calm, and good in a crisis. But, despite their stoic manner, dogs are deeply sensitive.

Section 1 of 10:

Year of the Dog Personality Traits

Download Article

1
People born in the Year of the Dog are loyal. Just like real dogs, people born under the dog Chinese zodiac sign are known for their loyalty.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview} They are true friends, reliable partners, and are generally someone you want on your team. Those born in the Year of the Dog are devoted to their family and always stick by their loved ones.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Years of the Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
People born in the Year of the Dog are very sincere and genuine. They’ll tell you the truth, even if it’s something you might not want to hear. They’re also very dependable and trustworthy; they know how to keep secrets and strive to always be there for their loved ones.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
There’s a reason people have guard dogs. Just like their real-life counterparts, people born in the Year of the Dog are fiercely protective of the ones they care about.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview} They have a strong sense of social responsibility and will fight for what’s right.^{[5]
X
Research source}
4
Dog personality traits also depend on the year’s element. While each Chinese zodiac sign has several overarching personality traits associated with their animal, they also have additional personality traits depending on their element. Each year in the Chinese zodiac is related to one of the 5 elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. People born in the Year of the Dog will possess different traits depending on which element they were born under.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Wood (birth year ending in 4 or 5): Exceptionally gifted, idealists, planners
- Water (birth year ending in 2 or 3): Sympathetic, perfectionists, coordinators
- Fire (birth year ending in 6 or 7): Courageous, passionate, good at research
- Earth (birth year ending in 8 or 9): Kind, tolerant, honest, leaders
- Metal (birth year ending in 0 or 1): Determined, persistent, workaholics, managers

Section 2 of 10:

Year of the Dog Strengths

Download Article

Because those born in the Year of the Dog are social, active, honest, and loyal, they often make good leaders. They’re straightforward and won’t beat around the bush or conceal information. They’re also extremely family-oriented and will do anything for the people they love.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Section 3 of 10:

Year of the Dog Weaknesses

Download Article

Those born under the dog zodiac sign tend to rely way too much on their connections and loyalties without thinking through the repercussions. They can also be overly dramatic and defensive, even if confronted with minor issues, and there’s also a tendency among people born in the Year of the Dog to see everything as a “glass half empty” situation.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview}

Section 4 of 10:

Year of the Dog Career & Wealth Opportunities

Download Article

1
People born under the dog zodiac thrive in careers where they can help others. Because of their loyal and trustworthy personalities, people born in the Year of the Dog often have a sincere desire to help others, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being. They have a strong sense of justice and focus on the greater good of society.^{[9]
X
Research source} These people are also dependable and candid, which allows them to find success in more traditional careers rather than creative ones.
- Good career options: Doctor, teacher, lawyer, police officer, accountant, civil servant, operations specialist
- Challenging career choices: Artist, designer, content creator, margins trader, speculative investor
People born in the Year of the Dog often foresee opportunities to gain promotions or expand their business, which helps them earn more money.^{[10]
X
Research source} However, they aren’t always good at saving and managing money. It’s important that they have a stable income and that they do not invest large amounts of money into unfamiliar fields. They should cut back on unnecessary expenses and record daily costs to avoid money shortages.

Section 5 of 10:

Year of the Dog Health & Wellness Advice

Download Article

People born in the Year of the Dog should prioritize self-care to avoid burnout. Those born in the Year of the Dog are likely energetic and active but tend to take on more than they can handle. While these people often have relatively good health, they’re prone to burnout. They need to get plenty of rest, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care to avoid feeling overwhelmed.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview}
- Note: The Chinese zodiac is a cultural belief system, not a scientific practice. Your sign does not determine your physical, mental, or emotional health, and the advice listed here should not take the place of advice from a doctor or health professional.
- Some sources also say that people born in the Year of the Dog are prone to gastrointestinal or respiratory issues.

Section 6 of 10:

Year of the Dog Love & Compatibility

Download Article

Those born in the Year of the Dog look for loving and sympathetic partners. People born in the Year of the Dog have many qualities that attract potential partners, including loyalty, kind-heartedness, and being affectionate. They often look for partners who have similar qualities and will provide them with a sense of security. Here are some Chinese zodiac signs they’re most and least compatible with:^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Tiger (Best Match): Dogs and tigers are both loyal. Dogs will put their tiger’s interests before their own, while tigers are fiercely protective over their dog. These signs have a unifying vision of right and wrong which will help them build a life together.
- Horse (Best Match): Dogs and horses are both open and frank, which makes communication a breeze. Dogs often inspire horses to desire stability, and their relationship is often an easygoing, long-term commitment.
- Rabbit (Best Match): The simple and dependable dog is often attracted to the rabbit’s whimsical charm and magical presence. Rabbits tend to be insecure, so the dog’s loyalty reassures them and allows them to blossom into their true self.
- Dragon (Unlikely Match): Dog/dragon relationships are often difficult, as there is a lot of miscommunication. Dogs often unintentionally hurt their dragon’s pride, while dragons are bored by their dog’s loyalty and dedication.
- Rooster (Unlikely Match): Both dogs and roosters are often unwilling to back down or apologize in an argument, which can create a lot of tension within a relationship. The rooster may be too critical of the dog, and the dog will bite back with sharp words.

Section 7 of 10:

Lucky Symbols for Year of the Dog People

Download Article

The dog has many lucky symbols in the Chinese zodiac. Each Chinese zodiac sign has lucky numbers, colors, flowers, minerals, and even directions. These symbols are meant to bring good fortune when you wear or see them. On the other hand, each sign has unlucky symbols, as well, which should be avoided. Here are the dog’s lucky and unlucky symbols:^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9
- Lucky colors: Green, red, purple
- Lucky directions: East, southeast, south
- Lucky mineral: Emerald
- Lucky flowers: Lucky bamboo, cymbidium orchids
- Unlucky numbers: 1, 7, 8
- Unlucky colors: Blue, brown
- Unlucky direction: North, west

Section 8 of 10:

Year of the Dog Chinese Zodiac Origins

Download Article

According to legend, all the Chinese zodiac animals competed in a race. As the story goes, at the beginning of time, the Jade Emperor hosted a race to determine which animals would become a part of the Chinese zodiac. The dog was a fan favorite, but because it loved the attention, it wasted too much time catering to the crowd. By the time it began the race, many other animals had already finished, leaving the dog as the second to last sign.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Section 9 of 10:

Famous People Born in the Year of the Dog

Download Article

Many celebrities were born in the Year of the Dog. People born under the dog zodiac are known to be charming and genuine, so it’s no surprise that many become celebrities with adoring fans. Here are just a few of the most well-known celebrities born under the sign of the dog:^{[15]
X
Research source}
- Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 (Earth)
- Elvis Presley: January 8, 1935 (Wood)
- Madonna: August 16, 1958 (Earth)
- Nicki Minaj: December 8, 1982 (Water)
- Saoirse Ronan: April 12, 1994 (Wood)
- Mariah Carey: March 27, 1970 (Metal)
- Anne Hathaway: November 12, 1982 (Water)

Section 10 of 10:

Chinese Zodiac Overview

Download Article

The Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle of animals used to describe people’s personalities. Each year is associated with one of 12 animals, and people born under the same sign are believed to share personality traits associated with that animal. The Chinese horoscope is also used to predict relationship compatibility and guide life decisions. Here is a complete list of all the Chinese zodiac signs and their associated years:^{[16]
X
Research source}
- Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
  - Personality: Intelligent, resourceful, ambitious, secretive, materialistic
- Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949,1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
  - Personality: Diligent, dependable, strong-willed, patient, stubborn
- Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
  - Personality: Courageous, passionate, confident, competitive, impulsive, temperamental
- Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
  - Personality: Gentle, kind, compassionate, artistic, indecisive, overly cautious
- Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
  - Personality: Powerful, confident, ambitious, lucky, arrogant, domineering
- Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
  - Personality: Wise, intuitive, mysterious, elegant, secretive, possessive
- Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
  - Personality: Energetic, independent, free-spirited, popular, impatient, restless
- Goat/Sheep: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
  - Personality: Gentle, kind, compassionate, artistic, indecisive, pessimistic
- Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
  - Personality: Clever, curious, playful, mischievous, adaptable, manipulative, unreliable
- Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
  - Personality: Confident, hardworking, meticulous, outspoken, honest, arrogant, critical
- Dog: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
  - Personality: Loyal, honest, trustworthy, protective, overly-critical, stubborn
- Pig: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
  - Personality: Honest, compassionate, generous, kind-hearted, naive, gullible