Stellune
The Dog is the eleventh animal of the Chinese zodiac and the zodiac’s most loyal friend. Dogs are honest, faithful and protective, with a strong sense of right and wrong.
The Dog personality
Dogs stand by the people they love and speak up for fairness. They’re sincere, dependable and kind, though they can worry and expect the worst.
Strengths: loyalty, honesty, courage, fairness.
Blind spots: worry, pessimism, and stubbornness once they’ve decided someone is wrong.
Dog years
You’re a Dog if you were born in one of these years, on or after that year’s Chinese New Year:
| Year | Element | New Year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Earth Dog | 18 February 1958 |
| 1970 | Metal Dog | 6 February 1970 |
| 1982 | Water Dog | 25 January 1982 |
| 1994 | Wood Dog | 10 February 1994 |
| 2006 | Fire Dog | 29 January 2006 |
| 2018 | Earth Dog | 16 February 2018 |
The next Dog year is 2030, a Metal Dog, starting on 3 February 2030. Born in January or February? Check with the Chinese zodiac calculator.
The five kinds of Dog
Each Dog year also has an element, which colours the Dog’s nature. The Dog’s own fixed element is Earth.
- Wood Dog: the warmest Dog, patient and understanding.
- Fire Dog: the boldest Dog, brave and lively.
- Earth Dog: the most steady Dog, calm and dependable.
- Metal Dog: the most principled Dog, firm and determined.
- Water Dog: the most intuitive Dog, gentle and adaptable.
Dog compatibility
| Kind of match | Animals |
|---|---|
| Best friends (same trine) | Tiger, Horse |
| Secret friend | Rabbit |
| Opposite (clash) | Dragon |
| Tricky pairing | Rooster |
The Tiger and Horse share your values and pace. The Rabbit is your quiet, steady ally. The Dragon is your opposite: lots of spark, and lots of friction. Check any pairing with the Chinese zodiac compatibility calculator.
The Dog at work and in love
Dogs excel where trust and fairness count: law, policing, social work, nursing, teaching, charity and customer care. In love, Dogs are devoted and sincere. They need honesty above all, and a partner who earns their trust and keeps it.
The Dog in 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Fire Horse year is a best-friend year for the Dog: its energy runs with yours, so it’s a good year to push ahead with plans. The 2027 Fire Goat year, which begins on 6 February 2027, is a neutral year for the Dog: steady, with no strong pull either way, so what you put in is what you get out.
Questions people ask
What years are the Dog in the Chinese zodiac?
1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018 and 2030, each counted from that year’s Chinese New Year.
Who is the Dog most compatible with?
The Tiger and Horse (its trine partners) and the Rabbit (its secret friend).
Which animal does the Dog clash with?
The Dragon, which sits opposite the Dog on the zodiac wheel. A clash means different needs and pace, not a match that can’t work.
What is the Dog's element?
Each Dog year has its own element, and the Dog’s fixed element is Earth.
Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.