The Dog is the eleventh of all zodiac animals. According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Monkey, Rooster and Dog were in another country, helping a god defeat evil spirits. After, they set off to the party together. Because they arrived at the same time, the Jade Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus, Dog became eleventh.
The Dog is also associated with the Earthly Branch ( 地支 / dì zhī) xū ( 戌 ), and the hours 7–9 in the evening. In the terms of yin and yang ( 阴阳 / yīn yáng), the Dog is yang.
Honest and loyal, Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner.
In China, it is still popular to name dogs Wàng Cái ( 旺财) . It means “prosperous wealth” and comes from dogs’ barking sounds ( 旺旺 / wàng wàng).
Paired with the Celestial Stems ( 天干 / Tiān gān), there is a 60-year calendrical cycle. Although xū is associated with earth, the years also cycle through the five elements of nature ( 五行 / wǔ xíng).
Recent years of the Dog
| Year | Celestial Stem | Earthly Branch | Zodiac | Element | Yin Yang |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1934 | jiǎ | Xū | Dog | Wood | Yang |
| 1946 | bǐng | Xū | Dog | Fire | Yang |
| 1958 | wù | Xū | Dog | Earth | Yang |
| 1970 | gēng | Xū | Dog | Metal | Yang |
| 1982 | rén | Xū | Dog | Water | Yang |
| 1994 | jiǎ | Xū | Dog | Wood | Yang |
| 2006 | bǐng | Xū | Dog | Fire | Yang |
| 2018 | wù | Xū | Dog | Earth | Yang |
| 2030 | gēng | Xū | Dog | Metal | Yang |
Personality and Characteristics
A Dog’s most defining characteristic is their loyalty. They will never abandon their friends, family or work.
Honest and just, they are popular in social circles. Everyone needs a Dog friend for advice and help. They are also good at helping others find and fix their bad habits.
Despite how they act, they are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them. Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it.
Elements and fortunes
| Element | Year | Fortune |
|---|---|---|
| Metal | 1970, 2030 | These Dogs are traditional and attractive. They have high self-esteem and don’t like receiving help. But they like helping others, though it sometimes causes problems for themselves. They will take over someone’s position and it’ll open up a smooth road to success. |
| Water | 1982, 2042 | These Dogs are calculative planners. They focus on building a strong foundation for their future. But when faced with difficulties, they can become very pessimistic. They work hard, but should create bigger goals in order to use their full potential. |
| Wood | 1934, 1994 | These Dogs are trustworthy and polite. If given help, they’ll do whatever they can to repay the kindness. They adhere strongly to their morals and ethics. Others can find it hard to understand. They do well in jobs that require patience and will keep fighting until they succeed. |
| Fire | 1946, 2006 | These Dogs are dream chasers. They generally have smaller dreams that are easy to fulfill, which motivates them to continue on. When friends have trouble, they’ll give advice but won’t set out immediately to help. Every step must be thought out carefully before they act. |
| Earth | 1958, 2018 | These Dogs are stubborn and never give up. They aren’t very connected with the world and society. Though stubborn, they respect other perspectives. They believe that as long as they work hard, they’ll make it. |
Men born in the Dog year are straightforward and genuine. They are energetic, though they’re more pessimistic inside.
Very opinionated, they’re always ready to correct others and defend their stance. It’s not that they want to show off. They just feel it’s necessary to help others realize their mistakes.
These men care deeply for their family. Their stubbornness fades in the face of their loved ones. They work to understand and compromise, resulting in a harmonious family life.
Women born in the Dog year are very cautious. They are indifferent towards people they don’t like, and don’t trust easily. But once they do, it’s permanent. They are intensely protective of their friends and family.
They are genial and independent. They love outdoor activities and being in nature. However, they are also hard workers and don’t give up until they succeed. Security and a stable income are her requirements for a career.
Compatibility
Most compatible with Dog: Rabbit , Tiger , Horse
Dogs are the most compatible with Rabbits. They’re attracted to the Rabbit’s kindness, while the Rabbit supports Dogs in the background.
Dogs are often pessimistic and needs a Tiger’s reassurance. Tigers also need a Dog’s loyalty. With Horses, both understand and respect each other’s opinions.
Least compatible with Dog: Dragon , Ox , Goat
Dogs and Dragons clash strongly and are the least compatible. Neither trusts each other and they have intense arguments.
There’s a cold relationship with Oxen. They have different interests and can’t interact smoothly. Dogs and Goats are able to tolerate each other, but there’s not much else.
Lucky things for Dogs
- Colors: green, red, purple
- Numbers: 3, 4, 9
- Mineral: emerald
- Directions of auspiciousness: north, northwest
- Directions of wealth: southeast
- Directions of love: south
Unlucky things
- Colors: blue, brown
- Numbers: 1, 7, 8
Careers Fit for Dogs
Dogs are loyal and obey all orders. They put in their biggest effort to accomplish any task given to them. Because they aren’t satisfied with being worse than others, a competitive job would suit them well.
They are also sensitive to details and have strong reasoning skills. They see the dangers of being in a position of high status. This is why they’re willing to stay in the background and support others. They’d do well in a behind-the-scenes type of job. Dogs are observant and have strong morals. They judge everyone before deciding if the person is trustworthy. This makes them a good candidate for careers such as referees, lawyers and interviewers.
Health and Lifestyle
Dogs are healthy overall, but the status of their health often has drastic changes. Though they seem resilient, it actually hides the symptoms that they may have. The smallest colds can put them in bed for days. Be wary of influenza and other contagious diseases during summer and autumn seasons
They should pay attention to their digestive system during their youth. Their biggest enemy is their unhealthy diet.
Once in the workforce, Dogs will constantly be busy. The stress will lead to headaches and migraines. In extreme cases, it can even lead to hysteria.
To create a strong base, Dogs should begin the habit of exercising early on. Taking breaks as needed and relaxing activities such as yoga are recommended.
Horoscope
Dogs in the Year of the Rabbit (2023)
Dogs in the year of 2023 will enjoy relatively stable fortune, as positive and negative aspects in your chart will counterbalance one another, making sure nothing is too destructive, but not overly optimistic, either. All in all, it’ll be a breezy year for the Dog, which other zodiacs may well find enviable, so don’t take it for granted!
In the workplace, the Dog will find themselves making more mistakes than usual, which will look quite serious at first. But if you could keep a cool head and inspect the problem closely, you’ll see that it’s entirely salvageable. Set about doing so right away, Dog! But if on the other hand, you become too dispirited and overly obsessive about the mistake, they’ll only begin to snowball into a much bigger problem. Make sure that doesn’t happen – it’s in your power.
In general, not making a big deal out of anything is the advice we’d give you for 2023, Dog. For example, if you find someone is circulating a nasty rumor about you, your first instinct may be to confront that person, which could lead to a big quarrel about nothing, not to mention does nothing to clear your name.
Ask yourself this instead: is what the person says true? If the answer is no, as it most likely will be this year, why let yourself be bothered? In fact, given a little time to cool your head, you may begin to discover that no one else has bought into the rumor at all, because everyone knows you to be a loyal and upright individual. In this case, what the person says has more to do with who they are rather than with you.
Enjoy a relatively laid-back year, Dog, and let everything wash over you without opposing it, because few will have such luck as you in 2023!
Love and Relationships in 2023
Your love life will shine a big brighter this year, Dog. In fact, your relationships, both friendly and romantic, may become the highlight of your days in 2023. Isn’t that wonderful to hear? It’s no less than you deserve, of course, being the loveable and companionable zodiac that you are!
Singles will find their love life exciting and enriching this year. Everyone seems to want to invite you out, whether it’s to a summer barbecue in their backyard, or at a posh party next to the infinity pool. No matter where you go, you seem to fit right in and radiate a magnetism that’s understated and all your own. You’ll find plenty of new friends in your circle, and not a few of them may just be interested in more.
Be yourself without fear then, Dog, and see who you attract. But know that it’s a two-way selection, so take your time getting the know the lucky one who catches your eye. Figure out what they’re interested in, first. Do they just want a piece of your energy, or are they interested in getting to know you?
Dogs who are already partnered up will be equally popular, so it’s up to you to be upfront about your relationship status before anyone gets the wrong idea. It’s only out of respect for your partner and the people who could become good friends and business associates. We know we can count on you to do the honorable thing.
As long as you can do that, you’ll grow ever closer with your partner in 2023, and to the both of you, you’ll seem as exciting and attractive as the day you first met, Dog!
Career in 2023
There will be some twists and turns, not to mention challenges in the Dog’s career sector in 2023. But that’s okay, because we can tell you now that all will end well, so long as you remember to focus your energy on your own work and conduct, rather than that of others.
You’d do well to keep a clear boundary between work and life this year. You’re friendly and well-liked at work as in life, but that could leave an opening for those with less than honorable intentions in 2023 – what you share with someone in a private moment may well come back to bite you in the end. Be amiable, as you’ve always been, but keep your life to yourself and focus on the tasks at hand, and you could find your efficiency climbing rapidly this year, which will be well-rewarded in the end.
Dogs who have their own businesses will need to watch out for disloyal subordinates, who may sell you out to competitors or partners. This is not a reflection of your competence, Dog, but of your trusting and genuine nature. But not everyone is as well-intentioned as you, and it’ll help protect your interests to remember that in 2023.
No matter what happens this year, Dog, don’t take it personally, because opinions, bickering and even backstabbing will come and go. What hasn’t changed is who you are deep down, and if you bring that essence forth and allow it to shine, you’ll end the year in a good place as far as your career is concerned!
Wealth in 2023
Frankly speaking, even your money sector has to do with your relationships in 2023, Dog. If you find yourself the subject of a circulating rumor in the workplace, you could worry that your income will suffer a dent as a result. Fear not! That’s very unlikely to happen, as higher-ups will see you for who you are this year, and will reward you for a job well-done as opposed to being popular or anything as flimsy as all that.
Entrepreneurial Dogs could suffer temporary financial setbacks this year, if someone who works for them turns out less than loyal and causes you to lose a client or two. But rest assured that the situation won’t last very long, and you’ll find some way to offset the loss, either by clearing up the problem and persuading the clients to return to you, or by signing bigger and even more lucrative new clients. Don’t worry, and lead the rest of your people in confidence!
The global economic climate isn’t optimistic for most forms of investment. Therefore, you’re advised to be extra cautious before pouring funds into any new ventures. You’re not an adventurer, and don’t let anyone talk you into becoming one!
Education in 2023
You’re usually more likely to be “Best Liked” in the yearbook rather than “Most Ambitious” or “Best Grades”, etc. in previous years, Dog – you get the idea. But this year, school and classes, and the satisfaction that you derive from accomplishing and becoming competent there will likely outweigh the popularity you enjoy among your peers. And that’ll be just fine by you!
Your aspects favor a very productive academic year for Dogs who’re still in school. You’ll make leaps and bounds in your grades. You academic standing is due for an upgrade, which could be wonderful news if you’ll apply for college soon, or if you’ll need to test into a new school next year. This is the year to lay a solid foundation.
On the other hand, you may find yourself not getting along with your friends as well as before. That’s okay, because friendships go through cycles. As long as you don’t become sulky or resentful, you’ll realize soon enough that your friends have always been close with you, it’s just they needed to focus on something else for a time, as do you!
Health in 2023
If your constitution is generally robust, Dog, you should find 2023 a breeze in the health department. Just practice common sense, like eating well and getting plenty of sleep, and you won’t run into any new problems with your doctor.
If, on the other hand, you haven’t been in the best shape in a few years, you really must take this year to change that. Allot more time to the upkeep of your health, by exercising and adopting a new, more healthful new diet. Our bodies change as we age, and you simply can’t afford to eat pizza three times a week and stay up as late as you used to in college, got that?
In any case, all Dogs will need to watch for changes in their mood in 2023. As we’ve said, you won’t run into any serious problems this year in any sector of your life, so do your best to shrug off the little things instead of letting them take hold of you even for one day. It’s not worth it!
You’re a people-person, Dog, so chat with your friends or your loved ones, and you’ll find yourself feeling better in no time.
Dogs in the Year of the Tiger (2022)
In the year of 2022, Dogs will turn their luck around from the previous year’s hardships and begin to get rid of the obstacles that have been standing in their way. This will be a special year for Dog natives, with gifts of fortune from Tai Sui, and many opportunities across each area of their lives.
Their career development will be more inspired than previous years, with a marked increase in efficiency, which add up to Dogs being excellently placed for promotions and raises at work. Love will be less stellar, although Dogs may find themselves having too much fun to pursue a committed relationship in 2022. It’s alright to enjoy the single lifestyle for a while—especially after the 2020 and 2021 the whole world has experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic!
Love and Relationships in 2022
Dogs will have average luck in love and romance in 2022. Although Tai Sui will be blessing Dog’s fortunes all year long, their love life may remain relatively flat. Much of this is because of the excitement, adventure and rapid movement in other areas of Dog’s life, leaving little time or interest for the love department.
Dogs who are married or in a relationship will experience occasional spats with their partner, which will not rock the boat too hard, but may be a little difficult to swallow in the moment. Remember the support and love your partner has shown you in years past, Dog natives, as this will be the year for you to show your love for them in return.
Singles will meet a few love potentials in 2022, although serious progress will not be likely until the next year because Dogs will not have a strong desire to commit this year. It’ll be alright to date and enjoy being single this year, especially with all the fun in other areas of life. By the end of the year, however, Dogs may find themselves a little lonely, but 2023 will likely go much better in matters of the heart for Dogs—something to look forward to!
Career in 2022
No matter what industry they are in, Dogs will likely find their career prospects on the up-and-up in 2022, due to the positive blessings of Tai Sui. Dogs in arts and creative pursuits will have more inspiration from life, and once they commit this to their medium, they will find opportunities to show off—in the forms of art shows or book deals, for example.
Other Dog natives will likely enjoy an enhancement in their professional reputation, social status and popularity. Everyone will seem to be inviting Dog to collaborate in some way. This is a year of abundance and expansion, so Dog natives, please make sure you seize opportunities that come your way.
Self-employed Dogs or those in business for themselves will find more clients with ease this year as well. They may find it advantageous to work with other companies or collaborate with others in the same industry. In general, many will admire Dog’s skills or professional experiences in 2022, and want to offer them a bigger stage.
The only thing is that Dogs should maintain a good work and life balance to avoid burning out, and take care of their health to make sure their energy stays consistently high throughout this year. It would be such a shame for the biggest opportunities to come later in 2022, only for Dogs to feel themselves not up to the task.
Wealth in 2022
With the help of Tai Sui, Dog’s wealth in 2022 will be particularly blessed. As Dog’s career progresses rapidly this year, so too will their earning power and accumulated wealth. Aside from their regular income, Dogs will have opportunities to generate side incomes and investment earnings, money that the prudent zodiac sign will certainly put aside or at least spend or invest wisely on something that will pay even more dividends in the future.
Education in 2022
Younger Dogs will have good luck in academics if they keep most of their attention on their books. Teenage Dogs may find their hearts flutter, but please do not allow crushes to distract you from what’s important in life, or you will find your family at odds with you and your love interest. In addition, make time for exercising, as health will be a key determinant of how well you will grasp the opportunities this year will bring.
Health in 2022
With all the excitement in other areas of life, Dogs will have to watch over their health and safety with vigilance in 2022. Often when things go well, people are likely to lose sight of their physical well-being until it is too late. Do not allow this to happen. Take time for sleep and self-care in 2022 and you can be sure to take advantage of all the blessings that will be handed to you this year.
The external environment may present some hidden dangers to Dogs if they are not careful. Again, practice extra caution and do not lose sight of the world around you, and you will end the year happy, healthy and very thankful for 2022.