Loyalty is this Chinese astrology sign’s hallmark, but when threatened, the Dog can be territorial, too.
All about the Year of the Dog!
Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
The personality of the Dog in Chinese astrology
Loyal and sweet, the Dog is an elegant soul who keeps it real, no matter how fussy she looks. Like an eager pup, this sign responds to praise and attention and knows how to court it. Nobody pulls off simple glamour like Dogs. Put one in an elegant gown or tuxedo and the cameras start clicking. There are plenty of show dogs among this sign! Their barks can be intimidating, but that doesn’t mean they’ll bite. (A threatened Dog can be vicious, though.)
Although some are divas, most Dogs are simple creatures of habit. Some might find them boring, even infuriating, because they’re so faithful to their routines. Dogs hate drama, but they love mischief. Sometimes, there’s a thin line between the two for them. Still, no matter how crazy a Dog can make her friends and family, few can resist this sign’s charms. It takes a mere scolding for Dogs to become loveable creatures once again. One beautiful, repentant smile and every mess will be forgiven.
THE ASTROTWINS
2025 Horoscope
THE ASTROTWINS
2025 Horoscope
The Dog is ruled by the planet Venus
The Dog is ruled by the planet Venus, which governs beauty, harmony and social graces. In Western astrology, Venus is associated with Taurus and Libra.
The “Animal Planets” (Chinese astrology planetary rulers)
Rat: Jupiter
Ox: Saturn
Tiger: Uranus
Rabbit: Neptune
Dragon: Mars
Snake: Venus
Horse: Mercury
Sheep: Moon
Monkey: Sun
Rooster: Mercury
Dog: Venus
Pig: Pluto
Other traits of the Dog Chinese astrology sign
Western Sign: Libra
Famous Dogs (these celebrities were born in a Year of the Dog): Madonna, Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Vince Vaughn, Kelly Ripa, Christy Brinkley, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bill Clinton, Kirsten Dunst, Sofia Coppola, Kid Rock, Michael Jackson, Matt Damon, George W. Bush, Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Brigitte Bardot, Alec Baldwin, Mariah Carey, Taraji P. Henson, Tina Fey, Queen Latifah, Tonya Harding, Sarah Silverman, Priyanka Chopra, Adam Lambert, Bad Bunny, Javon Walton
The 5 Elements of Chinese Astrology
The Chinese zodiac is divided into five key elements of nature, or Wu Xing: wood, water, metal, fire and earth. Each lunar year is governed by a different element.
Years Ending in are ruled by:
0-1: Metal
2-3: Water
4-5: Wood
6-7: Fire
8-9: Earth
Years of the Dog and their element
1934: Wood Dog
1946: Fire Dog
1958: Earth Dog
1970: Metal Dog
1982: Water Dog
1994: Wood Dog
2006: Fire Dog
2018: Earth Dog
Not a Dog? Find your Chinese zodiac sign and element using the calculator below:
Find your Chinese Zodiac sign
Find your Chinese/lunar year zodiac sign
Learn which animal archetype ruled over the 12-month lunar year that you were born:
Find our elemental year (metal, water, wood, fire or earth)
Every decade is divided into two-year blocks, each ruled by an element:
The Chinese zodiac sign that governs your birth year can tell you a lot about your personality, interests, romantic compatibility and career path. Learn more about your Chinese zodiac in the Chinese astrology section of Astrostyle.
Feature art by Rosie Dienhart