The names of 12 animals, known as the Animals of the Chinese Zodiac, are used to name the Chinese New Years. These animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. The animal name of a person's Chinese year of birth is given to them as their Chinese zodiac sign.
Chinese astrology holds that typical people born under each sign of the Chinese zodiac have a set of characteristics and character traits, both positive and negative. These characteristics and character traits may not fully apply to each person born under the sign.
Chinese astrology also holds that these characteristics and character traits are affected by the five Chinese elements, Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth.
Dog Characteristics
People born in the Year of the Dog tend to be loyal, faithful, and make the best of friends. They inspire confidence in others, and are always willing to help those in need.
Dogs can be shy at social gatherings, but they are good listeners, making good companions for the more outgoing personalities of the Zodiac.
Dogs are usually born worriers who can become critical of people without their sense of honor and duty. They may become quiet and judgemental with loved ones who make them angry, but they never lose their devotion to them.
Most mature Dogs grow out of the young Dogs' habit of finding fault at injustices. However, they keep their habit of speaking up for those in need.
Dogs do not tend to seek out riches, but their talents mean they excel in careers like social activists, teachers, doctors, and nurses.
Dog Character Traits
People born in the Year of the Dog tend to have these character traits:
- Positive traits: honest, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, sense of justice and fair play, attractive, amicable, unpretentious, sociable, open-minded, idealistic, moralistic, practical, affectionate, sensitive, easy-going
- Negative traits: cynical, lazy, cold, judgmental, pessimistic, worrier, stubborn, quarrelsome
Influence of Western Zodiac Signs on Dogs
Read about how the characteristics and character traits of people born in the Year of the Dog are influenced by the Western Zodiac Sign under which they are born.
Birthstone: Garnet
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated birthstone, that is intended to support the strengths of the zodiac sign, and to compensate for its weaknesses.
The diamond is the birthstone for people born in the Year of the Dog. Diamonds are associated with power, protection, strength, courage, loyalty, friendship, originality, purity, fidelity and innocence. Diamonds are referred to as "The Stone of Morality" in at least one Chinese legend. Diamonds are usually colorless, but may have a variety of hues, depending on the impurities that are present.
Precious Flower: Narcissus
Each Chinese zodiac sign has an associated precious flower, which have a special meaning in Chinese culture.
The marigold is the precious flower for people born in the Year of the Dog. The marigold is associated with Jade, the Chinese heavenly god Lutein, an extract from marigolds, is used by Chinese doctors to cure eye disorders. In Ancient China, marigold was used to cure headaches and toothaches.
Dates for Year of the Dog
The Year of the Dog is the eleventh animal in the cycle of 12. It last occured in 2006, and will occur again in 2018.
Compatibility of Dogs with other Signs of the Chinese Zodiac
Chinese astrology uses the character traits associated with each zodiac sign to determine if two people are compatible. Followers of Chinese astrology consider this compatibility before commencing a business or personal relationship.
Typically, Dogs are compatible with Tigers and Horses, but are incompatible with Dragons.
Dog Horoscope for 2012
Chinese astrological horoscopes make a forecast for the next Chinese Year in general, and for those born under each Chinese zodiac sign in greater detail. For more information, see Chinese Astrology – Horoscope for 2012 Year of the Dragon.
Sources:
Chinese Astrology - Zodiac Signs
The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes, Theodora Lau, published by Souvenir Press, New York, 2005
Lucky Chinese Horoscope Gem Stones
Chinese Astrology and Precious Flowers
Mark Tibbits - A professional writer and educator who writes about Astrology, South Asia/China, the UK, the British Royal Family, and Religion.
Join the Conversation