Year of the Dog
Chinese Name: Gou
Direction: West Northwest
Fixed Element: Metal
Stem: Positive
Western Sign: Libra
Color: Turquoise
Flower: Calendula
Fragrance: Balsam
Tree: Cherry
Birthstone: Ruby
Lucky Number: 9
Years of the Dog: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
The Year of the Dog
This is, in a sense, the year of the underdog. Liberty and equality are staunchly advocated by the Dog, whose sense of justice and fair play lead to major confrontations and dissent, with the weaker parties emerging victorious. Controversial issues are addressed, and changes instigated. People are less materialistic and more idealistic in their outlook and prone to performing charitable acts and championing worthy causes. The Dog’s resoluteness brings about clashes, upheavals, and rebellions against tyranny and oppression, but the Dog’s good sense and also ensures that peace and stability are reinstated once the necessary reforms have been made.
This can be a worrying year, but with the Dog on guard there is actually no real cause for alarm. The Chinese, though, fear the Year of the Metal Dog, which is said to bring war and calamity.
The Dog Personality
People born in the Year of the Dog are warm, idealistic, honest, straightforward, and intelligent, with a deep sense of loyalty and a passion for justice and fair play.Often they protect the interests of others more avidly than their own. They are amiable, animated, and unpretentious, and exude a strong sexual appeal. Egalitarian and democratic, they will listen to reason and know how to get along well with others and meet them halfway. They have a noble and altruistic character and a strong sense of duty. People trust them and hold them in high esteem, making them good although often reluctant leaders.
Often Dogs will be born into a good family. If they aren’t, they will manage to elevate their status in life without denying their families or concealing their origins
Dogs can be prone to bouts of erratic and cantankerous behavior in which little things seem to irritate them tremendously. Inclined to pessimism and a certain degree of paranoia, they expect trouble where there is none and can worry unnecessarily. However, their predictions do occasionally come true, as Dogs have a natural guardian instinct for immediately spotting a friend or foe, the good and the bad. They also have a tendency to categorize people according to these distinctions.
In the Dog’s mind there are no gray areas. You are either with them or against them, an ally or an enemy. Their decision to trust or not trust you will be a final one. If you are among the chosen few, then you are indeed fortunate, as the Dog is an immensely loyal friend and ally who will not hesitate to come to your aid or defense. And as much as they are loyal, they expect the same in return. Besides injustice, disloyalty and cowardice are the things they despise the most.
Although they can at times be pugnacious and quarrelsome, Dogs rarely if ever resort to underhanded means to win a fight. They fight their battles in the open, meeting the enemy face to face. But generally speaking, Dogs only attack when challenged on their home ground. While genuinely warm and generous with their friends, they
can be critical of and cold to the people they dislike. Practical and very realistic, they are fearless and outspoken and can have a razor sharp tongue. When negative they can be belligerent, argumentative,
rigidly opinionated, and extremely cynical and caustic. If hurt or taken advantage of, they can retaliate fiercely and without mercy.
The female Dog often has a warm and lasting beauty. Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren are examples of her glamorous and enduring appeal. She forms her friendships slowly, getting to know you a little a time, sounding you out while she sees if you meet with her approval and possess the qualities she deems appropriate to form a
loyal and lasting friendship. She can be abrupt and impatient when crossed, but on the whole she is caring and attentive to the needs of others.
Her husband and children will find her a friend and ally who is cooperative and unbiased and who is neither possessive nor interfering. She will enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and tennis, and will love to dance and attend parties.
Dogs will be most compatible with the Tiger and the Horse. Rat, Rabbit, Snake, Monkey, Boar, or another Dog make good secondary matches. The Rooster and the
Dog will have difficulty understanding one another, and the Dog will not be able to tolerate the indecisive and self indulgent Sheep, who will find the Dog callous and insensitive. Dragon and Dog will come into direct conflict, as the Dog will be highly critical of the Dragon and the Dragon will be enraged by the Dog’s derision of his
grand schemes.
Dog children have cheerful and harmonious dispositions. Natural born realists, they expect little of others and accept their parents for who and what they are. They have a keen sense of humor and an amazing clarity of perception and are forthright and candid. Confident and loyal, they know how to stand up for themselves and are very protective of other family members. They are reasonable and cooperative when asked to help around the house, and although they insist on a certain degree of independence, they will stay close to home. When offended or hurt they can become belligerent and rebellious, but their anger subsides quickly and they will regain their reason and inner equilibrium.
The Five Types of Dogs
Metal Dog—1910, 1970, 2030
Metal is the Dog’s fixed element, so this is a double Metal sign. The Tibetans call this particular combination the ”Iron Dog” and regard it apprehensively. It will either be very good or very bad.
These Dogs will be unswerving in their convictions and can devote their lives selflessly to whatever cause they choose to take on. Stern and principled, their loyalty will be unquestionable and they will have strong political views. They take matters very seriously, especially when they concern the affairs of their own hearts or their loyalty to their country.
Never indecisive, they will choose a side and stick with it and can resort to extreme measures in the name of their convictions and loyalties. They can be ruthless when attacked and hellbent on the annihilation of their enemies.
Water Dog—1922, 1982, 2042
A highly intuitive type of Dog who will be difficult to deceive and who has a more reflective and sympathetic nature. They will have a tendency to be lenient with themselves as well as others and are prone to indulging in wild sprees and other acts of self gratification.
They are nonetheless able to contain their emotions beneath a calm and very charming demeanor. Good listeners and sound counselors, they are fluid in their expression and fated to be surrounded by many friends and admirers. The female Water Dog is often a striking and alluring beauty. Ava Gardner is an outstanding example of the Water Dog in all her glory.
Wood Dog—1934, 1994
These gregarious, charming, and warmhearted Dogs will form close and lasting relationships in spite of their fundamental wariness of others. Although attracted to money and success, they will not be overtly materialistic and will seek intellectual stimulation and work hard to improve and develop themselves.
They have refined tastes and are socially graceful with a strong aptitude for dealing with large numbers of people from various walks of life. Energetic, cooperative, and very popular, the Water Dog is happiest when involved in a partnership or some powerful affiliation.
Fire Dog—1946, 2006
A dramatic and charismatic Dog with great magnetic charm who will be very attractive to the opposite sex. Independent and courageous, they are creative and pure in their expression and not at all afraid of getting involved with others. They can be defiant and openly rebellious when forced to act against their will, and are constantly seeking new adventures and experiences. They are very fierce when attacked and will not make threats that they cannot carry out. With their driving willpower, honesty, faith, and idealism they are able to overcome obstacles and succeed in great and daring endeavors.
Earth Dog—1958, 2018
These practical, secretive, quiet, and less sentimental Dogs value their individuality and self respect.
They move slowly but purposefully and seldom deviate from their fixed scale of values. Good fighters and survivors, they are realists who are never completely subdued by defeat or blinded by victory. They are prone to be overachievers who demand extreme loyalty and dedication from others.