Year of Dog

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.

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).

Honest and loyal, Dogs are the truest friends and most reliable partner.

Recent years of the Tiger are: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018

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).

See the table below for the full details of each year.

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.

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.

2020 will be a successful year for Dogs, rewarding your loyalty and intelligence in all endeavors, from career to lifestyle. Friends will play an essential role throughout the year; rely on them for support during success or failure.

The year of the Pig brought fortune to your career, and compounded with this year’s zodiac success is yours for the taking. Be ready for real growth opportunities and overall progress.

For Dogs, the Rat brings growth and renewal. Building on the fortune of the previous year, hard work and extra effort will pay off. Business ventures will do well in the year of the Metal Rat. However, even with an abundance of opportunities for advancement, choose wisely. It might be better to stay in your current job. Weigh the benefits and consequences before moving forward.

Although loyalty in the workplace will be rewarded, be wary of too much risk. Don’t make abrupt business decisions. Thoughtful, well-planned ventures will give you an edge. It can be better to stay in place to let the steady flow of work propel you to your end goals.

With your accumulated wealth, the temptation to spend will be front and center. Be mindful of this; saving money for the future is worthwhile, especially to help soften harder times in the coming zodiac years.

Lucky Months: February, May, July, August, September, and November.

Unlucky Months: October and December.

For Dogs, this year will generally be positive in all aspects. Success comes in all forms, even with an educational focus. Keeping your goals in check is necessary, and everything will come together in time. Loyalty and dedication to your schooling will drive future achievements. This is your year to improve!

Friends can provide comfort and assistance in times of need. Rely on your cohort for help with studying, exams, and advancement. Being in a group of like-minded individuals is best for educational success.

The Rat brings good fortune along with good health. Proper diet, exercise, and managing stress will improve your disposition. Even with the most unfortunate of health issues, there is an excellent chance to overcome any diagnosis. Remember, this year is one of good tidings and will be reflected in your health.

The most important thing you can do for your health is to stay active and conscious of your needs. Overworking is a definite (an preventable) cause for deteriorating health. Balancing all areas of life will be beneficial to your body and mind.

Family members might be dealing with health issues. Dogs should be prepared to stay true and take responsibility for family matters. Family support is especially important when a loved one is sick.

Relationships will come easy to Dogs as they are faithful and warm-hearted. Be on the lookout for a companion. You won’t have to look far for a new relationship; it might be in your close friend group. A friend can become a new beau. Bonds between friends are always a good place to start when searching for the right person. The potential is right in front of you! Love, at first sight, could be your new year reality.

Married Dogs will experience continued good status for the majority of the year. Happiness and peace will be plentiful. Bask in the glow of enduring love.

Although the Year of the Rat will bring success, there will be periods of weakness. To avoid negativity, focus on the good things about your partner. Keep their positive traits in mind before stepping into shaky territory. Infidelity and betrayal might be cause for change. Take notice of changes in yourself and your partner.

With the influence of the Metal Rat, the change will be apparent. As one of the friendliest of zodiacs, Dogs can expect to be encouraged by friends. Keep your friends close in order to succeed. Social interactions should prove successful in the coming year.

Prosperity will be on the rise in all endeavors with career, relationships, and lifestyle. The most significant positive change will focus on career. With the proper amount of dedication, you can boost your career ten-fold. Relationships will bloom, and life will be good for long periods.

2018 has been quite a tumultuous year for Dogs. Fortunately, things are about to take a turn for the better and provide a much needed reprieve.

While Dogs are generally regarded as protectors, it is they who will be protected this year as the Pig ushers in some much needed fortune.

It’s possible Dogs may feel a bit out of place this year as differences between them and Pig will become evident. Dogs will have to match the Pig’s direct and simple approach to succeed this year and this may take some practice.

Dogs are naturally cautious and analytical, but to ensure success they will have to adopt the more “easy going” and unmediated approach of the Pig in order to seize the opportunities this year holds. There is also a degree of simple charm that dogs will have to learn in order to make the most of 2019.

2019 will be a very good year for Dogs’ careers! In fact, you may discover even your loftiest goals within reach. Achieving them will still take hard work and no small degree of charm; follow the formula “getting something you’ve never had means doing something you’ve never done”. For those looking to change careers this year or start a new business venture, then this is exactly the right time to do it. The stars are aligned in your favour and the Pig is smiling down on you. However, don’t take too long evaluating decisions or opportunities may pass you by. You must seize the moments as they appear for you this year in order to get ahead.

For those dogs who work a 9 to 5 job, your chances of getting a raise or being promoted are highly probable. This is an area where your charm will help you to go that extra mile. Dogs will also get a lot of help from their friends and family this year with their career and especially their new business ventures.

Lucky Months: January 4th – March 8th, although November will be lucky as well.

Unlucky Months: April 17th – August 3rd

Fortune favors education for Dogs this year, and it will be a great time to pursue higher education in particular, with study abroad opportunities as well. Dogs will find that they get the best professors and have some great choices in study partners.

Unfortunately, distraction will also abound this year and Dogs are easily distracted. Be sure to keep your nose to the proverbial grindstone as there will always be time for socialization later.

Health is the one area where luck is not entirely on your side. While prospects aren’t great, they’re entirely negative either, rather landing somewhere in the middle. Dogs can expect to suffer from fatigue (partly due to a successful career and busy love life), as well as some lesser ailments such as stomach ache and mild flu.

Take care of yourself by maintaining a daily regimen of productive exercise and a balanced diet. Motivating yourself to reach these small daily goals will have substantial effects that can be felt in other areas of your life as well. Ultimately, you can expect nothing major to befall you and that in and of itself is good news.

Love conditions are favorable this year for dogs. The Pig is a complimentary sign to canines and as a result dogs can expect to either meet that special someone, or if they’ve already met, look towards advancing their relationship.

Single dogs, and particularly women are shown to have the most fortune in this category over the coming months. Don’t be afraid to go out and see what chances await you, the odds are you will be impressed by what you find. Make sure you dress well and take care to make a good impression in all situations, it wouldn’t do to have one of these opportunities pass you by because you weren’t expecting it. This is your sign that good things are coming your way.

Your horoscope reveals that single dogs may already know their most favorable love interest, either through work or casual acquaintance. Don’t be afraid to express how you feel towards people if you wish to access this opportunity.

If you are already in a committed relationship, now is a good time to take things further. Where it goes is completely up to you, but fortune favors dogs who act on what they want this year. If you’re looking to get more serious with your partner or perhaps welcome a new member into the family then the time is now. After all, who doesn’t love a cute puppy.

It would seem that almost everything is set to go your way this year. Be careful of distractions and stay focused, but at the same time enjoy yourself. The Pig is not overly laborious, so in order to succeed this year Dogs will have to follow suit.

Social interactions will be a breeze, but are also the key to getting ahead. Make sure to have a goal when consorting with superiors at work or in a business deal and you will achieve what you desire.