Year of the Dog
The Year of the Dog is 狗年 (gǒu nián), the 11th sign of the twelve. The most recent Dog year began on 16 February 2018 (2018). The next begins on 3 February 2030. The dog is linked with loyalty and guarding the home, and many sayings praise its faithfulness. At the same time 狗 is used in insults, so the plain word is not always friendly.
Dog years
| Year | Runs | Element and animal | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030 | 3 February 2030 to 22 January 2031 | Metal Dog | 庚戌 gēng xū |
| 2018 | 16 February 2018 to 4 February 2019 | Earth Dog | 戊戌 wù xū |
| 2006 | 29 January 2006 to 17 February 2007 | Fire Dog | 丙戌 bǐng xū |
| 1994 | 10 February 1994 to 30 January 1995 | Wood Dog | 甲戌 jiǎ xū |
| 1982 | 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983 | Water Dog | 壬戌 rén xū |
| 1970 | 6 February 1970 to 26 January 1971 | Metal Dog | 庚戌 gēng xū |
Born in January or February of one of these years? You may belong to the previous animal: check the start date, or use the calculator.
The Dog in Chinese tradition
- traditionally said to be loyal
- associated with honesty and fairness
- said to be protective
- sometimes described as anxious
These are folk beliefs, not findings. Treat them as culture, not prediction.
Saying it in Chinese
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 我属狗 | wǒ shǔ gǒu | I was born in the Year of the Dog | 属 + animal gives your sign |
| 狗年 | gǒu nián | the Year of the Dog | animal + 年 names the year |
| 小狗 | xiǎo gǒu | puppy, little dog | a friendly way to talk about a dog |
| 热狗 | rè gǒu | hot dog | a word-for-word loan from English |
Idioms with 狗
| Idiom | Pinyin | Literally | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 狗急跳墙 | gǒu jí tiào qiáng | a cornered dog will jump the wall | People driven to desperation will do anything. |
| 鸡飞狗跳 | jī fēi gǒu tiào | chickens flying and dogs jumping | A scene of total chaos. |
| 狐朋狗友 | hú péng gǒu yǒu | fox friends and dog companions | Bad company; friends who lead you astray. |
Compatibility
Best matches (三合): Tiger 虎 and Horse 马. Secret friend (六合): Rabbit 兔. Clash (六冲): Dragon 龙. This is the traditional scheme, see all twelve signs.
Other signs:
- Year of the Rat
- Year of the Ox
- Year of the Tiger
- Year of the Rabbit
- Year of the Dragon
- Year of the Snake
- Year of the Horse
- Year of the Goat
- Year of the Monkey
- Year of the Rooster
- Year of the Pig
- All twelve signs
Frequently asked questions
What does it mean to be born in the Year of the Dog?
The Dog is traditionally said to be loyal, honest and protective of the people it loves. That is a folk belief about character, not a fact.
Is it rude to call someone a dog in Chinese?
Usually yes: 狗 appears in many insults. Saying someone 属狗 is perfectly neutral, though.
What years are Dog years?
Dog years include 2030, 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970. Each starts at Chinese New Year and the next one begins twelve years later: the next is 2030, starting 3 February 2030.
Which signs suit the Dog?
Tradition names Tiger 虎 and Horse 马 as the best matches, Rabbit 兔 as the secret friend and Dragon 龙 as the clash. All twelve signs.
How do you say "I am a Dog" in Chinese?
我属狗 (wǒ shǔ gǒu). 属 means "to belong to": you belong to the 狗 year.
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