Chinese Zodiac-Year of the Dog

The Year of the Dog is one of the twelve animal years in the Chinese Zodiac. It represents the 11th animal in the cycle, which is the Dog. In Chinese tradition, the Year of the Dog occurs when the remainder of dividing the Gregorian year by 12 is 2.

Basic Introduction

The Year of the Dog (狗年) is associated with the Chinese zodiac and represented by the animal “Dog” in the Twelve Earthly Branches (十二地支). In the traditional Chinese calendar, the Dog corresponds to the Earthly Branch “戌”. It typically represents the month of September, a time when nature begins to prepare for winter, with the landscape becoming quieter and falling into a sense of desolation. The direction is northwest and the associated palace is Gan Gong. The time for the Dog is 7 PM to 9 PM, the evening when the night expands and the city lights begin to shine.

The Dog has been a loyal companion to humanity for thousands of years, initially as a partner in early societies. The relationship has remained unchanged over time, where the dog benefits from being with humans, and humans benefit from the dog’s loyalty and protection.

In Taiwan, the famous Shiba Wang Gong Temple (十八王公庙) honors a dog that saved its owner, exemplifying the deep bond between dogs and people. Dogs have also helped the blind by guiding them through busy streets.

Years of the Dog

The Year of the Dog occurs every 12 years, with the following years in the cycle:

• 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030, and 2042.

How to Determine the Year of the Dog

To determine a Year of the Dog, divide the year by 12. If the remainder is 2, then it’s the Year of the Dog. For example:

• 2018 ÷ 12 = 168, remainder 2, so 2018 is the Year of the Dog.

Interpretation of the Dog Zodiac

People born in the Year of the Dog share characteristics such as loyalty, dedication, and a strong work ethic. They are often deeply committed to their work and unlikely to leave their job without a solid reason. In their early years, they tend to show respect to authority, often gaining the trust of their superiors.

However, after the age of 35, Dog-born individuals might face challenges and conflicts. To succeed, they must remain calm, honest, and determined to overcome these obstacles.

Personality Traits Based on Time of Birth

• Morning Birth: People born in the morning are generally cautious and conservative. They might avoid challenges and fear failure, often following others’ commands rather than leading. Men born in this time are usually seen as lacking ambition, while women are ideal homemakers, dedicated to their families.

• Afternoon Birth: Individuals born in the afternoon are active, ambitious, and sharp-sighted. They are goal-driven and thrive in business and social interactions. Though they may not always stay at home, they are loyal and loving partners.

• Night Birth: People born at night are often deeply loyal to their families, friends, and superiors. They prioritize family and friendships over wealth and are well-regarded as trustworthy and steadfast individuals. They form lifelong friendships and value loyalty.

Historical Context of the Dog Year

The Chinese Zodiac and the Chinese Almanac (黄历) are based on the Lunar Calendar and the 60-year cycle of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system. The start of the Chinese year aligns with the Lunar New Year (usually around February 4th or 5th). The Chinese Zodiac system is deeply intertwined with this system, reflecting nature’s seasonal changes and the Earth’s orbit around the sun.

Unlike the Gregorian Calendar, which begins on January 1st, the Chinese calendar starts with Lichun (立春), the beginning of spring, which marks the transition from one zodiac year to the next.

How the Chinese Zodiac Calendar Works

The Chinese Lunar Calendar operates with 12 Zodiac Signs and follows the 60-year cycle system. Each year is assigned a Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, creating a combination that occurs every 60 years. This system also includes the 24 Solar Terms to mark seasonal changes.

The Year of the Dog follows this cycle and occurs when the year corresponds to the 戌 branch of the Earthly Branches, marking one of the most recognizable years in the Chinese zodiac system.