What Does The Year of the Dog Bring?

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, is the most important holiday of the year in several Asian countries including China, Vietnam, and Korea. The holiday has no fixed date as it depends on the lunar calendar, but always falls somewhere between January 20th and February 21st. This year, it will be celebrated on Friday 16th February. The official holiday is celebrated over two or three days, but the events often carry on for 15 days, finally ending with the Festival of Lanterns.

The Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese Zodiac moves in a 12 year cycle, with a different animal representing each year; in order, they are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. There are many theories about the origin of the Chinese Zodiac, and there is one popular story in Chinese mythology that explains which animals were included, and in which order.

According to the legend, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the Chinese gods,  hosted a great race that required the animals to cross a river. The first twelve animals to cross the finish line would be included in the calendar. As the Ox was used to crossing rivers, it was thought that he would win, and so it seemed, until at the very last minute the sneaky Rat who had been riding on his back jumped off and finished before him. The Ox came second, closely followed by the Tiger, and so they became the first three animals of the zodiac.

The Chinese believe that the year you are born indicates a lot about your personality, as you share the characteristics of the animal that represents it. People who share the same animal sign are believed to have very similar characters, even if born in different years.

The Year of the Dog

2018 is the Year of the Dog. The Dog is the eleventh animal in the Chinese zodiac, making 2018 the penultimate year in the 12 year cycle. Previous Dog years in recent history include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, and 2006.

According to the story of the great race, the Dog was in another country helping a god fight evil spirits, along with the Monkey and the Rooster, when the race began. Once they had finished, they set off together and reached the Jade Emperor at the same time. He asked them which order they had met the other god, and put them in the same order. The Dog had reached the other god last, and so he became the 11th animal, followed by the Pig in last place.

Dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’ for a reason; they are extremely loyal and reliable, and the same can be said for those born in the Year of the Dog. Those born in the Year of the Dog are usually kind, generous and very sincere, willing to do anything for those they care about. They have good natures and are very honest, but can often find it difficult to communicate and express their feelings. They can come across as stubborn and strong willed.

Dogs are strong and healthy, and incredibly hardworking. They prefer to be active and busy, and get bored easily if they are not occupied. They are often lovers of sport, and mostly physically fit. Men who are born in the year of the Dog are often straightforward and honest, and love to give their strong opinions on any topic. Women born in the same year, on the other hand, tend to lean towards caution, and don’t easily trust those they don’t know. They are very independent, and like being outside.

Year of the Dog Statistics

Strengths: Healthy, loyal, kind, honest, intelligent,

Weaknesses: stubborn, anxious, sensitive

Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 9

Unlucky Numbers: 1, 6, 7

Lucky Colours: purple, red, green

Unlucky Colors: blue, white, gold

Dog Love Compatibility

Most compatible with Dogs: Tiger,, Horse, and Rabbit

Relationships between Dogs and Rabbits are the most successful; dogs are attracted to the equal kindness in the Rabbit, and the Rabbit quietly supports the Dog’s dreams. Tigers are very optimistic and confident, which is the perfect balance to the Dog’s occasional pessimism. On the other hand, Tigers can sometimes be a little insecure, and so they benefit from the Dog’s loyalty. Finally, a relationship between a Dog and a Horse would be one of great understanding and respect, as both are incredibly intelligent and value the other’s opinions.

Least compatible with Dogs: Ox, Dragon, and Goat

Dogs and Dragons are the least compatible, as their personalities clash very strongly and have very intense arguments. Both find it hard to trust the other. Dogs and Oxen have very different personalities and interests; Dogs are active and crave excitement, whereas the Ox is more laidback and prefers a calmer life. Dogs and Goats have a perfectly amicable relationship, but there is no passion or even much interest between them.

Famous Dogs

There are a number of famous people born in the year of the Dog, including Winston Churchill; Mother Teresa; Elvis Presley; Bill Clinton; Steven Spielberg; Madonna; and Michael Jackson.

What’s in Store for the Year of the Dog?

Unfortunately, the year of your zodiac sign is believed to be unlucky, so this year Dogs should take extra care. Dogs are usually very healthy, so hopefully won’t face any major health concerns, but should take time to rest properly so they don’t burn out.

When it comes to relationships, this might be a difficult one for the Dog. They are not the best at communicating their feelings at the best of times, and will find it even harder this year, which will be frustrating for their loved ones. Dogs should focus on better expressing their thoughts and feelings.

Dogs will come across many obstacles and challenges in their careers this year, and they must try not to let their tempers or their pessimism get the better of them. If they keep their heads down and work hard, they should overcome the challenges with ease.

For the other zodiac signs, they will have successful and prosperous year if they take on their traits and strengths of the dog; work hard, be loyal to their loved ones, and practice honesty and kindness.