The Dog is the Eleventh Animal in the Chinese Zodiac.

Traits: People born in the Year of the Dog are loyal, honest, kind and courageous. They are also good at keeping secrets and helping others. Dogs are faithful friends who will always stand by their loved ones and protect them from harm. Dogs are not afraid of difficulties and challenges, and they will work hard to achieve their goals. Dogs value justice and fairness, and they will not tolerate any wrongdoing or deception. Dogs are also very sensitive and emotional, and they need a lot of affection and support from their partners.

Dogs in both the East and West are loyal, faithful and honest and always stick to their firm codes of ethics. It’s generally quite trustworthy itself — except for the occasional little white lies the Dog tells in order to make things go more smoothly. The Dog makes a wonderful, discreet and loyal friend and is an excellent listener. This Sign tends to root for the underdog and its keen sense of right and wrong makes it duty-bound to the core. The Dog’s motto seems to be, Live right, look out for the little people and fight injustice whenever possible.

Dogs can also be rather dogmatic, too. They don’t go in for light social banter; instead, they go straight for home, discoursing on the topics that are most important to them. At these times the Dog’s narrow-minded or stubborn side can become apparent; this Sign has trouble staying light and calm when an important issue is at stake. This Sign can also be very temperamental; mood swings characterize its emotional life and often the Dog needs to run off to be alone in order to recuperate. Part of the problem is the result of this Sign’s load of irrational fears that turn into niggling anxieties that turn into hurt feelings and occasional grouchiness. This sensitive Sign needs to warm up to others over time and gradually learn to trust them. Without that trust as a foundation, Dogs can be judgmental and coarse.

The Dog’s discerning nature does make it an excellent business person, one who can turn that picky, guarded nature into a keen sense of the truth of another’s motives. Where love is concerned, Dogs often have a tough time finding the right match. Dogs need to work on controlling their irrational worries and would also be well-served to relax their mile-high standards, which can sometimes wind up alienating the ones they love.

Compatibly: The most compatible match for a Dog is the Tiger, Horse and Rabbit, but they may clash with Dragons, Goats and Roosters.