People who are born in the Year of the Dog are perhaps best known for being extremely loyal people who forge strong friendships. The dog is a yang sign, so many dogs have very masculine traits, and the fixed element of the dog is metal, making dogs very determined, respectful, caring, and self reliant, with a desire for personal space which can at times be a source of conflict. Many dogs lead very skilled, fulfilling lives which allow them to exhibit the best parts of this Chinese zodiac sign.
The Chinese zodiac is extremely complex. Every year has a specific zodiac sign, with its own fixed element and traits, but the years are also influenced by a rotating series of elements and their yin and yang associations. As a result, the year in which a dog is born is very important, as is his or her time of birth. When a Chinese horoscope is cast, a number of factors are considered to create an accurate assessment of the person's unique personality and situation.
In addition to being very friendly and loyal, dogs are also extremely empathetic. Many people find themselves seeking advice and support from a friend born in the Year of the Dog, as dogs display an amazing ability to put themselves into someone else's shoes. This trait can also work against them, as they tend to be easily upset and shocked, and many dogs are very sensitive people, which can be problematic for them.
The sign of the dog is also associated with a great sense of idealism, and many people with the dog zodiac sign tend to be extremely critical, both of themselves and others. Their ability to emphasize can also play a role here, as dogs can cut to the heart of a situation and someone's personality, sometimes in a way which is not very pleasant. Dogs are extremely intelligent, but they are also straightforward, no-nonsense people, and this can be a devastating combination when they evaluate people who are frivolous, selfish, or thoughtless.
Someone with the zodiac sign of the dog often does well in careers in the arts, especially as a director or composer. You may also see dogs working in technical support staff as stage managers and in similar positions, and they make excellent teachers and counselors. Some people with the sign of the dog are also very good politicians, adopting a friendly, clear style which appeals to many people.
Dogs do not get along with dragons, monkeys, snakes, roosters, and rats, due to fundamental conflicts between these signs. They tend to create the strongest and best relationships with horses and tigers, as these signs share a number of traits which complement each other. In the case of people with the sign of the ox, rabbit, sheep, or pig, dogs tend to establish fairly friendly, easygoing friendships, and they get along reasonably well with other dogs, as well.