Sayings About Dog

Dog follows Rooster as eleventh in the twelve Animal Years of the Chinese zodiac. Many Chinese sayings and proverbs link Rooster and Dog together. "Chickens fly and dogs flee" and "Neither fowl nor canine left in peace" both describe great turmoil and confusion. Dogs' loyalty and courage have made them humankind's best friend. The saying "To serve like a dog or horse" describes one person's great devotion to another. Of course, dogs can also have negative connotations. People who insist on consorting with evildoers are denounced as "dogs' legs" (lackies) or "friends of fox and dog" (a pack of rogues).

In ancient times, an eclipse of the moon was thought to occur when Celestial Dog, a demon who lived on the moon, swallowed the moon. People would turn out to bang gongs and beat drums to intimidate Celestial Dog into spitting out the moon.

 Characteristics of Dog

The characteristics attributed to Dog are identical to those of Aries in the Western zodiac. Dogs are humankind's most faithful friend. People born in the Year of the Dog are very strong-willed, and will stick to their guns as long as they believe they are right. They are extremely loyal in friendship and love, and would rather suffer themselves than hurt others. They will not engage in dishonorable actions for their own benefit.

People born in the Year of the Dog tend to emotional highs and lows, and are easily upset. They also can be overly critical of others.

 Perpetual Calendar for the Year of the Dog

People whose birthdays fall during the following periods are born in the Year of the Dog:

January 28, 1922 - February 15, 1923
February 14, 1934 - February 03, 1935
February 02, 1946 - January 21, 1947
February 18, 1958 - February 07, 1959
February 06, 1970 - January 26, 1971
January 25, 1982 - February 12, 1983
February 10, 1994 - January 30, 1995
January 29, 2006 - February 17, 2007

The first date indicates Lunar New Year's Day. The second date indicates the last day of the lunar year.