Year of the Dog: Years, Personality, Compatibility and Gifts

October 7, 2026

The Dog is one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Recent Dog years: 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030.

Chinese New Year falls in late January or February, so if your birthday is early in the year, check whether you belong to the year before. Traditions vary; enjoy it for fun.

Dog years

1934
1946: Born in 1946
1958: Born in 1958
1970: Born in 1970
1982: Born in 1982
1994: Born in 1994
2006: Born in 2006
2018
2030

Dog personality traits

Loyal
Honest
Kind
Protective
Reliable

Compatibility

Traditionally best with: Tiger and Horse
Traditionally clashes with: Dragon

Gift ideas for a Dog

A personalised keepsake
Cosy socks
A day out together
Star sign gifts: Star sign gifts

Key things to remember

Add their zodiac animal to a birthday card for a personal touch.

Frequently asked questions

What years are the year of the Dog?

1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030.

Who is the Dog compatible with?

Traditionally the Tiger and the Horse.

What is a good example of year of the Dog?

"Traditionally best with: Tiger and Horse" is one of 20 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.

Can I copy these messages word for word?

Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.

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