In the Chinese calendar, 2018 marks the Year of the Dog. Discover when the Year of the Dog begins and what this new addition to the Chinese calendar has to offer.

According to the Chinese calendar, 2018 is the Year of the Dog. To be more accurate, it is the Year of the Earth Dog as earth is the governing element of the two year-period corresponding to the year 4716 within the chronology of the Chinese calendar. The last Year of the Earth Dog occurred in 1958.

What does the Zodiac symbol of the Dog represent?

Within the Chinese Zodiac, the Dog occupies the 11th position and symbolizes a loyal, kind and honest character. Those born under the Zodiac sign of the Dog always offer support and advice to others as they value friendships above all else and often become very involved in the personal lives of others which can give the impression of being nosy. However, ensuring the happiness of others is their ultimate aim. According to the Chinese calendar, the Dog is sincere, trustworthy and reliable with a strong sense of duty and a clearly defined moral compass.

Those born under the sign of the Rooster are compatible with the Horse or Tiger and incompatible with the Rooster and Dragon.

When does the Year of the Dog begin?

The Year of the Earth Dog will begin on 16th February 2018 and finish on 4th February 2019, marking the beginning of the Year of the Pig.