The Year of the Dog
Dog Years and their Elements
Dog is linked to the ancient Chinese element of metal. This is a very strong element. It can be seen positively as a valuable resource, such as gold, or negatively as a weapon, such as a sword. The energy of metal expresses itself in dogs as their strong-minded, idealistic traits. Metal people are usually ambitious; dogs, however, are not personally ambitious. Instead, they are more concerned with the advancement of the downtrodden.
Metal - Metal
1910, 1970
Dogs born in metal years are in their natural element. In China, metal dog years are approached warily as they will either be very bad or very good, but never mediocre. In the same way, metal dogs themselves are capable of extreme behavior. Dogs are already idealistic, and double metal multiplies this tendency twofold. Metal dogs are therefore very principled to the point of being inflexible. This can make metal dogs towers of strength, but their inability to compromise may be their downfall.
Metal - Water
1922, 1982
Dogs come into their own in this element. Yin water balances with the dog's own innate Yang tendency. Chinese tradition holds that water dogs are the most beautiful and sensual of all the animal signs in the Chinese zodiac. Water erodes the harder edges from dogs, making them charming as well as sexy. These dogs are moer contemplative and intuitive than other dogs. They are less rigid than their natural element, metal, usually dictates and are instead very liberal.
Metal - Wood
1934, 1994
Wood and metal together produce popular and charismatic individuals. Wood allows the dog to appreaise situations with more open minds than otherwise. They do not see everything in black and white as most dogs do. They can devote themselves to a cause without becoming obsessional. Wood allows the dog's dormant creativity to blossom. these people are interested in the arts even if they are not creative themselves.
Metal - Fire
1946, 2006
Yang fire enchances the dog's innate Yang tendency. Fire quells their doubts and helps them to be optimists rather than pessimists. Fire dogs are unusually charismatic and flamboyant dogs, but in a friendly and approachable way. These dogs are less egalitarian than other dogs and are not afraid to put themselves first. Fire dogs are enthusiastic and curious. They should make sure, however, that they control their excessive tendencies and do not become addictive personalities.
Metal - Earth
1958, 2018
Earth dogs are well-balanced people. They are generally happy and stable. Earth gives dogs the ability to take each day as it comes and not to be so anxious about the future. These dogs are, of course, still idealists, but earth imparts efficiency which enables them to put their ideals to some practical use. Earth dogs are materialistic for dogs, but only relative to others of the breed.
Characteristics | Preferences | Associations | Elementals