Here’s What To Know About The Upcoming Year Of The Dog, According To Chinese New Year

Between January's super blue blood moon and February's dark moon, you've likely got your cosmic hands and heart full before factoring in the Chinese New Year. In Chinese astrology, the year of the dog begins Feb. 16, 2018. If you're not in the know, and you're wondering: What is the year of the dog, Travel China Guide explained on its website that the Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, is based on a 12-year cycle. Each year represents one of 12 animals; the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. New cycles, like the forthcoming year of the dog, are celebrated on the Chinese New Year.

The year of the dog occurs every 12 years, and unlike the zodiac you're more familiar with, the Chinese zodiac determines your animal sign based on the year you were born instead of the month. The dog is the 11th sign in the zodiac. If you were born in 1982, 1994, or 2006, you are indeed a dog, according to the website China Highlights. There are also five types of dogs based on five elements. If you were born in 1982 you're a water dog, which means you're "brave and self-centered, even seemingly selfish; well-versed in dealing with financial issues," China Highlights explained.

If you were born in 1994, you're a wood dog, which has characteristics such as sincerity, reliability, and being considerate, understanding, and patient. Those born in 2006 are fire dogs, meaning they embody the traits of intelligence, hard work, and sincerity. But, like all astrology, you also have free will, and not every dog will embody these positive traits. Case in point, President Donald Trump, born in 1946 is also a fire dog, and he does not seem to possess any of these traits, unless you count his Dr. Evil like cunning nature as intelligence.

If you're not a dog, and you want to find your Chinese zodiac animal, you can enter your birthday into a calculator on Travel China Guide. If you'e wondering how the animals got their order in the Chinese zodiac, the website Chinese New Year 2018 noted, "According to one myth, the Jade Emperor said the order would be decided by the order in which they arrived to his party. Monkey, rooster and dog were in another country, helping a god defeat evil spirits. After, they set off to the party together. Because they arrived at the same time, the Jade Emperor went by the order they met the god in the other country. Thus, dog became eleventh [sign in the zodiac]."

Just like real dogs, those who were born in the year of the dog are known as honest and reliable partners. Fiercely loyal, a dog will never abandon their family, friends, and work, according to Chinese New Year 2018. "Honest and just, they are popular in social circles. Everyone needs a dog friend for advice and help. They are also good at helping others find and fix their bad habits."

IMO, the dog sounds a lot like a Taurus in the cosmic zodiac. "Despite how they act, they are worried and anxious inside. However, they will not let this stop them," Chinese New Year 2018 explained. "Once they decide on something, no one can persuade them against it." Some hardworking celebs that were born in the year of the dog include Jennifer Lopez and Madonna. According to the website Your Chinese Astrology, 2018 is a mixed bag for dogs. And, just like everything else, the coming year is what you make of it.

Basically, there will be challenges and triumphs in love, career, wealth, health, and everywhere else. Any wins will be hard won versus handed over on a silver platter. For dogs, perseverance and resilience are key for coming out as top dog like Franky Doyle on Wentworth (which is the best show on Netflix you're not watching, BTW).

So, while the year of the dog might be difficult for some pups, staying the course and dealing with problems as they arise can go a long way toward achieving goals and overcoming obstacles in all areas of life. The year of the dog lasts until Feb. 4, 2019 at which time we will enter the year of the year of the pig, which is a calming complement to the dog's nervous energy. Happy Chinese New Year, my lovelies! And, may the odds be ever in your favor.