The Dog: An Earth Sign

The Dog sign is of the Earth element. Generally, people born with the Earth element are known for being unpretentious and honest. This element brings them a strong sense of stability and integrity. Earth people are very reliable and you can be sure of their loyalty, hard work, common sense and practical approach to making the best of every situation.

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The Metal Dog – 1910, 1970, 2030

The Dog is already known for being a very loyal sign – the Metal Dog is all the more so and can be depended upon to be a stalwart, lifelong friend. Altruistic in nature, this Dog will give everything he has for the sake of someone or something he has committed to, to a point that he may become too overprotective or possessive. It can also mean he often takes a backseat (particularly in relationships) becoming passive and even a little bullied.

Metal Dogs can also tend to be outspoken, especially if it’s for something that they believe in strongly… and boy, can the Metal Dog be righteous. He has extremely high ethical codes and will do whatever it takes to fight for justice, expecting others to be just as principled and noble as himself. He will make himself heard and speak up for others – this is one of the frankest more forthright people you will meet. No beating round the bush, this conservative, serious character will tell it to you as it is.

Their loyalty however, can have a dark side too. It can mean that if someone has wronged them, they become enemies for life and the Metal Dog can be relentless in their drive to get rid of enemies or to force them to align their views to his.

Life Lessons:

The loyal Metal Dog should learn to balance his faithfulness to loved ones by developing his own sense of individuality. Also, while he gets top marks for his high ethical stand, he needs to be a little less imposing on others and relax his conservative views a little.

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The Water Dog – 1922, 1982

While Dogs are often quite guarded and find it hard to trust others, the Water Dog is the most pliable and open. The friendly, loyal character of the Dog is brought out all the more with the Water element, which makes him more sensitive to others and more able to establish good relationships with them.

The Water Dog maintains a very cool and approachable façade; he is often charming and very good looking too, making it easy for him to draw many admirers and develop large circles of friends. He works well with people, maintaining very fair views and holding strongly to what he believes he’s right, as all Dogs do – this would make him excel in vocations such as counseling or law. The Water in him makes him especially good at expressing himself in ways that will please and help others.

His more open nature also allows the Water Dog to listen to and accept others’ views. He is adaptable and able to fit into different environments, with the skill to approach problems openly and with new ideas. The only downside to this is that he can be very “open” with himself too, which can lean towards being too self-indulgent.

Life Lessons:

Because he has a very flexible and accommodating nature, the Water Dog should be careful not to let others take advantage of him. He will also need to be more disciplined with himself and not get carried away by self-indulgent acts or spending.

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The Wood Dog – 1934, 1994

Solid and stable as oak trees, the Wood Dog has very firm principles and a reliable, stable nature. People will like working with him because of his intrinsically altruistic nature and desire to make others happy. It may be a bit hard to get through to him at first – he is a Dog after all, and they are always a little cautious of letting people in. However, once you’re in, you have a friend for life. The Wood Dog likes solid, lifelong friendships.

The Wood Dog has his head squarely on his shoulders so even if he is attracted to material wealth, he won’t be over-indulgent and will know how to strike a good balance. This also means that he will also know how to follow the best and more ethical course of action; the Wood Dog has a very strong sense of morals. He expects the best from himself and others, and most of his life with be defined by heroism. You can count on the Wood Dog to save the day and stand up for others.

Any team would do well to have a Wood Dog in their midst for he will set out to accomplish everything he’s decided upon. He’ll also do it well, ethically and is not afraid to develop and improve himself along the way. He has a lot of energy, capacity for hard work and a logical, clear mind that makes measured, mature decisions.

Life Lessons:

The Wood Dog can be generous to a fault because his desire to make others happy can mean he gets taken advantage of. It could also mean that he finds it difficult to make firm decisions as he looks too much for the approval of others. He will need to learn a stronger sense of discipline and independence to move ahead.

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The Fire Dog – 1946, 2006

Expressive and dynamic, the Fire Dog is among the most popular Dogs who will draw not only many friendships but also many suitors! This Dog is more likely to take risks, with a natural draw to adventure and exciting new challenges. When things get tough however, the Fire Dog may not be as well prepared and often shirks from adversity.

At the heart of all he does, the Fire Dog is just as passionate and strong-willed as his other Dog siblings about upholding his ideals and what he believes is right. Try forcing a Fire Dog to do something he doesn’t believe in or attacking his principles, and you could be up for a big fight. Unlike other dogs, he doesn’t just make a threat – he’ll see it through.

While he has the natural friendliness and charm of all Dogs, the Fire Dog has a particularly independent, strong spirit. He is led by his strong ideals and a clear, honest way of doing things which will gain him the respect of many.

Life Lessons:

The Fire Dog should be more conscious of his fiery nature; he should try to temper his tendency to lash out at people, act less impetuously and be more patient with people who may not have the same views or ideals as him.

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The Earth Dog – 1898, 1958, 2018

The Earth Dog is careful and practical but also holds on to his ideals and standards very strongly. Because of these qualities, he can be a very hard worker, sometimes expecting the same devotion and stability from others. Not one to be afraid of sharing his views, he will also be a straight-talker, very honest and direct, perhaps to a point that is overly critical. You can however, depend on him to give good advice and even be there to help you see it through.

Of all the Dogs, the Earth Dog is practical enough to listen to the views of others and is more amenable to accepting others’ decisions. Like the steady Earth, this Dog is a realist, one who plans quietly and wisely and doesn’t make rash decisions. He is also more able to manage his emotions, and won’t be likely to swing between extremes of feelings. Intuitive and sensible, this Dog will know how to work best with others in a team. He is good at harnessing the best out of the resources he has and the talents of people around him.

Life Lessons:

While he is often right and does act in very righteous ways, the Earth Dog could do with learning to mince his words a little, so as not to offend others. He is good at spotting others’ talents but he must also learn to work with their capabilities and not impose his high standards on them.

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