Personality | Compatibility | Ascendants | Famous "Dogs" Paradoxically the Year of the Dog will bring happiness and dissent in the same boat. The Dog's domestic auspices will bring harmony to home life, patriotism to one's country and unwavering fealty to whatever cause you wish to support. On the other hand, his rigid willpower and unbending sense of justice will also lead to major confrontations with the weaker side getting the upper hand. It is a year in which controversial issues will be awarded a hearing and unconventional but effective changes will be introduced. Equality and liberty will be advocated by the Dog's noble influence. We will become more idealist in our views, shedding some materialism by doing charitable acts or otherwise championing some worthy projects, It is a year in which we will shift away from the pursuit of the almighty dollar and become a little more reflective. A perfect time to reassess our sense of values, polish up our virtues and go on crusades against tyranny and oppression. In spite of the Dog's dismal outlook, he brings stability because people do not usually dare to challenge his authority when they see how intent he is on keeping the peace. The year of the Metal Dog is more feared than others as he is said to bring war and calamity. Needless to say, the Dog's resoluteness and intensity will cause clashes, upheavals and rebellions of all sorts, but it will be his good sense and largess that will also smooth things out in the end. His unselfishness will predispose us to be more bighearted than we normally are. This will also be a year in which we will wish we could relax more without the cynical Dog constantly casting worries on our minds. Then again, perhaps it will be the Dog's ever-watchful eye that will be the main force in keeping this time calm. Aside from this feeling of uneasiness, there should be no cause for alarm. We can go about our business as usual since the Dog makes the perfect sentry. The Dog's year will lend integrity to our intentions and make us act in good faith. Nothing should concern us so long as we stick to the righteous path.   Personality People born in the Year of the Dog are usually candid, honest, generous, righteous, studious and energetic, which makes it easy for them to attract the favor of the opposite sex. They are kind-hearted, always ready to listen to and share other people's cares and burdens. They know how to get along well with others. Sometimes they will protect the interests of other people even by sacrificing their own. If there's someone often paying a handsome reward, he must be a person born in the Year of the Dog. They seldom lose their temper, even when they're abused by other people. They do, however, flare up sometimes, but only for a moment, and never out of jealousy. When they have conflicts with others, they always try to make compromises instead of harboring hatred in their hearts. When they are determined to do something, they will hold on to the very last. They always choose respectful careers, and are sure to achieve success by conscientious hard work. But never count on them to play a part in settling disputes because they are not willing to involve themselves in such situations. They always guard themselves from abuse, and will only make friends with people in whom they have full confidence. Being noted cynics, they are highly critical of misbehavior, and are sure to rise up to fight evil in every situation. When they think themselves right, they will not submit to anyone's opinion; and when they have settled something, no one is able to change it. They usually argue in a thoughtful and logical way; but when their integrity's attacked, they will fiercely defend themselves. At the same time, they will never backbite anyone, and they will rush to help when there's danger somewhere. Gifted with a special sensitivity, they have keen insight into other people's minds. Dividing others into either friends and opponents they will not judge a person without foundation, but once they have developed on opinion of somebody, it is difficult for them to change it. Usually they will give you good advise. Pragmatic by nature, they can help those who boast to overcome their shortcomings. They often think it necessary to point out other people's mistakes so as to help them develop an objective view of themselves and the reality. Though they don't value money very much, they have an unparalleled ability to bring in money when they are in need of them. They always appear to be in high spirits, but actually in their hearts there is a shadow of pessimism. Sometimes they worry too much, imagining dangers around every corner. Women born in the Year of the Dog are usually strong in thinking. Though plainly dressed, they like nice and fluffy hair styles that make their expressive faces more vivid. They sometimes fidget when angry, but generally they cooperate well with other people and uphold justice. They prefer outdoor sports such as swimming and playing tennis, and they are good friends to their husbands and children, always attentive in listening to their opinions and never getting in their way. Warm-hearted and easy-going, they are always willing to make friends with other people. These friendships became deepened through usual contacts, such as visits and chats over tea, etc. And they always seem to have the friends in need. They are energetic and ambitious, and prefer to bury themselves in work that interests them. It's a pity that they lack patience. They seldom get frenzied in love as do people born in the Year of the Horse or Tiger, but they often show the utmost solicitude toward their sweethearts in a quiet way. It seems that those born in the night are more aggressive than those born in the daytime. But all of them will live a peaceful life with abundance in daily necessities. They can get along in harmony with those born in the Year of the Horse, Snake, Monkey, Boar, or even the Dog, but not the Ox or Ram, and especially not the Rooster. They collide with those born in the Year of the Dragon and never trust them.   Compatibility Most Compatible: Horses, Tigers Least Compatible: Dragons   Ascendants Born During the Hours of the Rat - 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Loving but not so giving. Has a monetary angle even when he is moralizing. He is considerate and careful about money - mainly his own. Born During the Hours of the Ox - 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. Has brusque but unquestionable veracity. May have a spotless reputation but he is too conservative and dour in many ways. Staunch defender of the faith! Born During the Hours of the Tiger - 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. Both signs here are tirelessly active and courageous. However, the Tiger could make the Dog more impatient and critical than he already is. But on the whole this combination could also produce a more stimulated and passionate Dog. Born During the Hours of the Rabbit - 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. A Dog who is all for d|tente. Weighs his pros and cons carefully before taking sides. Apt to be lighthearted and will not like baring his fangs. Born During the Hours of the Dragon - 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. A very idealistic Dog who will be a miracle worker or missionary. He will truly qualify for sainthood if he can only accept other versions of religion aside from his own. Very dogmatic combination. Born During the Hours of the Snake - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. A Dog with a silent, brooding nature that rarely surfaces. Competent and mentally superior. The Snake in him will bend his sense of justice a little so that he is not adverse to taking shortcuts in order to achieve his goals. Born During the Hours of the Horse - 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A sharp, sunny Dog with electric responses. Never misses a cue and is everyone's best friend - but don't ask him to prove it. He will go merrily on his way if you are too imposing! Born During the Hours of the Ram - 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Soft-hearted, cuddly Dog who will be artistic, pessimistic and sympathetic in nature. Still, he won't lose his keen sense of fair play but may keep one eye closed now and then to make allowances for your weaknesses. Born During the Hours of the Monkey - 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. A Dog with stretchable conscience and unfailing wit. Amusing, diverse and gay. A splendid interlacing here of character and ingenuity. Born During the Hours of the Rooster - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A preaching Dog. And, believe me, he would rather preach than practice. Very analytical, and competent to achieve his goals, but it takes him so long to get to the point. Born During the Hours of the Dog - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A defensive, ever-alert Dog. Constantly looking for causes to fight, rights to wrong and infidels to save. Has an open and honest nature, but is a committed revolutionary. Born During the Hours of the Boar - 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. A burly, sensuous and emotionally charged Dog. Will go all out to censor others while still hooked on some pretty rich indulgences of his own.   Famous "Dogs" Shirley MacLain, Henry Cooper, Slyvia Sims, Dolly Parton, Liza Minelli, Jane Asher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Annette Bening, Madonna, Belinda Carlisle, Tim Robbins, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Debbie Gibson, Ethan Hawke Source: The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora Lau Published by Arrow Books Limited