水Chinese zodiac · Water element
Water Dog 1922 · 1982 · 2042 · 壬戌 (rén xū)
Water Dogs are loyal and honest like every Dog, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. This combination comes round only once every 60 years.
- Yang Water
- Animal: Dog
- Element: Water 水
- Every 60 years
Year of the Water Dog dates
| Year | Dates | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|
| 1922 | 28 Jan 1922 – 15 Feb 1923 | 壬戌 (rén xū) |
| 1982 | 25 Jan 1982 – 12 Feb 1983 | 壬戌 (rén xū) |
| 2042 | 22 Jan 2042 – 9 Feb 2043 | 壬戌 (rén xū) |
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year’s sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
What makes the Water Dog different
At heart this is still a Dog: loyal, honest and protective. Water is the element of wisdom. It brings intuition, flexibility and a gift for communication, and Water types read people well and go around obstacles rather than through them.
Earth masters Water
The Dog’s native Earth controls Water. These Dogs like to be in charge of their circumstances and usually are, though getting there takes effort.
Water Dog strengths and challenges
Strengths
- Intuitive and perceptive
- Flexible and diplomatic
- Loyal and trustworthy
- Fair and principled
Watch out for
- Indecisive under pressure
- Can be overly sensitive
- Anxious or pessimistic
- Stubborn about principles
Water Dog in love
Water deepens the sign’s emotional side, bringing empathy and a need for real connection. Dogs are faithful, protective partners.
Water Dog career and money
Water favors communication, persuasion and roles that need a feel for people. Dogs do well in work with a clear purpose and a duty of care.
- Law and justice
- Teaching and social work
- Healthcare
- Security and public service
The other types of Dog
The same animal behaves differently under each element. Compare the Water Dog with the other four types, or read the full Year of the Dog guide.
The Water years
Each element rules two years in a row, one Yang and one Yin. The Water Dog year is followed by the Water Pig. Water is linked with winter, the color black and blue and the north. Read more about the five elements.
Water Dog questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Water Dog?
The Year of the Water Dog falls in 1922, 1982 and 2042. It comes round once every 60 years. The exact dates are 28 Jan 1922 – 15 Feb 1923; 25 Jan 1982 – 12 Feb 1983; 22 Jan 2042 – 9 Feb 2043.
What is the Water Dog personality?
Water Dogs are loyal and honest like every Dog, with an added streak of intuition and adaptability. It brings intuition, flexibility and a gift for communication, and Water types read people well and go around obstacles rather than through them.
Who is the Water Dog compatible with?
Like all Dogs, the Water Dog is most compatible with the Tiger, Horse and Rabbit, and finds the Dragon and Rooster more challenging.
How is the Water Dog different from other Dogs?
The Dog’s native Earth controls Water. These Dogs like to be in charge of their circumstances and usually are, though getting there takes effort.
Check your exact sign
Enter your date of birth to confirm your Chinese zodiac animal and element, plus your star sign and life path number.
