What’s your sign? Whether the question induces eye-rolls or excitement, it’s still fun to explore your astrological chart. Your dog can even join in on the fun! 

If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got your back. We’ll teach you all the basics of dog zodiac and assign a breed to represent each one (just for fun). You’ll also learn about the importance of the dog in Chinese zodiac lore. 

The Chinese Zodiac Dog

Dogs aren’t just our furry best friends–they play an important role in the Chinese zodiac legend. Instead of monthly zodiacs like the Western calendar, the Chinese zodiac is a 12-year cycle based on the lunar calendar. Each of the 12 years is represented by an animal, with dogs being 11th in the cycle. 

People born in the year of a specific animal are thought to have similar traits. For example, babies born in the most recent Year of the Dog (2018) are thought to have the characteristics of the Chinese zodiac dog. 

So, what’s the significance of a dog in the Chinese zodiac? In this legend, dogs are seen as trustworthy, loyal companions who prioritize their relationships. The Chinese Zodiac dog values justice, responsibility, and fair treatment. If you are born in the Year of the Dog, you may be described as reliable, honest, and steadfast. 

How to Find Your Dog’s Zodiac Sign 

Curious about your dog’s zodiac sign? It’s easy to figure out, so long as you know your pup’s birthday. Most astrological signs are assigned based on the specific time, day, month, or year you were born. 

There are 12 dog zodiac signs in Western culture that span about a month each. Here are the birth dates for each sign:

• Aries - March 21-April 19
• Taurus - April 20-May 20
• Gemini - May 21-June 20
• Cancer - June 21-July 22
• Leo - July 23-August 22
• Virgo - August 23-September 22
• Libra - September 23-October 22
• Scorpio - October 23-November 21
• Sagittarius - November 22-December 21
• Capricorn - December 22-January 19
• Aquarius - January 20-February 18
• Pisces - February 19-March 20

Looking for the Chinese zodiac dog signs? Take the year they were born and look it up in the Chinese zodiac calendar. For instance, any pups born in 2024 belong to the Year of the Dragon. 

Which Breed Matches Each Dog Zodiac Sign? 

Even if you don’t believe in astrology, it’s fun to see if someone’s sign matches their personality. At Sundays, improving the life of dogs is always on our mind–that’s why we decided to match up each sign with a specific breed. Here’s our highly debated list of dogs as zodiac signs. 

Aries - Doberman Pinscher

Birthdates: March 21st to April 19th

Element: Fire

Strengths: Confident, determined, passionate

Weaknesses: Impulsive, stubborn, moody

Aries are your typical fire sign: bold, fearless, and ready to take the lead. It reminds us of the courageous Doberman breed. These dogs possess the energetic and confident nature that many Aries embody. If your pup has a powerful personality at half the Doberman’s size, they may just be an Aries at heart. 

Taurus - Pitbull

Birthdates: April 20th to May 20th

Element: Earth

Strengths: Devoted, patient, grounded

Weaknesses: Possessive, insecure, adaptability

We thought it fitting that the Wandering Bull sign be represented by its dog counterpart: the Pitbull. Tauruses actually have a lot in common with the breed. Despite appearances, Pitbulls are known for their sweet nature and affection for humans. They crave routine, relaxation, and cuddles–just like any Taurus. 

Gemini - Border Terrier

Birthdates: May 21st to June 20th

Element: Air

Strengths: Curious, intelligent, adaptable 

Weaknesses: Loneliness, small confined spaces

Playful, curious, and full of personality, we think the Border Terrier perfectly represents this dog zodiac sign. Don’t underestimate their size–Border Terriers are highly intelligent and a little sneaky. When exploring dogs as zodiac signs, Gemini stands out as the trickster and chatterbox of the pack. It’s only fitting that a terrier represent this air sign! 

Cancer - French Bulldog

Birthdates: June 21st to July 22nd

Element: Water

Strengths: Imaginative, loyal, sympathetic

Weaknesses: Sensitive, strangers, sharing

Cancers are the emotional heart of the dog zodiac signs. A true water sign, these pups are snuggly homebodies who love being right beside their humans. Sounds like a French Bulldog to us! Though Frenchies can be picky and stubborn, they have a special emotional sensitivity to others.

Leo - Golden Retriever

Birthdates: July 23rd to August 22nd

Element: Fire

Strengths: Social, funny, passionate

Weaknesses: Lazy, arrogant, self-centered

If the zodiac signs had celebrities, Leo would be on the A-list. That’s why America’s favorite breed, the Golden Retriever, embodies this dog zodiac sign. Your average Leo is the most charismatic person in the room, ready to chat with anyone–just like a Golden is ready to play with anyone that looks their way. 

Virgo - Great Pyrenees

Birthdates: August 23rd to September 22nd

Element: Earth

Strengths: Practical, kind, driven

Weaknesses: Antisocial, self-conscious, anxious 

Virgos are the calm in any storm with their quiet, practical wisdom. We think this Earth sign is akin to the stunning and serene Great Pyrenees breed. These gentle giants take their responsibilities seriously and often act like the heads of the house. When discussing dogs as zodiac signs, Great Pyrenees and Virgos are a match made in heaven. 

Libra - Greyhound

Birthdates: September 23rd to October 22nd

Element: Air

Strengths: Fair, gracious, social 

Weaknesses: Confrontation, loud noises, moody

Peaceful, charming, and effortlessly graceful, Libras bring beauty and balance everywhere they go. Greyhounds are the ideal match for Libras. These pups are elegant, calm, and affectionate with their inner circle. Just keep your Libra pup away from loud noises and big groups of strangers. 

Scorpio - Rottweiler

Birthdates: October 23rd to November 21st

Element: Water

Strengths: Brave, loyal, resourceful

Weaknesses: Jealousy, manipulative, strangers 

Scorpios are another powerhouse of the Western zodiac calendar. Like the strong and protective Rottweiler, Scorpios form deep bonds but take awhile to trust new people. But once this sign loves you, they love you for life–just like a Rottie pup. 

Sagittarius - Alaskan Malamute

Birthdates: November 22nd to December 21st

Element: Fire

Strengths: Generous, intelligent, humor

Weaknesses: Impatient, noisy, social gatherings

With a free-spirited personality, Sagittariuses live to explore like the Alaskan Malamute. These pups need space, freedom, and plenty of mental stimulation. If your dog is always itching to run outside, they have the energy of a Sagittarius. As far as dogs as zodiac signs go, this one craves an adventure. 

Capricorn - Bloodhound

Birthdates: December 22nd to January 19th

Element: Earth

Strengths: Responsible, self-disciplined, leadership

Weaknesses: Pickiness, stubborn

Capricorns take the world very seriously–just like a Bloodhound on his daily walk. This sign is reliable, serious, and hardworking. Like a Bloodhound, Capricorns seldom give up a challenge and are ready to solve any task you throw at them. 

Aquarius - Irish Wolfhound

Birthdates: January 20th to February 18th

Element: Air

Strengths: Intellectual, playful, independent

Weaknesses: Unemotional, introverted, easily bored 

Unique, free-thinking, and a bit eccentric, the Aquarius sign is best represented by the Irish Wolfhounds. These giant pups are surprisingly gentle, independent, and a little goofy. An Aquarius’s downfall is only their stubbornness. Just try to get an Irish Wolfhound to do something they don’t want to and you’ll see what we mean. 

Pisces - Whippet

Birthdates: February 19th to March 20th

Element: Water

Strengths: Artistic, musical, compassionate

Weaknesses: Overly sensitive, criticism, deeply emotional

The final feature on our list of dogs as zodiac signs is the dreamy, intuitive Pisces. The ideal breed match for this water sign is the Whippet. These pups are deeply empathetic and are very tuned into their human family’s emotions. Whippets have sensitive souls that thrive on emotional connection and companionship–just like any average Pisces.