Metal Dog (庚戌): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Metal Dog, 庚戌, sharpens the Dog's sense of right into conviction. The tradition reads it as determined, principled and protective.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 庚戌
Years: 1910, 1970, 2030
Character
庚戌 sets 庚, yang metal, the axe, over the Dog's earth. Earth bears metal, so the tradition reads this as a supported pair: an ore-rich hill guarded through the autumn, conviction drawn from deep ground.
The tradition reads those born in a Metal Dog year as resolute, loyal and fearless in defending what they believe. They are disciplined and keep their word absolutely. The tradition's shadow for the Metal Dog is rigidity — a sense of justice that sees things in black and white — and a suspicion that is slow to fade once trust is shaken.
In love and at work
In love the Metal Dog is read as fiercely loyal and protective, needing honesty above all. At work it excels in law, the military, security, engineering and principled leadership. The tradition suggests the Metal Dog leave room for grey.
A question to take with you
Where might the truth lie between the two sides you see?
Updated October 28, 2026