Water Dog (壬戌): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Water Dog, 壬戌, softens the Dog's worry and gives it an easier way with people. The tradition reads it as intuitive, kind and adaptable.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 壬戌
Years: 1922, 1982, 2042
Character
壬戌 sets 壬, yang water, the ocean and the river, over the Dog's earth. Earth contains water, and the tradition reads this pair as a river flowing past a guarded house: movement and ease beside steadfast loyalty.
People born in a Water Dog year are read as perceptive, gentle and sociable, with the Dog's honesty joined to a talent for understanding others. They are tolerant and good-humoured. The tradition's shadow for the Water Dog is indecision, and a tendency to keep peace at the cost of saying what it needs.
In love and at work
In love the Water Dog is read as affectionate, loyal and understanding, a partner who listens well. At work it suits counselling, teaching, the arts, social work and diplomacy. The tradition suggests the Water Dog say what it needs as clearly as it hears others.
A question to take with you
What do you need from the people you are loyal to?
Updated October 28, 2026