Wood Dog (甲戌): personality and meaning in the Chinese zodiac
The Wood Dog, 甲戌, gives the Dog flexibility and a generous, community-minded loyalty. The tradition reads it as warm, cooperative and patient.
Heavenly stem and earthly branch: 甲戌
Years: 1934, 1994
Character
甲戌 sets 甲, yang wood, the tall tree, over 戌, the Dog's yang earth, in late autumn. Wood draws on earth, and the tradition reads this pair as a tree guarding a farmyard: steady shelter, rooted in the ground it protects.
People born in a Wood Dog year are read as honest, kind and sociable, with the Dog's loyalty extended to friends, neighbours and causes. They are fair and like to help. The tradition's shadow for the Wood Dog is taking on others' problems as its own, and a worry that its efforts are not enough.
In love and at work
In love the Wood Dog is read as faithful, gentle and supportive, a partner who builds a shared life with care. At work it shines in community work, education, healthcare and any team with a purpose. The tradition suggests the Wood Dog let some burdens stay with their owners.
A question to take with you
Which worry are you holding that belongs to someone else?
Updated October 28, 2026