Editor's note: The Chinese zodiac, or "shengxiao," consists of 12 animal signs that mark the years. Each animal represents one year in a repeating 12-year cycle, which is calculated based on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The 12 animals, in order, are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. These animals, along with the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches, are traditionally believed to significantly influence human personalities, marriages, careers and fortunes, thereby holding great importance in individuals' lives.

Some historians believe the Chinese zodiac took shape during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220), while others trace its origins back to the Western Zhou dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.). Throughout its development, the Chinese zodiac has inspired a variety of widely accepted animal-related legends and folktales.

A Chinese legend tells of a divine dog sent to the human world to teach the values of loyalty and courage. This dog chose a kind-hearted, impoverished boy from a village, and the boy quickly grew to care for the dog as a close friend. One year, the village faced a severe drought, and to save the villagers, the dog used its divine powers to dig a well alongside the boy. Since that time, the dog has been revered as a god of protection.

Traditionally, the dog symbolizes loyalty and bravery. People born in the Year of the Dog are expected to be loyal, brave, caring, righteous and responsible. They are well-suited for jobs such as judge, lawyer, journalist, accountant, civil servant and new media professional.

The Dog years include 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030 and 2042.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the 2025 Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29, 2025. This day marks the beginning of the Year of the Snake, which will last until Feb. 16, 2026. Since 2025 overlaps with most of the Year of the Snake, it is commonly referred to as such.

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