When does the Year of the Dog begin? - briefly
The Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac begins on February 4, 2018, and will last until January 24, 2019.
When does the Year of the Dog begin? - in detail
The Year of the Dog in the Chinese zodiac begins on different dates each year, depending on the lunar calendar. According to traditional Chinese astrology, the lunar new year starts on the second new moon after the winter solstice. This means that the exact date can vary from late January to mid-February in the Gregorian calendar.
To determine when the Year of the Dog begins in a specific year, one must refer to the Chinese lunisolar calendar. For instance, in 2018, the Year of the Dog started on February 16, while in 2006, it began on January 29. These dates are not fixed and change annually based on the alignment of the moon's phases with the solar year.
It is important to note that the Chinese zodiac follows a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by one of twelve animals. The Dog is the eleventh sign in this sequence, preceded by the Rooster and followed by the Pig. People born during the Year of the Dog are believed to possess certain traits such as loyalty, honesty, and a strong sense of responsibility.
In conclusion, the beginning of the Year of the Dog is determined by the lunar calendar and varies from year to year. To find out the exact date for any given year, consult the Chinese lunisolar calendar or relevant astrological resources.