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Chinese zodiac

1982 Chinese zodiac: year of the Water Dog

1982 was the year of the Water Dog in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 25 January 1982 and ended on 12 February 1983.

Quick answer

1982 is the year of the Water Dog (Yang). The Chinese year of the Dog ran from 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983, so anyone born between those dates is a Water Dog. Babies born in 1982 before 25 January 1982 belong to the Metal Rooster of 1981.

SignWater Dog
Yin / YangYang
Year starts25 January 1982
Year ends12 February 1983
Best matchesTiger, Horse
Element colourblack and blue

1982 Water Dog personality

People born in the year of the Dog are loyal, sincere and protective. Their strengths are fairness, reliability and devotion to people they love; their watch-outs are anxiety and pessimism.

The Water element adds wisdom, flexibility and good communication, so the Water Dog of 1982 combines the Dog's nature with water qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.

Careers that suit the Dog: law, social work, healthcare, teaching, security.

Born in January or February 1982?

The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 1982, Chinese New Year fell on 25 January 1982.

  • Born 25 January 1982 or later in 1982: Water Dog.
  • Born 1 January – 24 January 1982: Metal Rooster (1981 sign).

Dog compatibility

MatchSigns
Best (same triangle)Tiger, Horse
Secret friendRabbit
Traditional clashDragon

Other Dog years

1946, 1958, 1970, 1994, 2006, 2018. The Water Dog itself returns in 2042.

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Frequently asked questions

What Chinese zodiac is 1982?

The Water Dog, for births from 25 January 1982 to 12 February 1983.

What if I was born in January or early February 1982?

If you were born before 25 January 1982, your sign is the Metal Rooster of 1981, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.

What element is 1982 in the Chinese zodiac?

Water (Yang). Water is linked with wisdom, flexibility and good communication; its colour is black and blue.

Which signs are compatible with the Dog?

Best matches are the Tiger and Horse, plus the Rabbit as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Dragon.

When is the next Water Dog year?

2042. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.

How old is someone born in 1982 in 2026?

They turn 44 during 2026.

Source and method

Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.

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