What Is My Horoscope Animal?

In Chinese astrology, each year is associated with a specific animal sign that reflects key personality traits, strengths, and life tendencies. These signs repeat in a 12-year cycle, and each is also influenced by one of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—creating even deeper layers of meaning. Knowing your Chinese horoscope animal can offer fascinating insight into your character, relationships, and path in life.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is my horoscope animal?”—you’re about to find out.

Below is a guide to each of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals and what they say about you, based on your year of birth.

Rat

Years: 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948 (and so on, every 12 years)
Traits: Clever, quick-witted, adaptable, charming
People born in the Year of the Rat are resourceful and observant. They’re skilled communicators, often doing well in business and social situations. Though they can be cautious and calculative, their strong intuition helps them succeed in changing environments. Rats value family, loyalty, and security.

Ox

Years: 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949
Traits: Hardworking, reliable, patient, determined
The Ox is grounded and dependable. People born under this sign are known for their strength and perseverance. They often work quietly behind the scenes but achieve steady success. Their calm and serious nature makes them trustworthy, though sometimes stubborn or resistant to change.

Tiger

Years: 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950
Traits: Bold, ambitious, brave, passionate
Tigers are natural leaders who love a challenge. They are confident, competitive, and enthusiastic. Tigers can be impulsive and rebellious at times, but their courage and passion are undeniable. They are fiercely loyal and driven by a strong sense of justice.

Rabbit

Years: 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951
Traits: Gentle, elegant, kind, creative
Rabbits are sensitive and refined. They seek peace and beauty in their surroundings. People born in the Year of the Rabbit are diplomatic and good at avoiding conflict. They may seem reserved, but they are emotionally deep and value strong personal relationships.

Dragon

Years: 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952
Traits: Charismatic, intelligent, energetic, confident
Dragons are bold and ambitious. They are full of vitality and often attract attention wherever they go. Known for their talent and creativity, they can sometimes be arrogant or impatient. Still, their dynamic energy makes them inspiring and powerful individuals.

Snake

Years: 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953
Traits: Wise, intuitive, mysterious, strategic
Snakes are deep thinkers with a calm and analytical nature. They are often drawn to philosophy, spirituality, or the arts. Although they can be secretive, they are also charming and graceful. Snakes prefer quiet environments and dislike chaos or superficiality.

Horse

Years: 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954
Traits: Energetic, independent, optimistic, adventurous
Horses are free spirits who love to explore. They are social, intelligent, and highly adaptable. While they enjoy being around people, they also value their independence. Horses can be impatient or impulsive, but their enthusiasm and courage often lead them to success.

Goat (Sheep)

Years: 2015, 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955
Traits: Gentle, empathetic, artistic, thoughtful
Goats are sensitive and caring. They have a creative soul and are often drawn to beauty and nature. Though they can be shy or indecisive, they are compassionate and loyal. Goats thrive in calm, supportive environments and are often emotionally intuitive.

Monkey

Years: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956
Traits: Clever, curious, witty, playful
Monkeys are smart and versatile. They enjoy learning new things and often excel at problem-solving. Their charm and sense of humor make them popular, but they can be mischievous or unpredictable. Monkeys are natural entertainers who love to stay active and engaged.

Rooster

Years: 2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957
Traits: Confident, honest, ambitious, observant
Roosters are hardworking and detail-oriented. They value organization, appearance, and personal achievement. Though they can be critical or perfectionistic, they are also loyal and responsible. Roosters speak their mind and often excel in leadership roles.

Dog

Years: 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958
Traits: Loyal, sincere, protective, kind
Dogs are trustworthy and true-hearted. They have a strong sense of duty and fairness. People born in the Year of the Dog are often selfless and willing to stand up for others. They may be cautious with trust but are deeply loyal to those they care about.

Pig

Years: 2019, 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959
Traits: Generous, warm, honest, patient
Pigs are easygoing and good-natured. They enjoy life’s comforts and love to help others. Although they can be naive or indulgent, they are also dependable and sincere. Pigs are often well-liked and bring a sense of peace and warmth to those around them.

How to Know Your Horoscope Animal

To find your Chinese zodiac animal, locate your birth year and match it to one of the 12 animals. But keep in mind—the Chinese zodiac follows the Lunar New Year, which usually falls between late January and mid-February. If you were born in January or early February, check the exact Lunar New Year date of that year, as you might belong to the animal sign of the previous year.

What Is My Horoscope Animal?

Your horoscope animal reflects your core personality traits, your strengths, and the way you relate to others and the world around you. Understanding your Chinese zodiac sign can help you better navigate relationships, career choices, and life transitions.

If you’re curious to explore your complete birth profile, you can also combine Chinese astrology with Western astrology to gain even deeper insights. Both systems offer valuable clues about your identity and your destiny.

Would you like to receive a personalized birth chart reading based on your date, time, and place of birth? Our expert-created chart includes an in-depth 12-month forecast, zodiac insights, and a breakdown of your houses, aspects, and personal energy—offering you clarity and cosmic guidance tailored just for you.