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by Lori Amato

The Chinese use 12 animals to express the zodiacal time. Twelve is a very important number —12 months in a year, a 12-year cycle, 12 two-hour phases in a day. The 12 animals were chosen by astrologers because they represented the qualities of the astrological years.  The Chinese Zodiac is very helpful for choosing partners (including your adopted greyhound) and timing important events and it is trustworthy in that it has withstood the test of time for many millennia.

Monkey: 1992, 2004, 2016

Your Monkey dog will always be the most talented in the crowd. His entertaining qualities border almost on the ingenious. He always does things on a grand scale so if your Monkey greyhound enjoys digging, be careful; the pool you always wanted may be yours. Luckily he has a tendency not to follow through on grand schemes. He can be quite cunning but is also loyal, trusting, and very healthy.

Snake: 1989, 2001, 2013

Your Snake dog has a very sharp mind as well as a very secretive, guarded personality. He won’t warm right up to you after adoption and you will rejoice on the day he looks at you with utter devotion, wagging his tail. Your slinky Snake can also be quite sneaky, so if your collection of teddy bears disappears, look first to his bed before you call 911. They can become quite lost in frivolous pursuits. He would much prefer flipping his hedgehog up in the air and listening to it squeak rather than learning how to sit. A Snake is very creative and philosophical. He is slightly high-strung but a devoted companion.

Boar: 1995, 2007, 2019

Your Boar dog is kind, generous, affectionate, loyal, honest and truly enjoys the good things in life. He is truly a home-loving hound dog. Two square meals a day, some love, walks, and a soft bed will make him happier than a clam. He does not need to be the center of attention and is often mistakenly called shy. He loves people and he loves his home. He can at times be very naive so new things should be introduced to him gradually. The vacuum cleaner is not a monster. “Maxi.” See it will not hurt your. He can also be a tad stubborn.

Chaucer asks Doug if he would read his horoscope to him. Marcia Herman

Dragon: 1988, 2000, 2012

Your fire breathing Dragon dog is a charismatic individual with a very quick mind. Once his mind is made up, he will stick to his course of action. He is resilient and versatile. He is also a very impulsive critter which leads him into trouble at times. He thrives on challenges and will try to turn the most negative situations around. If you have a dog-hating relative, this is the dog to introduce him too. He thrives on attention and will reciprocate tenfold. He is an excellent greyhound to bring to meet and greets.

Tiger: 1986, 1998, 2010

Your Tiger dog will be passionate, daring, rebellious, and difficult to ignore. He has a dynamic personality and loves being the center of attention. If the greyhound in your life knocks things off the coffee table with the wildly wagging tail, he is probably a Tiger. He is kind and has a wonderful imagination. Once your Tiger bonds to you, he will give 100 percent of his energy. A caring Tiger dog is difficult to resist. He is quick moving and craves excitement so it takes a lot to keep up with him.

Rooster: 1993, 2005, 2017

Your Rooster dog is the perfectionist of the Chinese Zodiac. He wants and expects the world to run on time and expects everything to be in perfect place. Do not forget to feed or take him out at the exact same times every day. He is one of the most intelligent signs of the Zodiac and is well informed about everything that is going on in his household. He loves to be the center of attention and at times can be tactless. Sibling rivalry can be a problem. He has the capability of being both extrovert and introvert which makes him appear to be moody. He is not easy to live with but he is loyal and will stick by you in good times and bad. My greyhound Tauren is a classic Rooster. If his meals and walks are not on time we hear about it.

Goat: 1991, 2003, 2015

The Goat dog seeks harmony, and peace in the home. He is not complacent by any means but needs peace to be truly content. Because of his good nature and kind heart, the Chinese believe that fortune smiles upon the Goat. Goats can be a bit indecisive and worry when there is no need to do so. A Goat dog needs a lot of petting and loving. Reassure him daily that he is the center of your universe. He falls under one of the most sentimental and affectionate signs in the Chinese Zodiac. A greyhound born in the year of the Goat would make a wonderful therapy dog. He will also do well in a multi-hound household.

Horse: 1990, 2002, 2014

Whether your Horse is quiet and unassuming or loud and the life of the party, those born under this sign will find some way to be and hold the center of attention. A Horse is restless, smart, quick witted, and charming. He can be very quick tempered. He is not afraid of taking chances in life and is usually at the head of the pack when getting into some kind of trouble. If your hound is a counter-surfer or garbage picker, it is probably a Horse Dog. A Horse dog needs to control his need to control. A Horse values his family and home. He is not very sentimental but he is a devoted companion.

Rabbit: 1987, 1999, 2011

Rabbits are considered one of the most suspicious signs in the Chinese Zodiac. The Rabbit personality can be moody, but this needle-nose is very kind, gracious, and sensitive. He is very understanding and accepting of individuals and will forgive you if you are late getting his dinner. You do have to hurry quickly to get him outside the minute you come home. Rabbits are very lucky in both life and love. Rabbits have a tendency to move far away from their birthplace. This greyhound will probably travel far before he is adopted more so then most.

Ox: 1985, 1997, 2009

The Ox greyhound is calm, methodical, and determined. The Ox never forgets he symbolizes happiness through hard work and perseverance. An Ox is also very traditional. Think twice before changing his usual long walks in the morning and at night. Do not deviate or he will sulk. He is very trustworthy and loyal. He can use an occasional push to get him out of a serious rut and have some fun. If you own an Ox hound, get on the floor and teach him how to play.

Dog: 1994, 2006, 2018

The Dog Personality is the most pleasing of the Chinese zodiac. It is very difficult to resist this charmer. Why should you? A Dog dog is a prized creature indeed. You can trust him with your innermost secrets and he can give you down to earth advice through his actions. So, take a hint from your greyhound “Dog.” Be happy, enjoy life, dig a few holes, and enjoy your food. Your Dog has the uncanny knack of spotting a dishonest person and makes a wonderful guard dog. He is very intelligent but at times seems unable to get what you are trying to teach him. Once he has it, he has it forever. A Dog is an insecure creature and can spend a lot of time fretting over little things. He needs lots of love and devotion and in return will be a passionately loving companion. My greyhound Feather is the classic Dog. She smiles constantly, and is happy go lucky. Raise your voice and she quivers.

Rat: 1984, 1996, 2008

This is the most fortunate sign to be born under. Our Rat is resourceful and crafty survivor. He is physically attractive. A Rat greyhound can be quite restless in his search for the perfect “anything” He will test 10 different types of kibble before he finds just the right one. This hound will test every existing soft area in the house in order to find the perfect bed. He usually ends up in yours. A Rat is usually a late bloomer, so patience is in order for anything you may wish to teach him. Wait until he is at least 3 or 4 years old before you become involved with any advance obedience or tougher tasks. He will attain the goal; it just takes some time. With the Rat, the saying, “Still waters run deep” definitely applies.

References:

http://www2.bluemountain.com/eng3/chinhoro/index.html

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