If you were born in 1970, your Chinese zodiac sign is the Metal Dog (庚戌年 — Gēng Xū Nián). People born this year, in my view, have one of the most honorable, determined, and upright profiles in the whole twelve-year cycle.
The Dog is the eleventh animal of the Chinese zodiac. It’s all about loyalty, a strong moral compass, and a deep sense of justice that doesn’t really waver.
In 1970, the Heavenly Stem is 庚 (Gēng), which stands for the Yang Metal element. This adds some real resilience, authority, and a kind of quiet strength to the Dog’s already solid character.
Folks born this year mix the Dog’s famous faithfulness with Metal’s discipline and endurance. It’s a combo that creates people who are not just loyal—they’re genuinely principled.
Maybe you’re reflecting on a life shaped by integrity, or you’re trying to understand someone from this year. Either way, the old wisdom of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics paints a fascinating picture.
Let’s dig into what this year really means.
The 1970 Zodiac Animal: Metal Dog (庚戌年)
In classical Chinese cosmology, each year is shaped by two big forces: the Heavenly Stem (天干) and the Earthly Branch (地支).
For 1970, the Stem is 庚 (Gēng) — Yang Metal — and the Branch is 戌 (Xū) — the Dog. Together, that’s 庚戌年, a year marked by steadfast principle and unshakeable resolve.
The Dog (戌) is the eleventh animal, and its native element is Earth. That’s a pretty solid base for a sign known for loyalty, being grounded, and a protective streak.
Earth stands for stability, trust, and a nurturing kind of strength. It’s the element that supports and holds everything together.
But in 1970, the Heavenly Stem brings in Yang Metal, which changes the flavor a bit. In the Five Elements cycle, Earth actually produces Metal (土生金), so the Dog’s Earthy nature nourishes and boosts the Metal Stem’s qualities.
This pairing is one of the most supportive in the zodiac. A pure Earth Dog can sometimes be too cautious, but Metal sharpens their resolve and clarifies their judgment.
It gives them the authority to lead, too. So you get a Dog who’s still loyal and protective, but now they’re bolder, more decisive, and have a clearer sense of purpose.
Curious how Metal interacts with all five elements? Take a look at our Chinese zodiac elements guide.
Metal Dog Personality Traits
From what I’ve seen, the Metal Dog has this rare mix of moral clarity and quiet authority. They’re principled, but not inflexible.
Determined, but not stubborn—these are people who know their values and stick to them. Their word really is their bond.
Once they commit to a person, a cause, or a goal, they follow through with remarkable dedication.
Their loyalty isn’t something they give away lightly—it’s earned. Metal Dogs are sharp judges of character, with a knack for sensing who’s real and who’s not.
They take their time opening up, but when they do, you get a level of friendship and support that’s honestly hard to find elsewhere.
That cautious discernment? That’s Metal sharpening the Dog’s natural protectiveness.
The Metal element also boosts the Dog’s resilience and leadership. Metal Dogs have a quiet, commanding presence.
They don’t have to raise their voices to be heard. Their authority comes from being consistent—doing what they say, standing by their principles, and earning respect through action.
Metal adds some analytical sharpness to their intuition. Metal Dogs think things through and don’t let emotions cloud their judgment when big decisions are on the table.
Not sure about your own zodiac animal? You can use our free zodiac calculator.
Career & Wealth
The Metal Dog’s blend of integrity, determination, and strategic thinking opens a lot of doors. They do well in careers where principles matter and where justice has a place.
Law, public service, the military, compliance, auditing, and social work—all these fields make good use of the Metal Dog’s strengths.
As leaders, Metal Dogs are fair, consistent, and respected. They’re not the micromanaging type; they set expectations and trust you to deliver.
Their decision-making is careful, weighing ethics and practical results. That’s why they fit well in jobs that require balance: governance, risk management, quality assurance, and leading organizations.
When it comes to money, Metal Dogs are typically cautious and methodical. They grow their wealth slowly, saving and investing with discipline, steering clear of risky ventures.
Their Earth side gives them a practical view on money—it’s about security and principles, not showing off. The most successful Metal Dogs learn to balance their caution with a bit of strategic risk-taking when the time is right.
Love & Relationships
In love, the Metal Dog is loyal, devoted, and fiercely protective. They’re not flashy or impulsive, but you can count on their steady support and quiet presence.
When a Metal Dog says, “I’m here for you,” they really mean it—through thick and thin.
The challenge? Their high standards and cautious nature can make them seem guarded at first. They need time to trust, and they’re slow to open up emotionally.
Partners have to earn that trust with consistency and sincerity. But once you’re in, their loyalty is rock solid.
In classical Chinese astrology, the Dog matches best with the Tiger, Rabbit, and Horse.
The Tiger’s boldness inspires the Dog, making for a lively, action-packed partnership. The Rabbit’s gentle diplomacy balances out the Dog’s seriousness, keeping things harmonious at home.
The Horse’s independent streak and love of adventure keep the relationship fun and engaging.
On the other hand, pairings with the Dragon can be tough—the Dragon’s big ambitions might clash with the Dog’s grounded approach.
The Goat can also be a tricky match, as the Goat’s sensitivity may be overwhelmed by the Dog’s directness. Two Dogs together? That can get competitive, with both wanting to take the lead.
Health & Wellbeing
Metal Dogs are usually robust and resilient. Their discipline often spills over into their health habits, so they tend to keep things pretty balanced.
The Metal element in Chinese medicine is linked to the lungs and large intestine. For people born in 戌 years, paying attention to respiratory health is important.
Stress or emotional weight can show up as tight shoulders, shallow breathing, or a tendency to catch colds.
The Dog’s native Earth element governs the spleen, stomach, and digestion. Regular, nourishing meals and a stable routine do wonders for them.
If their sense of justice is upset—whether personally or in the world—it can lead to digestive discomfort or a nagging sense of unease.
Getting regular exercise, especially outdoors—think hiking, jogging, or team sports—helps Metal Dogs release tension.
Time in nature, especially in open, green spaces with fresh air, is deeply restorative for them.
Feng Shui Guidance for the Metal Dog
Master Yap’s expert guidance for those born in 庚戌年:
Feng Shui for the Metal Dog should honor both the sign’s native Earth element and the Heavenly Stem’s Metal influence.
In the Five Elements cycle, Earth produces Metal (土生金), so these two are naturally supportive. The key is to reinforce this Earth-Metal foundation while bringing in Water for balance—since Metal produces Water (金生水), and Water keeps the energy moving.
Lucky directions: East, Southeast, South
Lucky colors: Green, red, purple
Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 9
Feng Shui activation strategy: The East and Southeast sectors of your home, ruled by Wood, activate the Dog’s Earth energy through a supportive cycle—Wood produces Fire, and Fire produces Earth.
Add Wood elements here—live plants, wooden furniture, floral designs—to strengthen Earth. The South, governed by Fire, directly supports Earth, so bring in warm lighting, red accents, or triangular shapes to nourish your core strength.
For the Metal Stem, activate the West and Northwest with Metal elements—think white or metallic finishes, round shapes, gold details, or even a metal singing bowl.
These boost the Metal Dog’s authority, clarity, and career luck. Add Water features—like a small fountain, dark blue or black touches, or flowing forms—in the North to connect Metal and Earth energies and keep things dynamic.
Be careful not to overload the West and Northwest with Fire (reds, harsh lighting, Fire-themed décor), since Fire melts Metal (火克金) and weakens the Stem.
Also, don’t crowd the Southwest (Earth’s direction) with too much Wood, since Wood controls Earth (木克土).
Compatibility Guide
| Zodiac Sign | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rat | Moderate | Rat’s adaptability intrigues the Dog but their different approaches to trust can create friction |
| Ox | Good | Shared values of loyalty and hard work; a solid, steady partnership built on mutual respect |
| Tiger | Excellent | Bold, inspiring match; Tiger’s courage and Dog’s loyalty create a dynamic, action-oriented team |
| Rabbit | Excellent | Gentle and harmonious; Rabbit’s diplomacy soothes the Dog’s intensity, creating a balanced home |
| Dragon | Challenging | Dragon’s grand ambitions clash with the Dog’s grounded principles; requires conscious compromise |
| Snake | Moderate | Snake’s depth appeals to the Dog, but the Snake’s private nature may feel evasive to the loyal Dog |
| Horse | Excellent | Shared love of freedom and adventure; an energetic, mutually supportive partnership |
| Goat | Challenging | Goat’s emotional sensitivity can feel overwhelmed by the Dog’s direct and principled nature |
| Monkey | Moderate | Monkey’s cleverness amuses the Dog, but the Dog may find the Monkey’s flexibility hard to trust |
| Rooster | Moderate | Rooster’s precision and the Dog’s principles can align, but their different communication styles clash |
| Dog | Good | Deep mutual understanding of loyalty; risk of both being too stubborn to compromise |
| Pig | Good | Pig’s warmth and sincerity appeal to the Dog; a comfortable, trustworthy partnership |
Lucky Numbers, Colors & Directions
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lucky Numbers | 3, 4, 9 |
| Lucky Colors | Green, red, purple |
| Lucky Directions | East, Southeast, South |
| Lucky Flowers | Sunflower, lily of the valley |
| Lucky Gemstone | Green jade, amethyst |
| Avoid | Excessive Fire in the West and Northwest; overloading the Southwest with Wood energy |
Key Takeaways
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Born in 1970? That means you’ve got the Metal Dog (庚戌年) energy running through your veins. It’s one of the most principled, determined, and honestly, honourable signs in the Chinese zodiac.
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The Yang Metal element (庚) gives the Dog’s loyalty a sharp edge. It brings resilience, clarity, and a kind of quiet leadership that people really notice.
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When it comes to your career, you shine brightest in law, public service, compliance, governance, and any field that values integrity, fairness, and strategic thinking. That’s where the Metal Dog feels right at home.
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In Feng Shui, try activating the West and Northwest areas with Metal elements to boost your authority. The East and South? Go for Wood and Fire elements there to support your Dog’s Earth foundation.
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Your best matches — whether for romance or work — are the Tiger, Rabbit, and Horse. Their boldness, gentleness, and energy just seem to click with yours, building strong, lasting bonds.
Ready to bring your space in tune with your Metal Dog vibe? Book a consultation with Master Yap.
