The Dog Breed Most Compatible with Your Zodiac Sign
Updated: Apr. 10, 2024
Ever wondered which pup would best match you on an astrological level? To find out, we asked astrology and dog-breed experts to reveal the zodiac signs as dogs.
Dogs bring so much joy into our lives, and we adore them for so many reasons. They’re always up for fun, happy to see us and give us unconditional love and loyalty. But just like their humans, dogs have unique personalities. Whether you’re considering bringing a dog into your family or you’re just curious whether you and your pup are compatible, might I suggest looking to the stars? Here, I’m nailing down the zodiac signs as dogs—and finding out which dog breed is best suited to each of the personalities of the zodiac.
As a longtime astrologer, I can assure you that certain zodiac signs are more compatible than others. And while that’s especially true for friendship and matters of the heart, it stands for pets as well. Whether you’re an ever-curious Gemini or a goal-oriented Leo, there’s a zodiac-compatible dog breed for you. The astrologer under whom I studied always had her dear pooch Fluffy sitting at the table with us. And I guess I follow suit, as my mini poodle Bozy offers his cozy personality to clients I sit down with. I can confirm: We are a good match.
To pair my knowledge of cosmic happenings with dog-breed expertise, I consulted Caroline Coile, PhD, who’s been studying dogs for almost 50 years. She’s written thousands of articles and 34 books about dogs, including the top-selling Barron’s Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. Read on for the dogs that are most compatible with your zodiac sign.
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About the experts
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Aries: Irish setter
March 21–April 19
Aries folks are full of passion and always want to be where the action is. So which dog breed can match an Aries owner in energy and over-the-top desire for fun? That would be the Irish setter. “These dogs are described as rollicking,” says Coile. “They’re fun-loving, active and happy. Think of them as the kind of friend who says, ‘Hold my beer!’ or who ends up calling you to bail him out of jail. Be ready for adventure!”
Both the dog and Aries people like to work themselves into a sweat and get their aggression out on the field or in the woods. When they get home, Aries and their dogs are likely to go from ram to lamb—these two understand each other on another level.
Taurus: Cavalier King Charles spaniel
April 20–May 20
Taureans love their homes, and they love their stuff. These folks would not do well with a nervous dog or one that is in a constant state of play at home. Which is why the Cavalier King Charles spaniel makes an ideal match for slow-going Tauruses. Coile describes this breed as “super chill and easygoing at home and ready to party outside.” Like their people, they are foodies who enjoy a nice treat—but none of the cheap brands, please. The American Kennel Club calls the Cavalier King Charles spaniel “one of dogdom’s noblemen.” They are content and can be left alone, but they also have a distinct athleticism. When they want to exercise, they do so with panache and passion, just like Tauruses.
Gemini: Pembroke Welsh corgi
May 21–June 20
Geminis are ever-curious and thrive on mental stimulation. They would do best with one of the smartest dog breeds—and one looking to solve puzzles. Enter the Pembroke Welsh corgi. “Pembrokes are busy bees, looking for somebody to boss around but always with a smile on their face and a friendly attitude,” Coile says. “They’re super smart, maybe a little too much—kind of like having a kid who’s always doing uncharted chemistry experiments.”
Geminis like time to unwind and just think or read. Luckily, this breed is also sensitive, intelligent and easy to train. It’s likely Geminis and Pembrokes will experience their own version of a mind-meld in no time at all, making this one of the more obvious zodiac signs as dogs.
Cancer: Bulldog
June 21–July 22
Don’t be fooled by the gruff exterior; Cancers can be lovable curmudgeons. They will cook you a meal and tend to your needs, but if you wake them from napping, expect a grouchy growl. Bulldogs are known for having similar traits. They may not cook, but they are apt to look at their owners with loving eyes that express their love and loyalty. Bulldogs are kind, docile and faithful in addition to being one of the cutest dog breeds. Like Cancers, bulldogs may seem to wear a moody face, but look into their eyes, and all you’ll see is love.
Leo: Jack Russell terrier
July 23–Aug. 22
Leos are playful and love a laugh and a goof, and like Leos, Jack Russell terriers are nonstop fun. These playful terriers are also known as one of the most affectionate dog breeds. This dog-human pair is so similar that they easily illustrate zodiac signs as dogs. Like lion sign Leo, these pups have loads of personality, and like actual lions, they have a very strong work ethic. They love to have a job to do, and as a terrier, they were born to dig. Leos also do their best when focused on a goal, and they will find a real mirror in this dog.
Virgo: Anatolian shepherd
Aug. 23–Sept. 22
Virgos are major dog people, but in keeping with their under-the-radar sign, they don’t make a big deal about it. You can be sure that Virgos will do a lot of research before committing to a pet. Their ideal canine may just be an Anatolian shepherd. These dogs are hard workers (they come from a line of livestock-guarding dogs) and love to take on tasks from their person. Much like Virgos, Anatolian shepherds are muscular but nimble. And like their German shepherd relatives, they make great companions. In picturing zodiac signs as dogs, it’s easy to see what this regal but humble pairing has in common.
Libra: Poodle
Sept. 23–Oct. 22
Full disclosure: I grew up with a poodle and have a poodle now. They come in all sizes (teacup, toy, miniature and standard) and are universally described as lovable and intelligent. Sound like someone you know? Libras are practically professional-level when it comes to good grooming, self-care and glamour. And this French dog breed is of the same ilk. They are known for their lovely curls, which means frequent brushing but luckily no shedding. Libras themselves will admit to posting a lot of selfies, and if these dogs could post selfies, they’d say the same thing! This pair is a perfect match.
Scorpio: Siberian husky
Oct. 23–Nov. 21
Scorpios are fiercely competitive, but it is always with a positive end goal in mind. When thinking about zodiac signs as dogs, the top dog that comes to mind for Scorpios is the luxurious Siberian husky. They too are energetic and love the chase. Siberian huskies are powerful, like Scorpios, but despite their size, they are also friendly and enjoy traveling with their pack. They are known for their beautiful fur and the depth of feeling in their eyes, which can either be blue or brown. They are not necessarily easy to read, just like Scorpios, but once they lean against you, you know they’ll trust you for life.
Sagittarius: Miniature pinscher
Nov. 22–Dec. 21
Looking for mischief? Sagittarians are one of the biggest dog people out there. Known for being one of the silliest and most playful signs in the zodiac, they love nothing more than to get out and have some wild adventures with their doggo. The pooch that is most their speed is the miniature pinscher. Don’t be fooled by their size—these dogs may be small, but the miniature pinscher is one of the best watchdog breeds. Like Sagittarians, they can come out of nowhere with a big bark and scare off anyone. And like Sagittarians, they are fun and get up to a lot of high jinks. If you are wondering about zodiac signs as dogs, look at a Sag and look at a mini-pinscher. You’ll see the sparkle of mischief in both of their faces.
Capricorn: Tibetan spaniel
Dec. 22–Jan. 19
Capricorns are the less-is-more sign of the zodiac. They don’t need to move a lot or say much to get their point across. The stillness of the Capricorn is akin to that of a sentry. “Don’t be fooled by the name,” says Coile. “Tibbies don’t have one ounce of spaniel blood in them. They were just named that at a time when any fluffy dog that size was called a spaniel. They were bred to sit on the monastery wall and announce visitors, so they’re pretty happy just chilling and looking out the window.”
Aquarius: Havanese
Jan. 20–Feb. 18
Smart and unconventional Aquarians are the most unique and unpredictable sign in the zodiac. It’s not surprising that Aquarians tend to gravitate more toward cats, who are similarly hard to pin down. Plus, cats are known for their independent natures. But Aquarians do well with certain dogs, and the best of the bunch is the Havanese. The only dog breed native to Cuba, the Havanese is known as the “comfort spaniel.” They were once known as the Havana silk dog or the Spanish silk poodle because of their soft, silky fur. Like Aquarians, they contain multitudes and cannot be boxed in, personality-wise. Smart like Aquarians, they are a highly trainable dog breed that learns fast.
Pisces: Shiba Inu
Feb. 19–March 20
Although Pisces tend to be cat people more often than dog people, there are certain dogs that make these water-sign softies just melt. When thinking about zodiac signs as dogs, the Shiba Inu comes to mind for this sign. If Pisces are known for being dreamy and living in their own fantasy worlds, the same could be said of this lovely breed. “Shibas are that oddball friend who sees the world through different eyes,” says Coile. “They’re imaginative, curious and ready to stick their nose into places they shouldn’t—sort of like a wannabe detective with a knack for getting in too deep!” Plus, even though Pisces may be known for being clingy, they also value alone time. Shiba Inus do too.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. For this piece, Jill Dearman tapped her experience as an expert astrologist and included interviews with Caroline Coile, PhD, an award-winning journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- Caroline Coile, PhD, journalist specializing in canine breeds, health and science; interview Feb. 2024
- American Kennel Club: “Cavalier King Charles spaniel”
Originally Published: February 17, 2022
