The Dog Breed That's Right For You, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

Horoscopes are a popular source of guidance and clarity in pivotal life moments. For example, you might to turn to astrology for relationship advice or while making a major career decision. As it turns out, your horoscope could also point you towards the dog breed that best matches your personality.

Astrology hasn't been around quite as long as dogs, but it's still been an influential part of society for a long time; about 5,000 years, in fact. As the tradition goes, each year is divided into 12 periods that reflect the movement of the stars and planets, and each of these periods is named for the constellation that is most prominent in the night sky at the time. Some believe the constellation that was prominent on the day you were born has a lifelong effect on your personality, preferences, and habits.

If you're having trouble deciding which breed of dog is right for you, looking at the personality traits associated with your zodiac sign could help narrow down your options. Of course, it's important to keep in mind that these are all generalizations and may not be true in every case. At the end of the day, every person and every pup is different, so it all comes down to finding the individual dog you connect best with.

Aries begins on March 21 – the vernal equinox – and ends on April 19, representing fresh starts and new horizons. As the first astrological sign in the zodiac calendar, Aries individuals tend to exhibit boldness, drive, and adventure seeking, and may look for a partner in crime who matches their energy. Australian shepherds, often considered one of the most active dog breeds, are a great match.

Australian shepherds are known to have tons of energy and crave regular high-intensity exercise like long walks, hikes through nature, or games of frisbee. These fluffy pups have a tendency to get their paws dirty while they're out having fun, so Aries' knack for getting and staying organized will help keep them on a regular home grooming schedule. According to Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), an Australian shepherd should be brushed at least weekly, if not daily, with an undercoat rake and a wire slicker brush. This will help keep their skin healthy and their fur free of matting.

Further, Aries may share a hardworking and driven personality with Australian shepherds. Aussies love being trained to perform tasks like bringing in the newspaper, fetching slippers in the morning, or putting their toys away after playtime. Aries and Australian shepherd duos might love participating in a sport like agility together for even more bonding time.

Taureans are known for being homebodies who love nothing more than curling up on the sofa and getting cozy, and bulldogs are popular house dogs who make a highly compatible breed choice for those born between April 20 and May 20. While bulldogs need some regular exercise like any other canine, Cedar Lane Bulldogs recommends limiting their physical activity to 20 to 30 minutes per day. As their extremely short snouts can lead to breathing problems, bulldogs should be kept away from exercise that is too strenuous and stay indoors during particularly hot weather. They'll likely be perfectly happy to spend the majority of their day snuggled into their Taurus companion's lap.

Bulldogs are often depicted as the dignified gentlemen of dog breeds, in no small part due to their majestic stature and polite nature. In turn, Taureans hold a gentlemanly reputation among the zodiac signs; while they might appreciate the finer things in life, they also tend to be reserved and loyal. Together, the pair could enjoy a late-night gourmet snack (or a scrumptious treat, in the bulldog's case) followed by a nap in front of the fireplace.

It's appropriate, of course, that Taurus is represented in the zodiac by the bull. This symbol originates from the Greek god Zeus, who plays the role of protector of all people in mythology. Human companions of bulldogs may find there's no better family protector in the dog world.

Poodles are known for being extraordinarily smart, and this makes them a great match for Geminis, born between May 21 and June 20. Stanley Coren, internationally acclaimed researcher in canine intelligence, ranked poodles second in a list of the smartest dog breeds based on years of research (via the American Kennel Club). Their natural astuteness makes them well-equipped to keep up with Geminis, who have a reputation for operating intellectually.

Since poodles' active minds may crave constant intellectual stimulation, they're easily trained to perform complex tricks. They've held a variety of job titles throughout history that range from mushroom hunter to circus performer and many others in between. Geminis could delight in the opportunity to bond with their poodle through mutually beneficial and rewarding training sessions. Both might enjoy the additional challenge of organized sports like canine agility or scent work.

Additionally, poodles and Geminis are both known for their witty personalities. They'll typically be seen as the life of the party, sparking humor in others with frequent jokes or silly actions. Between socializing and staying active, a Gemini and poodle duo is unlikely to spend much down time on the couch at home – but when it's finally time to crash at the end of the day, they'll remain side by side, rarely spending time apart.

Cancer, which begins on June 21 and ends on July 22, is viewed as an emotional sign whose needs are complemented well by the beagle's loving nature. The beagle breed is highly regarded for its easy going demeanor and tends to get along extremely well with families of all shapes and sizes, including those with multiple pets and small children. They consistently rank in the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States each year, according to the AKC.

Beagles are pack animals that work well with others, similar to the often emotionally intuitive Cancers. This characteristic traces back to their early hound ancestors, who were originally bred to hunt rabbits in groups. When paired together, a beagle and a Cancer may possess the innate ability to pick up on and respond to each other's moods, forging a deep spiritual bond.

Though they show love and loyalty towards their humans, beagles are unlikely to display over-the-top affection. This could be ideal for a Cancer, who may feel overwhelmed and shut down when faced with loud personalities. After a brisk walk or a game of fetch in the yard, a beagle will be pleased to return home to their Cancer's safe space for some quality time and relaxation.

Leos, born between July 23 and August 22 and represented by the courageous lion, share many traits with golden retrievers. Both are frequently characterized as regal and proud, born to take center stage and shine in the spotlight. It's no surprise that the golden retriever has long held third place in the American Kennel Club's list of most popular dog breeds.

But don't mistake the golden retriever's noble reputation for arrogance. Like Leos, goldens are immensely faithful and loving towards their humans. They tend to be naturally outgoing and crave social outlets, never missing a chance to spread their infectious energy. As a pair, they'll probably be most in their element making new friends and basking in attention at the dog park.

One celebrity Leo with an affinity for goldens has illustrated just how powerful their bond can be. Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank, who celebrates her birthday on July 30, is a dog mom to two rescued golden retriever mixes named Teddy and Sufi. Swank's rescue pups inspired her to start her own nonprofit, the Hilaroo Foundation, which pairs homeless animals with at-risk youth.

The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is the ultimate lap dog and a match made in heaven for a Virgo. Virgos, whose birthdays fall between August 23 and September 22, may have strong introvert traits and tend to be happier reading in an armchair than out chasing the next adventure. Both are perfectly content to spend time at home enjoying each other's company, making for a harmonious duo.

As their name suggests, Cavalier King Charles spaniels trace their lineage back to British royalty. The modern breed is the result of an early 20^th century contest to recreate the spaniels that had been raised by King Charles II nearly three centuries earlier. Unsurprisingly, the resulting sweet, docile house dog soon gained widespread popularity and became a highly sought-after breed.

While Cavalier King Charles spaniels are quiet and sweet natured, they do still need a moderate amount of daily exercise. Virgos can make sure their canine companions' needs are met with activities like a leisurely game of fetch in the backyard. In return, they can expect to receive the consistent, long-term companionship they crave from an unconditionally supportive confidante.

Border collies tend to be extremely social dogs, potentially making for a fantastic counterpart for Libras, born between September 23 and October 22. Both are known to be people pleasers and can thrive in their relationships with others. In fact, border collies are considered one of the dog breeds with the best temperaments due to their obedience and empathy.

Libras may also be highly motivated and ambitious. As a result, they could find fulfillment participating with their border collie in organized sports like agility, herding, or scent work. Competitions in these sports are a great opportunity for the pair to develop a deeper relationship and feel rewarded by achieving new goals. They'll even have a decent chance at victory; border collies often take home world championship titles in agility events.

Most importantly, border collies typically look forward to curling up at their human's feet once they've fulfilled their duties for the day. As Libras may have a tendency to struggle with uncertainty and indecisiveness, they might find comfort in the steady presence of their four-legged best friend. Since border collies only come in moderately on the shedding scale, their Libra won't need to worry about daily brushing or uncontrollable shedding.

Scorpio, which runs from October 23 until November 21, is a notoriously mysterious zodiac sign that finds its ultimate canine companion in the enigmatic and complex chow chow. While both tend to prefer being independent, they just might find themselves forging a bond that transcends the norms of typical human-dog relationships. Both are likely to find the experience rewarding, if somewhat challenging along the way.

Chow chows are thought to be one of the oldest dog breeds in existence, found in Chinese recorded history as early as the third century B.C. DNA testing has led scientists to believe they may have descended from ancient dogs as long as 8,300 years ago. With dark blue tongues and fiery red coats, they are certainly unique among modern dog breeds, just as Scorpios are one-of-a-kind in the zodiac.

Scorpios are often deeply intellectual and rarely act impulsively, preferring to plan several steps in advance. Others may be intimidated by their changing moods, which are often misunderstood. The stoic chow chow makes an excellent confidante for a Scorpio. Together, the two can peel back their hard outer shells to reveal the passion and affection that lives deep within.

Doberman pinschers are often bold, fearless dogs and a great match for a Sagittarius, whose birthday falls between November 22 and December 21. Free-spirited Sagittariuses may crave adventure more than anything else in life. Represented in the zodiac by the archer, they likely possess a deep desire to explore the world, pursuing their adventures with curiosity and openness.

As a Sagittarius embarks on new quests, they might yearn for companionship – and a Doberman pinscher could be the perfect copilot. Together, the two can enjoy long hikes in difficult terrain, camping expeditions, and trips to new dog parks. Not only do Doberman pinschers benefit from high activity levels, they'll also be able to keep their Sagittarius partner safe as they venture into the unknown.

Sagittariuses tend to like to throw themselves into ambitious projects, so some may want to go the extra mile and pursue canine sports with their Doberman pinscher. This powerful breed excels in high-intensity sports like fly ball and dock diving. Their loyalty towards their favorite human means they'll participate enthusiastically simply for the satisfaction of having pleased their companion.

Afghan hounds hold a reputation as one of the most independent dog breeds and can even come across a bit aloof. They hold a similar reputation to Capricorns, born between December 22 and January 19. Capricorns have a tendency to stay closed off towards newcomers, preferring to keep some elements of their personality hidden until they become more comfortable.

However, both Capricorns and Afghan hounds likely carry a loving personality underneath their hard exterior. Afghan hounds might not jump up to lick their owner's face the moment the door opens, but their reserved sweetness shines through during down time with their favorite humans. This type of affection could be exactly what a Capricorn needs.

Behind closed doors, Capricorns are even known to let their wild side run loose on occasion. They also may harbor lofty aspirations and dreams in their mind. As they pursue these new ventures, an Afghan hound can act as a steadfast anchor who helps them remain grounded. While outsiders may not fully understand their relationship, both will be happy with their unspoken bond.

German shepherds could make the perfect loyal sidekick for Aquarians, who celebrate birthdays between January 20 and February 18. As an air sign, Aquarius is typically associated with ideas and dreams. Aquarians tend to let the wind blow them down their own path instead of conforming to the norm. In this sense, they may be viewed as a sort of revolutionary among their peers.

Typically bold and brave, German shepherds make a great pairing for idealistic Aquarians. As an Aquarian embarks on a new venture, they can rest reassured that their German shepherd companion is there to have their back. In fact, German shepherds are one of the most popular choices for personal protection dogs and can be trained to keep their human safe in just about any unforeseen situation.

Aquarians and German shepherds are also both admired for their intellectuality. For Aquarians, this extends not just to knowledge, but also social wisdom and intuition. German shepherds, meanwhile, are celebrated as incredibly versatile dogs that can easily pick up any one of a number of different types of training. On top of it all, they make great family dogs and loyal companions.

Water-loving Labrador retrievers are excellent companions for Pisces, the ultimate water sign. Born between February 19 and March 20, Pisces is known for constantly jumping between reality and their own fantasy world. Above all, they likely love to have fun, and there's no better partner in crime than a Labrador retriever; there's a reason this dog has been dubbed most popular breed by the American Kennel Club for more than thirty years.

A compassionate family dog first and foremost, the Labrador retriever exhibits the deep empathy a Pisces may need. Since Pisces can have a tendency to over-empathize to the point of feeling overwhelmed, having a Labrador retriever by their side as emotional support may come as a much appreciated reprieve. Labradors are so good at offering this type of support, in fact, that they're a top pick for assistance dogs.

Pisces may feel drawn to the water, and Labrador retrievers love nothing more than a good swim. They were originally bred to assist fishermen in retrieving items from the water, and that natural instinct remains prevalent to this day. They'll happily spend the afternoon at the lake or beach chasing the sticks their Pisces human is kind enough to throw for them.