Here's What Your Chinese Zodiac Sign Says About What Kind of Dad You Are

Of course, all dads aren't the same, and even the same dad can change his parenting style from year to year and as his child grows up. But there might be a few clues on a father's personality traits and how they'll affect their parenting, based on the Chinese zodiac.

There are 12 spirit animals in Chinese astrology based on your birth year (2018 is the year of the dog!), each with very distinctive characteristics. Figure out your Chinese zodiac sign and read ahead. Monte Farber and Amy Zerner, an astrologer duo and co-authors of over 40 astrology books, ranked the signs as dads for POPSUGAR.

1. Rat: Rat dads are shrewd and thrifty with money. "They are charismatic, their ambitions are big, and they are usually very successful, but they can also appear to be intolerant, vindictive, and critical," Farber and Zerner say. "They expose children to diversity, always answer questions honestly, and provide access to a good education," so their kids will definitely grow up with the resources they need to enter adulthood.

2. Ox: "Oxes are dependable and patient, devoted and very methodical, hardworking and ambitious, and inspire confidence in others," our experts say. They tend to be rigid and eccentric at times, and can get a bad temper easily. Still, "they teach respect and responsibility and take parenthood seriously."

3. Tiger: Dads that fall under this sign sometimes can't make up their minds, which can lead to impulsive decisions or a sound decision that's arrived too late. "They are suspicious of others, but they are courageous, passionate, and powerful. They do not overdiscipline and are prepared to discuss any problem," Farber and Zerner say.

4. Rabbit: "Rabbit dads seldom lose their temper. They are usually gracious, tactful, reserved, clever, and tender," the astrologers say, which can be great for teaching kids manners. Unfortunately, they can also be moody, detached, and sometimes self-indulgent or superficial. "They encourage the creativity of children, tend to spoil and overprotect, and may forgive rather than discipline."

5. Dragon: Fathers who are dragons may take chances, but they are also honest, sensitive, and brave, and can inspire confidence and trust in their children. "They are also magnanimous, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn," Farber and Zerner add. "They leap to the defense of loved ones, give a lot of appreciation and praise but can be abrupt and strict.".

6. Snake: "Snake dads are ambitious, but still cautious, responsible, and calm. They can be loners, and say very little, but they possess great wisdom," according to the astrologers. Vanity does exist in them; they could be a little selfish and stingy.

7. Horse: Usually cheerful and witty, horses are also skillful with money and perceptive. They promote education, set high standards, and are considered "cool" by their children's friends, so it's a good balance of work and play.

8. Goat: "A goat dad uses his creative abilities to make money, so his family is able to enjoy the comforts they like," Farber and Zerner say. Sometimes, this leads to being super generous and affectionate, but they can also be moody worriers and complainers.

9. Monkey: Monkey dads are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. "They are usually flexible, but, on the downside, they can be too competitive. They are still approachable, encourage children's talents and can express affection easily and often," Farber and Zerner say.

10. Rooster: "Rooster fathers are frequently loners and deep thinkers. They can be abrasive, selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave," the astrology duo says. As a positive, they are very supportive and take time to explain the demands they make.

11. Dog: Dog dads are good leaders, generally open-minded, but also practical. "They can sometimes be cold emotionally, distant or sharp-tongued. They know how to keep secrets," Farber and Zerner say. They stress manners and good behavior, and try to be just and fair.

12. Pig: Extremely loyal and understanding, pig dads will do what they promise. "Sometimes they can be too serious and quick-tempered, yet basically they are thoughtful and hate arguments and quarreling," the astrologers say. It's hard for them to admit to a mistake, they say.