A Complete Guide to Tiger and Dragon Zodiac Compatibility

In Chinese astrology, the tiger and dragon zodiac signs are both strong and symbolize yin and yang. These headstrong folks can sometime get in each other’s way, but as long as they’re respectful and understanding of each other, they can forge a strong bond. In this article, we dive into the compatibility of tiger and dragon signs, personality traits for tigers and dragons, and even dive into other Chinese zodiac signs.

Tiger & Dragon Relationship Compatibility

Consulting astrologer and author Donna Stellhorn says tigers and dragons are compatible, but they’re both powerful signs. This can sometimes cause them to butt heads and harm the relationship. If they’re willing to understand and be there for each other emotionally, they can have a happy relationship.

Section 1 of 11:

Are Tigers & Dragons compatible in a relationship?

Download Article

Yes, they're compatible if they understand and support each other. These two signs are both strong, charismatic leaders, making for similar personality traits that can increase compatibility. As long as tigers and dragons show support to each other and make space for one another’s emotions, they can build a strong, blossoming relationship.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview} But, it’s easy for these signs to step on each other’s toes, so make sure you’re leaving space for one another to lead.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- If both partners try to lead without establishing ground rules, it can lead to conflict and resentment within the relationship.^{[3]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Dr. Tamsin Lee
  Daoist Metaphysical Expert
  
  Expert Interview}

Section 2 of 11:

Male Tiger & Female Dragon Compatibility

Download Article

1
Male tigers and female dragons pair well because they’re bold and confident. Male tigers and female dragons are both energetic and strong, which can make for an exciting relationship where both parties encourage each other to achieve their goals. The male tiger is confident and bold, while the female dragon is brave and courageous. When these elements combine, it can make for a strong relationship that helps them get far.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Male tigers and female dragons are both natural leaders who like to take charge, so it’s important not to step on each other’s toes. If you do, though, both signs are typically willing to compromise rather than hold grudges.
2
This pairing can get rocky if they don’t support each other fully. A male tiger and female dragon relationship works best when both parties are willing to support and understand one another. The female tiger is naturally sensitive, while the male dragon is freedom-oriented, which can bring conflicting energies into a relationship. As long as you’re willing to put your pride aside, be there for your partner when needed, and occasionally give them space, this relationship can blossom.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- For optimal compatibility, the male dragon must make room for the female tiger’s emotions. The female tiger must give the male dragon space to be free.

Section 3 of 11:

Female Tiger & Male Dragon Compatibility

Download Article

Tiger women tend to hold dragon men in high regard, as both of them are charming and magnetic, and they tend to find comfort in each other’s presence. Female tigers are strong and confident, while male dragons are ambitious and energetic. They’re both smart and exciting, too, which can make for an exciting relationship dynamic as long as they understand each other’s roles and don’t step on each other’s toes.^{[6]
X
Research source}
Since the female tiger and male dragon are both strong, leading personalities, they tend to run into issues when deciding who’s going to do what. To keep things peaceful and avoid any conflicts in leadership, it’s important to establish clear-cut roles. For example, the female tiger can lead dinners while the male dragon leads date nights.^{[7]
X
Research source}

Section 4 of 11:

Tiger Personality Traits

Download Article

In Chinese astrology, tigers are independent, confident, and bold. Like their natural counterpart, those with the tiger zodiac sign tend to be fiercely independent, infectiously confident, and larger-than-life in terms of personality. They’re courageous, active people who enjoy adventure, challenges, and chasing their ambitions.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Donna Stellhorn
Consulting Astrologer and Author

Expert Interview} Their pride tends to hamper their communication skills, which can lead to loneliness unless they’re willing to compromise, especially in relationships. ^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Male: Male tigers tend to be serious, careful, optimistic, aggressive, and adventurous.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
- Female: Female tigers tend to be charming, responsible, loyal, decisive, and open-minded.^{[11]
  X
  Research source}
- The years of the tiger include 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, and 2022.

Section 5 of 11:

Dragon Personality Traits

Download Article

In Chinese astrology, dragons are ambitious, charismatic, and confident. The dragon is naturally creative, lucky, and gifted, which tends to help them accomplish their ambitious goals with excellence.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Donna Stellhorn
Consulting Astrologer and Author

Expert Interview} Their charismatic nature assists in forging friendships and relationships, as long as they are able to hamper their more negative qualities, like bigotry, dominance, arrogance, and irritability. Not only can these qualities interfere with their ability to forge strong relationships, but they can also make dragons reluctant to accept defeat.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Male: Male dragons tend to be courageous, intelligent, energetic, and generous.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
- Female: Female dragons tend to be bold, responsible, energetic, big-hearted, and proud.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- The years of the dragon include 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, and 2024.

Section 6 of 11:

What signs are Tigers compatible with?

Download Article

1
Tigers tend to be most compatible with horse and dog signs. The loyal, practical dog sign tends to be a great sign for tigers, as they can assist in rationality and keeping the tiger levelheaded.^{[16]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview} Horse signs are also extremely compatible with tiger signs due to their similar levels of activity. The horse also tends to be more aware of danger, which is beneficial for both parties.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- Tigers also tend to be compatible with dragons, sheep, and pigs.^{[18]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Donna Stellhorn
  Consulting Astrologer and Author
  
  Expert Interview}
2
Tigers tend to be the least compatible with monkey and ox signs. When it comes to the monkey sign, they tend to make jokes at the tiger’s expense. While this may be a way for the monkey to bond, the tiger tends to get angry as a result. This anger can contribute to misbehavior, which often turns ox signs away. Ox signs don’t usually tolerate the misbehavior of tigers and tend to butt heads with them as a result.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Tigers may also experience difficulties with rat signs, fellow tigers, rabbits, snakes, and roosters.

Section 7 of 11:

What signs are Dragons compatible with?

Download Article

1
Dragons tend to be the most compatible with rat and monkey signs. Rats scratch the humorous and practical itch that dragons often seek. Their practicality balances with the dragon’s intelligent creativity, making for strong partnerships in the long term. Monkeys also pair well with dragons because of their inherent understanding of dragon signs and their creativity. In relationships, this pairing can be full of synergy and positive energy.^{[20]
X
Research source}
- Dragon signs also tend to be compatible with rabbits, snakes, horses, and rooster signs.^{[21]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Donna Stellhorn
  Consulting Astrologer and Author
  
  Expert Interview}
2
Dragons tend to be the least compatible with dog signs. Although dogs tend to be loving and loyal, some of their traits turn the dragon sign away. Namely, the dog sign’s close guard often repels the dragon sign, as dragons prefer to connect with people through understanding and mutual intelligence, which they have a hard time getting with dog signs.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- Dragon signs may experience difficulties with ox signs, tigers, fellow dragons, sheep, and pigs.

Section 8 of 11:

Dating a Tiger Sign

Download Article

If you’re dating a tiger sign, put energy towards being romantic and loving. Although some tiger signs come off as pushy or domineering, they tend to love love. Tigers often look forward to a romantic lifestyle akin to a fairy tale. They’re extremely passionate and loving underneath their tough shells, so do your best to nurture the romantic spark between you two and avoid getting offended by their strong, dominant personalities.^{[23]
X
Research source}
- Try surprising your tiger partner with a candlelit dinner under the stars or a picnic on the beach.

Section 9 of 11:

Dating a Dragon Sign

Download Article

If you’re dating a dragon sign, be graceful and express your talents. Dragon signs tend to be idealists and strive for the perfect partner. While you don’t have to be perfect by any means, it’s best to be graceful and express your talents around your partner, as they tend to be attracted to intelligent, talented individuals. If you feel like your dragon partner is expecting too much, kindly voice your opinions and work together to come to a solution.^{[24]
X
Research source}
- Try telling your dragon partner about any creative or business endeavors that you plan on pursuing and have a conversation about them. Remember to let your dragon partner express their endeavors, too.

Section 10 of 11:

Tiger and Dragon Symbolism

Download Article

Tigers and dragons tend to be equal, which in Chinese culture, symbolizes the forces of yin and yang. The tiger fills the yin position, showing strength in patience and waiting for the right time to strike. The dragon fills the yang position, using its bold and fiery personality to achieve goals. The two balance each other out, making sure the potential for chaos isn’t fulfilled while also encouraging strength.^{[25]
X
Research source}

Section 11 of 11:

Other Chinese Zodiac Signs

Download Article

1
Rat Rat signs are ambitious, practical, and honest. They enjoy living a free life that prioritizes them, which often contributes to a lack of lasting relationships. When they do forge relationships, they tend to be with dragon and monkey signs. They tend to be the most incompatible with horse signs.^{[26]
X
Research source}
- The years of the rat are 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2020.
2
Ox The ox is a strong, patient, inspiring sign. They tend to enjoy being by themselves but may make the occasional friend or companion. They are typically solid in their beliefs, avoid being the center of attention, and enjoy being lowkey. Ox signs tend to be the most compatible with snakes and chickens, but not sheep.^{[27]
X
Research source}
- The years of the ox are 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021.
3
Rabbit Rabbit signs are the luckiest out of all of the Chinese zodiac signs. They tend to be talented, articulate, and affectionate but are usually hampered by shyness. Rabbits are clever and usually seek peace, making them compatible with compassionate, sincere signs like the pig and sheep. They usually don’t get along with chicken signs, as they’re opposites.^{[28]
X
Research source}
- The years of the rabbit are 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, and 2023.
4
Snake Snakes are the most mysterious of the Chinese zodiac signs. They tend to be wise, intense, and physically beautiful. On the other side, they are often vain and fiery, which causes them to be viewed as untrustworthy in some parts of Chinese culture. Other parts of Chinese culture view the snake as a strong protector. Snakes tend to be compatible with chicken or ox signs and incompatible with pig signs.^{[29]
X
Research source}
- The years of the snake are 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, and 2025.
5
Horse Horse signs tend to be popular and extremely attractive. They also tend to be impatient and dislike being alone. This contributes to their sociable nature, which is amplified by their warm hearts and ever-lasting enthusiasm. They tend to relate with tiger and dog signs while struggling to maintain any sort of relationship with rat signs.^{[30]
X
Research source}
- The years of the horse are 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014.
6
Sheep/Goat Sheep signs (also known as goats) tend to be timid and anonymous. They are often creative, elegant, and compassionate. Their timid nature causes them to avoid confrontation whenever possible, while their natural insecurity pushes them to seek love and protection. This makes them compatible with pig and rabbit signs. On the other hand, they tend to struggle with ox signs.^{[31]
X
Research source}
- The years of the sheep/goat are 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, and 2015.
7
Monkey Monkey signs tend to be influential and intelligent. While their intelligence causes them to shoot for the stars in terms of ambitions, they are often easily confused and distracted, which can be discouraging once things start to get serious. Monkeys also tend to be mischievous and witty, with their sociable skills making up for their less-admirable quirks. They tend to mesh well with rat and dragon signs but struggle with tigers.^{[32]
X
Research source}
- The years of the monkey are 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, and 2016.
8
Chicken/Rooster The Chicken sign (also known as the rooster) tends to be hard-working with a strong desire for knowledge. They may come off as selfish and eccentric because of this. They also tend to be physically gifted in terms of appearance and fashion sense. They usually forge strong friendships with snake and ox signs, while steering clear from rabbit signs.^{[33]
X
Research source}
- The years of the chicken/rooster are 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, and 2017.
9
Dog Dog signs are loyal, honest, and tend to work well with others.^{[34]
X
Expert Source

Dr. Tamsin Lee
Daoist Metaphysical Expert

Expert Interview} They may struggle with bouts of laziness and selfishness, but they are always in search of a new challenge or adventure. They are often quick-witted and candid, making for strong compatibility with the horse and tiger signs. Dog signs are not compatible with dragons, though.^{[35]
X
Research source}
- The years of the dog are 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, and 2018.
10
Pig The pig sign is considered noble and considerate, tending to forge lifelong friendships. They tend to be sincere, genuine, and warm-hearted, which makes them well-liked among their peers. Pigs may struggle with marital strife and building friendships with other pigs, but they do find closeness in rabbit and sheep signs. Pigs are also symbols of luck and wealth in Chinese culture. ^{[36]
X
Research source}
- The years of the pig are 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019.