Yes they are. The Chinese zodiac signs are based on the year you were born, not the month in which you were born. Like the Western zodiac it has 12 signs, but there the resemblance ends. The Chinese zodiac signs are, in this order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep/ Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each Chinese year sign has characteristics based on the animal represented. A brief description is below.