The Chinese zodiac animal representing the lunar year beginning on January 23, 2012, was the Dragon.
The 2012 lunar year was specifically the Year of the Water Dragon. It lasted until February 9, 2013, when the Year of the Water Snake began. Dragon is the fifth animal in the traditional Chinese zodiac order, following Rabbit and preceding Snake.
The Dragon is distinctive because it is the only legendary creature among the 12 standard zodiac animals. The other signs are familiar animals, although their cultural meanings and names can vary across countries.
A common mistake is assigning the Dragon to everyone born during calendar year 2012. Babies born before January 23 belonged to the preceding Metal Rabbit year. This boundary matters because zodiac years begin with Lunar New Year, not on January 1.