While it's a little awkward for us humans, crotch-sniffing is totally normal (and fascinating) behavior for dogs. Here are 5 reasons why dogs do it:
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Scent Glands Central
The crotch area has apocrine sweat glands, which release pheromones—chemicals that convey info about a person’s sex, age, mood, and even health. Dogs' noses are incredibly sensitive, so they sniff there to gather all that data. -
Greeting Behavior
It’s basically a dog’s version of a handshake or saying “what’s up.” Dogs use scent to get to know each other and humans—especially when meeting someone new. -
Hormonal Cues
Dogs are particularly interested in people who are menstruating, pregnant, or have recently had sex. Hormonal changes make those scents more intense and intriguing to dogs. -
Curiosity and Social Hierarchy
Dogs are curious creatures, and sniffing helps them understand their social environment. It can help them determine someone’s emotional state, confidence level, and even where they’ve been. -
Positive Reinforcement
If a dog sniffs someone and gets attention, laughs, or even treats, they may learn that it’s a rewarding behavior—even if it’s embarrassing for the humans involved.
