Doggy style

This article is about the sexual position. For the album by Snoop Dogg, see Doggystyle.

Heterosexual doggy style depicted in the Kama Sutra

A couple engaged in 'doggy style' sex, with male assuming female dog position. (See also pegging).

19th-century depiction of "doggy style", by Paul Avril

Another couple engaged in 'doggy style' sex

Doggy style or doggie style (also known as doggy position) is a modern term for a group of sex positions in which the receiving partner crouches on all fours (usually on hands and knees). In ancient Rome this practice was known as coitus more ferarum or "sex in the manner of other animals". The specific origin of the term "doggy style" is not known, but is presumably a reference to the initial position assumed by dogs when mating. It is described in the Kama Sutra as the "cow" position or "the congress of a cow" and is listed in The Perfumed Garden.

Engaging in lordosis behavior – a physical posture seen in many female mammals, often when they are ready for sex/mating, the primary characteristic of which is a ventral arching of the spine – is considered by some people to be erotic or sexually provocative. During actual sex play between humans in the doggy style position, the receiving partner is, according to The Joy of Sex, regarded as the passive or submissive partner.

In doggy style, the receiving partner is available for a variety of sex acts, with the active partner being able to perform anal or vaginal or penetration from behind, as well as oral sex or anilingus. The active partner is also able to massage or stimulate the receiving partner's erogenous zones, such as the genitals, nipples, or buttocks, or administer a playful spank to the buttocks, or introduce a sex toy, such as a dildo or vibrator, into the vagina or anus.

During sexual intercourse in the rear-entry position the penis is in preferential contact with the posterior wall of the vagina and probably reaches the posterior fornix, while in the missionary position, it is in preferential contact with the anterior wall of the vagina and the tip of the penis reaches the anterior fornix.

Variants

Most 'doggy style' entry positions can be used for either vaginal or anal penetration. There are several forms, including:

Classic doggy style

The receiving partner is on all fours with his/her torso near-horizontal, while the active partner is either standing or on his/her knees and holds the receiving partner firmly by the waist or buttocks while penetrating from behind.

Leapfrog position

The receiving partner's torso is angled downwards by resting on the elbows or upper arms, or resting the head on the floor. The hands are then free to be in front or back between the legs for manual stimulation of either partner. The position allows the penetrating partner to raise his/her own hips above those of the receiving partner for maximum penetration and to reach the G-Spot. This position can also be used in bondage play.

Froggy style

The receiving partner is flat on his/her torso, while the active partner lies on top of or close to him/her, while penetrating from behind. A variation of the spreadeagle, this position is often made more comfortable by placing a pillow under the receiving partner's hips.

Arms back

The active partner pulls the receiving partner's arms backwards, holding them at the wrists, or ties the receiving partner's hands behind his/her back, making the receiving partner dependent on the active partner to maintain balance.

Furniture support

For support, the receiving partner can hold onto or lie across furniture, such as the side of a bed, couch, chair or stool. Furniture can also be used in bondage play.

Benefits and drawbacks

Depiction of the doggy style position from an ancient Pompeii brothel

Ancient Roman oil lamp depicting doggy style position

Most partners, particularly active partners, regard the doggy position to be erotic and a turn-on in itself. For the penetrating male partner, the doggy style offers a different sensation and maximum depth of penetration. The active partner usually controls the rhythm and force of each thrust and they may also give massage or manual stimulation. Additionally, women involved in threesomes often take this position.

Some women may experience pain during initial penetration because of the depth or angle of penetration. The receiving partner needs to trust the active partner to penetrate and thrust gently, at least initially, and there should be sufficient vaginal lubrication or a personal lubricant may be used. For some women, 'doggy style' sex offers stimulation of the G-Spot. However, this position may offer only minimal stimulation of the clitoris, so some women may require manual stimulation.

Significant differences in the leg length of the two participants may make penetration more difficult. The position is considered by some to be less intimate because eye contact and kissing are more difficult. According to one book, many established couples find doggy style sex relationship-affirming, as it requires and implies a level of trust and a surrender of control by the receiving to the active partner.

See also

• Animal roleplay