Doggy style

This article is about the sexual position. For the album by Snoop Dogg, see Doggystyle. For the song by Krokus, see To Rock or Not to Be.

Not to be confused with Dogging (sexual slang).

Doggy-style position depicted by Peter Johann Nepomuk Geiger

Doggy style, also called doggie style or the rear-entry position, is a sex position in which a person bends over, crouches on all fours (usually on hands and knees), or lies on their stomach, for sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual penetration. Non-penetrative sex in this position may also be regarded as doggy style sex. Between sex partners, the person in the doggy style position is passive or submissive, while the other partner is active or dominant. The passive partner is open to a variety of sexual activities, with the active partner being able to penetrate the vagina, or anus during anal sex, as well as being in a position to perform oral sex (cunnilingus, fellatio or anilingus).

History and etymology

Ancient Roman oil lamp depicting doggy style position

In ancient Rome, this practice was known as coitus more ferarum, Latin for "sexual intercourse in the manner of wild beasts". 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.

Practices

General

The posture adopted by the receiving partner resembles 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. During vaginal penetration from behind, the penis may penetrate deeper into the vagina, reaching preferential contact with the posterior wall of the vagina and probably reaching 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 can reach the anterior fornix.

The active partner may massage or stimulate the receiving partner's erogenous zones, such as the genitals, nipples, buttocks, or administer a playful spank to the buttocks; the active partner may also introduce a sex toy, such as a dildo or vibrator, into the vagina or anus. The doggy position may be erotic or sexually provocative for participants.

Variants

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  19th century depiction of doggy style sex, by Paul Avril
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  Couple engaged in doggy style sex
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  Woman performing anilingus on another woman in doggy position
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  Doggy style sex depicted during the Kama Sutra

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 and the legs slightly ajar, while the active partner is either standing or on his/her knees behind. The active partner can hold the receiving partner firmly by the waist or buttocks while penetrating the vagina from behind or the anus with his penis. With the penis inside the vagina, the active partner can bring the receiving partner's thighs together to tighten the pressure on the penis. In this position the receiving partner's hands are used to maintain balance, while the penetrating partner's hands are free to massage or stimulate the receiving partner.

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 can pull the receiving partner's arms backwards, holding them at the wrists, or tie 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.

Advantages and disadvantages

Depiction of the doggy style position from an ancient Pompeii brothel

Doggy style sex has advantages and disadvantages. In a doggy style position, a woman may feel exceptionally vulnerable, which some women find arousing in itself; while others consider doggy style sex unromantic. 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 to achieve orgasm.

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
• Pegging