If your dog is sniffing your genital area, it means you have!!

Why Dogs Sniff Crotches: The Surprising Reason Behind This Behavior

Dogs have a unique way of greeting others—by sniffing! While it might seem awkward when they turn their attention to human crotches, this behavior is perfectly natural and rooted in their powerful sense of smell.

With over 220 million scent receptors (compared to our 5 million), dogs use smell to learn about their surroundings and the beings in it. That includes you!

Why They’re Drawn to That Spot

The crotch area has apocrine glands that release strong scents dogs find fascinating. Since those glands also exist in the armpits and chest—areas harder for dogs to reach—the crotch becomes the easiest place to gather information, especially for taller breeds.

According to veterinarian Jennifer Sperry, sniffing is how dogs “read” others. Just like they sniff other dogs’ behinds, they use scent to learn about people too.

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