Doggy style

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

Doggy style depicted in the Kama Sutra.

Doggy style or doggie style (also known as doggy position or rear entry) is a group of sex positions in which the receiving partner crouches on all fours (usually on hands and knees) with the legs slightly apart. 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. 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 erotic or sexually provocative. During actual sex play in the doggy style position, the receiving partner is usually regarded as the passive or submissive partner, according to The Joy of Sex. In doggy style, the receiving partner is available for a variety of sex acts, with the active partner being able to perform vaginal penetration from behind, anal or oral sex or anilingus They are 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. However, the term "doggy style" is most often used to refer to doggy style sex, meaning sexual intercourse, and particularly male/female vaginal intercourse.

This position has been used since antiquity. In ancient Greece rear entry penetration was a widespread sexual practice. To this day anal sex is sometimes referred as "Greek" sex or "sex in the manner of the Greeks". In ancient Rome, the doggy style position was known as "sex in the manner of animals" (Latin: coitus more ferarum). It is described in the Kama Sutra as the "cow" position or "the congress of a cow" and is listed in The Perfumed Garden.

Variants

The leapfrog position

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

Classic doggy style

The receiving partner is on all fours with their torso near-horizontal, while the active partner is either standing or on their 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 their 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 their torso, while the active partner lays on top of them or close to them, while penetrating from behind.[1] 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 their back, making the receiving partner dependent on the active partner to maintain balance.

Furniture support

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

Anal penetration can also be performed in the doggy position. Most anal sex positions are similar to vaginal penetrative positions. Doggy style penetration maximizes the depth of penetration, but because of that can pose the risk of discomfort or of pushing against the sigmoid colon. The penetrating partner controls the thrusting rhythm. The receiving partner may also lie flat and face down, with the active partner straddling their thighs.

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 doggie 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.

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, rear entry penetration offers stimulation of the G-Spot. However, rear entry usually offers 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. 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.