Why Do Dogs Smell Human Crotches and Butts?

Why do dogs smell human crotches and butts?

The Nose KNOWS: Why Dogs Sniff… There

Let’s be honest — dogs do a lot of weird things, but few are as awkward (or as hilariously mortifying) as their habit of sniffing people’s private areas. You’ve probably been on the receiving end of this behavior: your dog beelines for a guest’s crotch the moment they walk in the door, or a stranger’s dog gets a little too up close and personal when you’re out and about.

Embarrassing? Absolutely.
Intentional? Not in the way we think.


Here’s the thing — your dog isn’t trying to make things weird. In fact, in the dog world, this behavior is the equivalent of a handshake or saying “nice to meet you.” When two dogs meet, a quick sniff of the rear is how they gather important information about one another — things like identity, sex, mood, health, and even if the dog is ready to mate. It's basically their version of reading a name tag and checking someone’s vibe.


👃 Why Do They Sniff There on Humans?

Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell — up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours. While humans have around 5 million scent receptors in their nose, dogs are believed to have up to 220 million. That means they can detect things we couldn’t even imagine, and for them, scent is their #1 communication tool.

Just like dogs have apocrine scent glands near their rear ends (also known as anal glands), humans have a concentration of scent glands in the groin area. So when your dog gives a curious sniff down there, they’re not being rude — they’re just gathering info the same way they would with another dog. It might be a little too honest of a greeting for us, but it’s totally normal in their world.


💬 What Is Your Dog Learning?

That quick sniff can tell your dog:

  • Whether you’re male or female
  • If you’ve been around other animals
  • Your emotional state (yep, stress has a scent!)
  • Even what you’ve eaten or where you’ve been

It’s kind of incredible... and a little unsettling. But mostly? It’s just how dogs connect with the world around them — including us.



🙈 How Do You Stop It?

If your dog is a little too enthusiastic when greeting people, the best way to curb the behavior is with basic obedience training. Teaching a solid “sit” or “leave it” command can give you a polite way to redirect their attention. It’s not about punishing the sniff — it’s about showing them a better alternative.

And if you’re on the receiving end? Don’t take it personally. Your scent just told a very nosey friend that you seem interesting.