Doggy Style

Doggy Style (also doggy-style or doggystyle) is a vernacular name for a sex position in which one person bends over, crouches down on hands and knees, or lies on their front, while their partner stimulates them from behind.

The doggy-style sex position is a popular, commonly practiced partner sex position. It is a rear-entry position, in that the receptive person is approached by their partner from behind. It can include vaginal or anal penetration by a partner’s penis, strap-on dildo, sex toy, or fingers. It can also be assumed for performing oral sex or any external stimulation. Individuals of any gender or sexual orientation can partake in and find potential pleasure in this position.

Because both partners are facing the same direction, eye contact and kissing is difficult to achieve. However, one or both partners can find their hands free in this position which helps to provide additional stimulation, especially during penetrative intercourse.

Origin and History

The position gets its name from the resemblance it shares with the position dogs assume when mating. It is not known when the term doggy-style originated and came into common use. Historically, it has been known by several other names, including coitus more ferarum (“sexual intercourse in the manner of wild beasts”) in Ancient Rome, and “Congress of a Cow” in the Kama Sutra, thus proving that doggy-style has been a common choice through the last few millennia. 

It is likely that this position has been performed for as long as humans have existed, and remains popular to this day. It has ranked as one of the most popular sex positions amongst people of all genders and sexual orientations.

Assuming the Doggy Style Position

With both partners facing the same direction, the receptive partner crouches down on hands and knees. They can also lie on their abdomen or bend over a supportive surface to adjust the angle and amount of the weight bearing  in their hands, wrists, and upper body. Their partner then approaches from behind to penetrate or stimulate them.

Vaginal Penetration

Where vaginal penetration is concerned, the doggy style position and its variations can be very enjoyable. Many people can reach a pleasurable angle and depth of penetration in this position. Benefits of this position include having a greater visibility and degree of control over penetration. Because the position allows for deeper penetration, it’s possible to reach the deep vaginal erogenous zones including the urethral sponge (also called the G-Spot), and A-Spot, and cervix. 

However, many are unable to orgasm from vaginally penetrative sex alone and require the act to be complimented with clitoral stimulation to achieve sexual climax. Given that any variation of doggy style position leaves the insertive partner’s hands free, and many free the receptive partner’s hands too, it is easy to provide additional stimulation to optimize orgasm potential.

Anal Penetration

Doggy style is a popular position for anal sexual activity and anal penetration. As the angle is adjusted, the depth of penetration can be increased. The receptive partner has a greater degree of control in this position than other partner positions that can render them more submissive to the rhythms set by their insertive partner, such as Missionary. Prostate, or P-spot, stimulation can also occur in this position.

Variations and Adjustments

Doggy style is a versatile and less arduous sex position that can be easily adjusted to suit both partner’s preferences, and accommodate physical disabilities, injuries, and other medical condtions. Because either partner can take the lead in setting the rhythm, speed, and depth of penetration during the act, the effort throughout can be shared.

Classic

• With both partners facing the same direction and the receptive person gets down on all fours. Their partner approaches and enters from behind. With the insertive partner’s hands free, they can easily provide additional stimulation with their hands or by holding a sex toy.

Standing

• Both partners are standing. With the receptive person bent over a solid surface, their partner approaches from behind. Because the receptive partner does not have to hold themselves up, their hands can be free to reach back to their partner or to self-stimulate.

Arm Rest

• The receptive person is bent over and propped up by the arm of a couch or armchair. Their partner approaches from behind, either standing or kneeling depending on the space available with the chosen piece of furniture.

Laying Flat 

• The receptive person lies flat on their front while their partner mounts them from behind, aligning their front with the receiver’s back. The receiver’s legs can be spread or squeezed together to alter sensation. It requires more effort from the partner on top by supporting their own body weight and setting the pace. 

Spooning

• Both people lie on their sides in parallel with the receptive person aligned flush with their partner. As a lower impact option, it is well suited for sex during later stages of pregnancy.

Doggy Style For Oral Sex, Without Penetration, and Group Sex

Penetration is not necessary for doggy style sex. Any variation of the position can be assumed for oral sex (cunnilingus, fellatio, or analingus), external genital stimulation with hands or a sex toy such as a vibrator. It is also an ideal position for spanking and other impact play concerning the buttocks and lower body..

From this position, it is possible the receptive person can easily receive stimulation to their mouth or genitals or anal area, making a popular position for group sex. One could be penetrated by one partner and perform oral sex on another simultaeously.