This behaviour often looks strange or embarrassing to humans, but for dogs, sniffing another dog’s rear end is a perfectly normal and essential form of communication.
1. Dogs Communicate Through Scent
Dogs have a powerful sense of smell—40 times stronger than humans.
Their noses help them gather detailed information about other dogs, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Health
- Mood
- Diet
This “scent handshake” is similar to humans exchanging greetings.
2. Anal Glands Release Information
Dogs have two anal glands located near the rectum.
These glands release a unique scent that carries chemical signals known as pheromones.
When one dog sniffs another, they can learn:
- Whether the dog is friendly
- Whether they are stressed or confident
- Whether they have met before
- Their social status
3. Establishing Social Hierarchy
In the dog world, sniffing is a polite way to understand another dog’s personality.
Dominant dogs usually initiate the sniffing, while more submissive dogs allow themselves to be sniffed first.
4. It’s Non-Aggressive Greeting Behaviour
Sniffing rear ends is a safe and non-threatening greeting method compared to face-to-face sniffing, which may lead to conflict.
5. Helps Dogs Recognise Each Other
Dogs use scent memory. Even after months of separation, a dog can recognise another one by smell alone.
FAQs
- Is it normal for dogs to sniff each other’s rear end?
Yes—it’s a completely natural canine greeting behaviour.
- Why does my dog sniff some dogs more than others?
Your dog may be gathering more information if the other dog is unfamiliar, anxious, or has a strong scent signal.
- Should I stop this behaviour?
No, unless it’s causing conflict. It is a natural form of communication.
- Why does my dog resist being sniffed?
Shy or anxious dogs may feel insecure and avoid this type of greeting.
