Breeds most known for splooting, a frog-like stretch, include Corgis, Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Bulldogs, due to their short legs and long bodies, making the pose comfortable for stretching hips and cooling down. Larger breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors also sploot, often doing a "half-sploot," to relieve hip pressure, while Pugs and Aussies are frequent splooters too, often for cooling or comfort.
Dogs with shorter legs or longer bodies, like Corgis and Dachshunds, typically sploot more than other breeds, but any dog, big or small, can technically sploot. However, bigger dogs might have a harder time getting into a flat belly position.
Dog breeds known for splooting
Most dogs sploot simply because it feels good. But if your dog suddenly prefers lying in other positions or seems uncomfortable stretching out fully, it could point to an issue with their hips or back. Dogs experiencing joint discomfort or stiffness might avoid lying in fully extended positions.
Bloat generally occurs in large, deep-chested dogs such as Great Danes, German Shepherds, Standard Poodles, Weimaraners, Saint Bernards, and Newfoundlands but has been seen in small dogs on rare occasions.
The "heartbreak breed" refers primarily to the Great Dane, nicknamed this due to their affectionate nature combined with a relatively short lifespan (around 7-10 years) and susceptibility to serious heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), making losing them particularly difficult for their devoted owners. Other giant breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards also face significant health challenges, including cancer and heart disease, often earning them similar sentiments from owners.
Are some dogs more prone than others? Yes, statistically, we know that large, deep-chested breeds are more prone to GDV. Predisposed breeds include: Great Dane, Saint Bernard, weimaraner, Irish setter, Gordon setter, standard poodle, basset hound, Doberman pinscher, and Old English sheepdog.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, outlining three phases: 3 Days (decompression, feeling overwhelmed/scared), 3 Weeks (starting to settle in, learning routine, personality emerges), and 3 Months (feeling secure, bonded, and truly at home). It helps new owners manage expectations and be patient as their rescue dog transitions, emphasizing calm energy, routine, and space in the early days to build trust.
In many cases, there may be a simple explanation as to why dogs sploot: it feels good. The position may be comfortable and even beneficial to your pet.
To say "I love you" in dog language, use soft eye contact, raise your eyebrows, give gentle massages (especially ears), lean into them, and engage in play or shared activities like walks, which build trust and affection through shared experiences and physical connection, releasing oxytocin for both of you.
German Shepherds
They are intelligent and affectionate around adults and children, alike, but will stand up to threats from strangers. German Shepherds are commonly used by the police force as executive protection dogs and perform tasks such as bomb and drug detection.
A red flag dog behavior signals deep fear, stress, or potential aggression, going beyond normal misbehavior, and includes intense growling/snapping without cause, sudden aggression in a calm dog, persistent hiding, resource guarding (food aggression), freezing, destructive behavior linked to separation anxiety, or signs of extreme anxiety like trembling, lip-licking, and tail-tucking, indicating underlying problems needing professional intervention.
Taking on the appearance of a well-known yoga pose called the sphinx, dog and cat sploots are a great way for your pet to do a full-body stretch. Relieving tension or pressure on their lower back and hips, the sploot can also help stretch and align the spine and stretch out the leg muscles.
5 Dog Breeds That Can Be Challenging for New Pet Owners
All kinds of dogs can sploot, but some do it more because of their body shape. Short-legged breeds like Corgis find it easier, but bigger dogs like German Shepherds and Aussies also love to sploot. Dr. Hetts has even seen her own Dalmatians do it!
Some breeds are more likely than others to develop ADHD, namely terrier breeds (particularly Cairns and Jack Russells), and German Shepherds.
Dogs say "sorry" through submissive body language like tucking their tail, lowering their head, making "puppy eyes," licking, and rolling onto their backs to show they're not a threat, which are appeasement signals to diffuse tension after a conflict or misbehavior, often combined with whining or approaching and retreating. They recognize when their human (or another dog) is upset and use these signs to seek forgiveness, though it's more about reducing stress than human-like guilt.
Breeds like Australian Shepherds, Corgis, Bulldogs, and Frenchies are way more likely to sploot because of their body structure and flexibility. They do it to cool off their belly, stretch their hips, or just because it feels really good.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
The seven second rule. Put the back of your hand on the pavement. If you cannot hold it for seven seconds, it is too hot to walk for your dogs. This rule also applies to dogs riding in the bed of a pickup truck.
Place the back of your hand on the pavement. If you can't keep it there for five seconds, it's too hot to walk your dog. If you didn't know about this rule, chances are your friends don't, either.
The leading cause of death in dogs, especially older dogs, is cancer (neoplasia), affecting about 1 in 4 dogs, similar to humans, with specific breeds at higher risk. Other significant causes include old age, heart disease, digestive disorders (like bloat), infectious diseases (like Parvo), and trauma, with sterilization influencing risks for cancer and infections.
Some breeds most commonly associated with stomach sensitivity are:
When a dog rolls over onto their back, it's often a clear sign of trust and submission. In the dog world, exposing the belly is a way to say, “I'm not a threat.” Dogs will do this with other dogs or with people they feel safe around. But it's also a communication tool.