What is Dog Splooting

What is Dog Splooting?

 

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • What Exactly is Dog Splooting?
  • The Different Types of Sploots
  • Why Do Dogs Sploot?
  • Is Splooting Normal for All Dogs?
  • Splooting and Dog Health: What You Need to Know
  • Pros and Cons of Dog Splooting
  • What Breeds Are More Likely to Sploot?
  • Is Dog Splooting a Sign of Joint Issues or Hip Dysplasia?
  • Things to Consider as a Dog Owner
  • Dog Splooting in Popular Culture and Media
  • Veterinarians Weigh In
  • Historical and Evolutionary Perspectives
  • Conclusion
  • References

Introduction

If you’ve ever seen your dog lying flat on their stomach with their hind legs stretched out behind them like a frog, congratulations—you’ve witnessed a sploot. The sight is undeniably cute, often social-media worthy, and has left many pet owners wondering: “What is dog splooting?”

This article will explore everything you need to know about this quirky behavior—what it means, whether it’s healthy, and why some dogs are natural-born splooters.

What Exactly is Dog Splooting?

Dog splooting refers to a resting position where a dog lies on its belly with both hind legs extended straight out behind it. Unlike typical lying positions, the sploot leaves the rear legs flat on the ground, resembling a full-body stretch.

“Splooting is the dog equivalent of a casual yoga stretch. It looks funny, but it’s often a sign of comfort and relaxation.”
— Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

This term, though informal and widely used on platforms like Instagram and Reddit, has become part of the modern canine vocabulary due to the meme-friendly nature of this posture.

The Different Types of Sploots

Dog sploots can vary in form and flexibility. Here are the most common types:

  • Full Sploot: Both legs stretched behind.
  • Half Sploot (Side Sploot): One leg tucked, the other extended.
  • Frog Sploot: Legs splayed to the sides, resembling a frog.

Each sploot has its own charm and can reveal insights into your dog’s comfort level or breed predispositions.

Why Do Dogs Sploot?

Splooting might seem funny, but there are several valid reasons dogs assume this position:

1. Comfort and Relaxation

Some dogs find splooting more comfortable than curling up or lying on their side. Especially on cool surfaces, the position can help dogs regulate body temperature.

2. Muscle Stretching

Dogs may naturally sploot to stretch their hips and thigh muscles after vigorous play or a long walk.

3. Joint Flexibility

Young, flexible dogs—especially puppies—often sploot more because their joints are looser and more pliable.

4. Cooling Down

Hardwood, tiles, or kitchen floors are favorite splooting spots. These cool surfaces help dogs bring down their body heat on warm days.

“Dogs have sweat glands in their paws and pant to cool down, but belly contact with a cold floor also helps.”
— AKC Canine Health Foundation

Is Splooting Normal for All Dogs?

Not every dog will sploot. Some never will. It depends on:

  • Breed
  • Age
  • Anatomy
  • Joint health

It’s more common in puppies, younger dogs, and flexible breeds like Corgis, Bulldogs, and Labradors. Older dogs, especially those with joint stiffness or arthritis, may avoid it altogether.

Splooting and Dog Health: What You Need to Know

Most of the time, splooting is completely harmless. However, persistent splooting accompanied by limping or stiffness may indicate:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Patellar luxation
  • Arthritis
  • Muscle strain

If splooting is sudden and frequent in an older dog, or your dog seems to have pain getting up, consult a vet.

Pros and Cons of Dog Splooting

✅ Pros

  • Sign of comfort and playfulness
  • Natural body stretching
  • Helps regulate temperature
  • Shows joint flexibility (especially in puppies)

❌ Cons

  • May mask underlying joint issues
  • Can worsen discomfort in dogs with hip dysplasia
  • Could be overdone on hard surfaces, leading to soreness

What Breeds Are More Likely to Sploot?

Certain breeds are natural splooters. The following are more frequently seen in the sploot pose:

  • Corgis (Pembroke & Cardigan)
  • French Bulldogs
  • Golden Retrievers
  • Labrador Retrievers
  • Poodles
  • Pugs

Corgis are especially known for their adorable "Corgi sploot", which has gone viral across social platforms.

According to The American Kennel Club (AKC), Corgis often sploot due to their unique bone structure and long torsos paired with short legs.

Is Dog Splooting a Sign of Joint Issues or Hip Dysplasia?

This is a commonly raised concern. While splooting alone is not a definitive sign of hip dysplasia, excessive or sudden splooting in older dogs might raise red flags.

Watch for these accompanying signs:

  • Reluctance to walk or jump
  • Yelping when touched near the hips
  • Hind limb weakness
  • Bunny-hopping gait

If you notice these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for an orthopedic checkup or X-ray analysis.

Things to Consider as a Dog Owner

  • Monitor the frequency: If your dog sploots frequently, make note of their age and health condition.
  • Surface matters: Encourage splooting on soft, cool mats rather than cold, hard tiles.
  • Exercise wisely: Overexercised dogs may sploot to soothe their hips. Moderate their activity if needed.
  • Supplement wisely: Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may support joint health in sploot-prone breeds.

“Joint supplements paired with weight control can help maintain hip flexibility, especially in larger dogs.”
— PetMD Article on Joint Health in Dogs

Dog Splooting in Popular Culture and Media

Dog splooting has gained massive traction on social media. Popular hashtags like #dogsploot and #corgisploot have millions of views on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Brands now even sell “sploot mats”—cooling mats that support the splooting posture comfortably.

The sploot has become an iconic symbol of relaxed, content dogs—so much so that brands like BarkBox and Chewy regularly feature splooting dogs in their marketing materials.

Veterinarians Weigh In

Veterinarians generally agree: Splooting is harmless unless it becomes compulsive or painful.

“In most cases, splooting is not a cause for concern, especially in flexible breeds. However, if it’s paired with limping or reluctance to move, a vet visit is warranted.”
— Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM

Veterinarians recommend that pet owners document changes in mobility or unusual splooting patterns, especially in older dogs.

Historical and Evolutionary Perspectives

Interestingly, the concept of splooting isn't unique to dogs. Some animals—like otters, squirrels, and even bears—display similar belly-down stretches to cool off or relax. Evolutionary biologists suggest splooting may be a thermoregulatory behavior passed down from ancestral canines that rested belly-down in snow or grass to cool their core temperature.

In some Arctic dog breeds like Huskies and Malamutes, “snow splooting” is still a common behavior, often tied to instinctual cooling techniques.

Related Products

Looking to keep your sploot-loving dog comfortable and happy? Check out some of our top-rated products from The Heaps Variety:

Conclusion

So, what is dog splooting?

It’s more than just an internet trend. It’s a fascinating combination of anatomy, behavior, and comfort. Whether your dog is stretching, cooling off, or just being cute, splooting is usually a normal—and delightful—part of canine life.

However, being informed about when splooting is too much or potentially linked to health issues is crucial. With this newfound understanding, you can better observe, care for, and appreciate your dog’s quirky poses.

References


About the author

Written by Ethen Intisar, the co-founder of The Heaps Variety, an Australian pet supplies store known for its thoughtful, research-backed products and content.

With a deep passion for pet care and years of hands-on experience as a devoted pet parent, Ethen writes in-depth guides and expert insights to help pet owners make informed decisions. His work blends practical advice with lesser-known facts, earning the trust of thousands of dog and cat lovers across Australia.

Explore more pet care articles →

Back to blog