With 220 million scent receptors in their noses—about 50 times more than we have—dogs can detect odors that are undetectable to us. This keen sense of smell is how dogs explore their world and gather important information about their surroundings, including the people they meet.

So why the crotch? According to Jennifer Sperry, a veterinarian with Pets Plus Us Insurance, dogs are drawn to this area because it has a higher concentration of apocrine sweat glands, which produce a stronger, more distinctive scent compared to other parts of the body. These glands are also found in other areas like the armpits and chest, but the crotch is often more accessible and tends to have a stronger odor. For medium to large dogs, the height of the crotch also makes it easier to reach—something your guests might not find so comfortable.

It’s important to remember