So, you’re wondering why your corgi sploots.
On this page, we’ll cover some commonly asked questions:
- What’s the reason behind splooting?
- Why do only some dogs sploot and not others?
- Can you make your dog sploot?
- And is splooting good for your corgi?
We’ll answer all these questions.
By the end of this article, you’ll be a “sploot expert.”
Sound good? Sploot yourself down and read!
Table of Contents
What does it mean when a corgi sploots?
Wondering what a corgi sploot is?
It comes from the combination of the words “splay” and “scooch.” Combined, you get “sploot.” Or something like that.
The act of splooting is how a corgi lays down.
Rather than breeds that fold their feet and arms when they lie down, the sploot is when all limbs are stretched out away from the body.
The corgi will lie on its belly with either one or both of their rear legs facing out behind them.
There are also other terms for splooting, such as:
- Dog frogging
- Frog dogging
- Frog legs
- Half sploot
- Full sploot
- Reverse sploot
- Upside down spout
- Pancake sploot
The most popular one is the pancake sploot, which is when the corgi lies down with the arms pointed forwards and the feet pointed backward.
The corgi is literally flat against the floor.
The other combinations are usually combinations of one or both legs being extended.
Sometimes, your corgi may also place the back legs on one side. Other times, only one leg may be extended towards the back.
Why do corgis sploot?
So, what’s the actual reason behind the act of splooting, you ask?
The reason why dogs sploot is simply because of comfort. This position allows the corgi to relax and lie down comfortably.
Just like how some humans prefer to sleep sideways in the fetal position, some dogs like to lie down in sploot position.
Splooting is comfortable
They can stretch their legs and hips and allows them to splay themselves to be flexible.
Splooting also may help cool dogs down because they can cool down their stomachs by lying on a cooler surface.
You may also notice that your corgi sploots more during the puppy phase than an adult. This is because it’s more flexible when it’s younger so it has the flexibility.
The exercise has also been known to help make their hip flexors stronger.
Can corgis sploot on their backs?
Yes, this is known as the reverse sploot or upside down sploot.
Corgis are not the only breed that sploots on its back, as other breeds have been seen to do the same.
Is it bad for dogs to sploot?
Not at all. If your dog sploots, that’s a good thing! It means your dog is flexible and can relax into a comfortable position.
Many dogs aren’t flexible enough to do so, and some dogs can’t sploot when they get older because they lose their flexibility. If your dog sploots, let him be and relish in the cuteness.
The only thing you need to watch out for are signs of change. If your dog never splooted before, but suddenly starts, that may be something you need to watch out for by consulting a vet.
Or if your dog always splooted, but then suddenly stopped, this may be due to a bone problem or poor flexibility. Take him to a qualified professional for help.
Why is corgi splooting so popular?
Corgis are one of the trending dog breeds right now, and thanks to media coverage, they’ve quickly become a sensation.
Everything from their looks, personality, characteristics, and of course, the splooting, are viral.
Famous people like Queen Elizabeth have showed off her corgis multiple times. And social media has only helped contribute to the reason why corgis are so popular.
The corgi sploot, butt, and pointy ears are all extremely recognizable characteristics of the dog breed.
Splooting is most associated and related to corgis, but not exclusive to them.
What dog breeds sploot?
There are a few other breeds that also practice splooting.
The most popular breeds that sploot are pugs, poodles, bulldogs, and wienerdogs (Dachshunds).
Some larger breeds also sploot like Newfoundlands, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Pitbulls!
So splooting is NOT just for smaller dogs, as both large and small (and medium) dogs, all have been seen to sploot.
How come some breeds don’t sploot?
This is because of the breed and their bone structure.
Some dog breeds solo because it’s natural and comfortable for them.
Other breeds don’t because it’s not a natural behavior. Even within breeds, some individual dogs won’t sploot while others will.
The breed is a determining factor that you can use to generalize which dogs sploot, but it also comes from the dog’s preference.
Restrictions due to joints, bones, body structure, and even how much your dog weighs are all factors. If it’s uncomfortable for the dog, then the dog won’t do it naturally.
Can you make your dog sploot?
No, you should never force your dog to sploot.
Corgis are a splooter along with some other breeds, but if your corgi doesn’t sploot, you should never force your dog to do so.
There may be something preventing your dog from being comfortable if it’s been splooting and then recently stopped.
Or if it was never splooting but recently started.
You should consult a vet for these kinds of occasions.
Making your dog sploot against its will only causes strain and possibly injury.
Cats can sploot too
Cats are also no exception to this super comfortable position!
They’ve been caught in the act with their hind legs stretched out in a full-fledged pancake sploot!
Further reading
Here are some additional resources you may find helpful:
Now you know all the basics about splooting
With the newfound knowledge that you have, you should be able to clearly spot a corgi sploot, why they do it, and why not all dogs sploot.
Who’d have ever known splooting could be so complex for such a cute and simple behavior? Just more corgi magic.
Roy has owned 14 dog breeds, with corgis being his absolute favorite. He’s a self proclaimed “corgi whisperer,” whatever that means. He enjoys hiking, videogames, binging on shows, and writing (that’s why he’s here).