Cuddled Bloodhound: classic rear-entry position on all fours
The Cuddled Bloodhound is a classic rear-entry position from the doggy-style family. The receiving partner is on all fours with straight arms, the back slightly arched and the head raised, while the penetrating partner kneels upright behind and holds their hips. It allows deep vaginal penetration, the partner behind sets the pace, and it is the starting point for many variations. There is no eye contact, but hands can reach the hips, the back and the clitoris.
Also known as: Doggy style · Basset Hound
Anatomy and biomechanics
The receiving partner gets on all fours on the bed: hands flat under the shoulders, arms straight, knees bent and slightly apart, back gently arched and head raised. The penetrating partner kneels upright directly behind, with the receiver's knees between their own, and rests both hands on the receiver's hips to guide the movement. The partner behind sets the rhythm with the pelvis; the receiver can change the angle by arching or flattening the back, and control depth by rocking back or moving forward. Both carry weight on the knees, and the receiver also on the wrists, so a soft but firm surface helps. The bodies touch only at the pelvis and hands: there is no eye contact or kissing.
Why this position works
Many couples like it because it is simple, familiar and allows deep penetration. The partner behind has room to move and sets the pace, while the receiver can change the sensation just by arching the back or lowering the chest. Some people find the rear-entry angle especially intense, for example when it presses on the front wall of the vagina. Either partner can add a hand on the clitoris. Sensations vary from person to person.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: at the edge of the bed, partner standing
The receiving partner stays on all fours with the knees at the edge of the bed; the penetrating partner stands on the floor behind.
Standing spares the penetrating partner’s knees and gives more freedom to move the hips. The height of the bed sets the angle: if it is low, the standing partner bends the knees; if it is high, the receiver raises the knees on a folded blanket. The standing partner needs a firm, non-slip floor.
- The receiving partner gets on all fours on the bed, with the knees right at the edge of the mattress.
- The penetrating partner stands on the floor behind, feet apart, hands on the receiver’s hips.
- Adjust the height by bending the knees or adding a folded blanket under the receiver’s knees.
- Start with slow movements; the receiver can rock back to control depth.
Variation 2: chest lowered onto the forearms
The receiving partner lowers the chest onto the forearms or a pillow and keeps the hips high.
Lowering the chest increases the arch of the lower back and tilts the pelvis up, which changes the angle and can feel deeper. The wrists rest completely, but the back works more; a pillow under the chest makes it easier to hold. The penetrating partner stays kneeling behind.
- Start in the basic position, on all fours.
- The receiving partner bends the elbows and lowers the forearms, or the chest, onto the bed or a pillow.
- Keep the knees under the hips so the pelvis stays high.
- The penetrating partner adjusts their height and starts with short, gentle movements.
Variation 3: receiver’s knees together
The receiving partner brings the knees together, and the penetrating partner kneels with the knees outside the receiver’s.
With the receiver’s thighs closed, the entrance feels narrower and the sensation tighter for both, while depth is a little reduced. The receiver’s base is narrower, so movements should be calmer. The penetrating partner opens the knees to straddle the receiver’s legs.
- Start in the basic position.
- The receiving partner brings the knees together under the hips, keeping the arms straight.
- The penetrating partner opens the knees on either side of the receiver’s legs and comes close.
- Guide the penis in by hand and use smooth, moderate movements.
Variation 4: with a hand on the clitoris
The penetrating partner reaches around to the clitoris, or the receiving partner shifts onto one hand and uses the other.
Only the hands change. If the partner behind does it, they lean forward slightly, keep one hand on the hip and reach around with the other. If the receiver does it, they move their weight onto one straight arm or a forearm. Thrusts become shorter and slower to keep balance.
- Start in the basic position.
- Decide who will use their hand: the partner behind, leaning forward a little, or the receiver, resting on one arm.
- Reach the clitoris from the front and match the rhythm of the hand to short movements of the pelvis.
- Adjust pressure and speed by talking to each other.
Variation 5: both kneeling upright, back to chest
The receiving partner lifts the hands off the bed and rises until the back rests against the chest of the partner kneeling behind.
Both stay on their knees, but with upright torsos the bodies touch along the back and chest, and the partner behind can hug, kiss the neck and reach the breasts and clitoris. Penetration becomes shallower and movements smaller. The wrists rest; balance depends more on the knees, so a firm surface helps.
- Start in the basic position, with penetration already under way and moving slowly.
- The receiving partner lifts the hands off the bed and raises the torso little by little.
- The partner behind wraps one arm around the receiver’s waist or chest to steady them.
- Move together with small rocking motions of the pelvis.
✓ Tips
- From behind, penetration can get deep quickly: start slowly, with plenty of lubricant, and let the receiving partner set how deep by rocking back.
- Agree on a word or gesture to slow down or stop, and stop if there is pain.
- Avoid hard thrusts and pulling all the way out at speed: if the penis slips out and hits the buttocks or perineum, it can bend. A crack, sudden pain or swelling means stopping and seeking medical help.
- Put a folded blanket or cushion under both partners' knees; if the receiver's wrists get tired, they can lower onto the forearms.
- Use a condom to protect against STIs and, if needed, pregnancy.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal penetration from behind, on all fours
- Active anatomy
- Penis
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina
- Main stimulation
- Deep vaginal penetration from behind, on all fours
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is this position suitable for beginners?
Yes. It needs little balance and moderate effort. The main strain is on the knees of both partners and on the receiver's wrists; cushions and short breaks help.
How can we make it more comfortable?
Use a soft but firm surface, a cushion under the knees and, if the wrists get tired, let the receiver lower onto the forearms or rest the chest on a pillow.
Is it risky for the penis?
It can be if thrusts are hard and the penis slips out and hits the body. Keep movements controlled, use lubricant and do not pull all the way out at speed.
Can the receiving partner set the pace?
Partly. The partner behind usually leads, but the receiver can rock back and forth on hands and knees to control depth and speed.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
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