Why do dogs love rolling in stinky stuff? (Yes, even 💩)
You’ve just come home from a lovely walk when your nose is assaulted by a not-so-lovely smell. A totally disgusting, gag inducing, as-bad-as-rotting-fish kind of smell.
And what’s more, it’s wafting off your recently washed dog, who’s lying on your newly cleaned rug, tail wagging and looking very pleased with himself.
When did that happen, you wonder, and why oh why does my pooch love to roll in things that stink so badly?
Apparently, it’s not just to ruin your day (or your rug). Dogs explore the world through their noses, and the stinkier it is, the more interesting it seems. Rolling in gross things might be instinct, communication, camouflage—or just plain fun.
Here are four possible explanations of what might be going on in those happy, smelly heads of theirs:
1. Wolves did it first!
Blame it on the camouflage instinct. Wild canines rolled in strong scents to mask their own odour, helping them sneak up on prey. Your dog’s inner wolf still thinks this might be useful, even if dinner comes in a bowl.
2. “Check out what I found!”
It could also be a form of communication – your dog is use scent like a social media update. Rolling in something stinky may be their way of bringing a cool new “discovery” back to their pack (i.e. you).
3. Smell is their superpower
Its a source of enrichment. That odour might be horrifying to us, but to dogs, it’s interesting, complex, and delightful.
Dogs have up to 100,000 times better sense of smell than humans, allowing them to detect layers of scent we can’t even begin to comprehend. But instead of being overwhelmed by strong smells like we might be, they find them incredibly rich and interesting.
4. Because they can!
Dogs have a real talent for finding the grossest things to roll in—and they do it with such joy! Sometimes they may roll in something smelly just because it’s fun or gets a reaction from their human (even negative ones, like shouting or scolding).
The stinkiest things that dogs love to roll in
Here are some of the most common stinky culprits that seem most attractive our canine companions:
1. Animal poop
Especially irresistible to dogs are fox poo, cow dung, duck and bird droppings and even other dogs’ poop.
2. Dead animals (aka roadkill)
The smell of decomposition might make us gag, but to dogs, it’s a scent-rich discovery worth wearing home.
3. Rotting fish or seaweed
Beach-going dogs are drawn to the odour of a dead fish or pile of sea gunk.
4. Garbage or compost
Leftover food, decaying scraps, or mouldy veggies in the bin are irresistible for rolling in (and sometimes snacking on too!).
Do all dogs roll in stinky things (or just mine)?
Some dogs are definitely more likely to roll in smelly stuff than others (and if you’re reading this, sadly, that probably includes yours!)
While any dog can indulge in this stinky habit, certain breeds are more prone to it as a result of their instincts, energy levels, and personality traits.
Breeds more likely to roll in smelly stuff
1. Hounds
(e.g. Beagles, Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds)
These scent-driven dogs are obsessed with smells and often can’t resist getting up close—and rolling in—whatever their nose finds interesting.
2. Terriers
(e.g. Jack Russell, Fox Terrier, Cairn Terrier)
Bred to hunt and dig, terriers are curious, bold, and mischievous. They love discovering “treasures” and often want to wear them too.
3. Retrievers
(e.g. Labrador, Golden Retriever)
Friendly and outdoorsy, retrievers tend to explore with their noses. Many love water—and mud—and are known for their enthusiasm for “gross” finds.
4. Herding breeds
(e.g. Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Kelpie)
Highly intelligent and energetic, these dogs sometimes roll in smells as a form of stimulation or to burn off energy.
5. Spitz-type breeds
(e.g. Huskies, Malamutes)
These independent breeds have strong survival instincts and can be keen on camouflaging scents, especially those that their wild ancestors would have been exposed to.
Breeds less likely to roll in smelly stuff
Breeds that are more reserved, scent-sensitive, or bred for companionship — such as Greyhounds, Poodles, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — tend to be less drawn to rolling in the smells.
That said, every dog is an individual, and even the prissiest or most pampered pooch might surprise you!
How to stop your dog from rolling in smelly stuff
Mmm, this may be easier said than done. If your dog is determined to roll in something gross, most likely he’s already rolling before you are able to take preventative action. However, here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
- Keep an eye out for known “danger zones” (like places where he has rolled in the past or where you have recently spotted a dead animal).
- Use commands like “Leave it” or “Come” as soon as you spot him eying out – or dashing into – a possible danger zone.
- Stimulate your dog’s sense of smell with more appealing options, by playing scent games for example (see below for more info on nose-based games).
- When all else fails: head home for a bath with a good dog shampoo.
Nose-based games are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated.
Dogs experience much of the world around them through their sense of smell, so scent games allow them to channel their love of sniffing while also enriching their minds.
An easy way to introduce your dog to scent games is to set up a “search” for something immediately motivating for most dogs — food (at more advanced and competitive levels, essential oils are used).
All you need are some empty boxes, egg cartons, yoghurt tubs or other smallish containers and some snacks, such as small pieces of peeled apple, hard cheese or cooked chicken breast. Place small quantities of the food in the containers, hide these around the house and watch your dog’s nose and brain get a workout as they ‘hunt’ for the food. When they get the hang of it, find more challenging spots around the house or garden to hide the containers.
In summary
Even though rolled-in smells are awful to us, they’re fun, meaningful, and stimulating to dogs. So next time your pooch is covered in something smelly, try to remember — they’re not trying to gross you out… they’re just being dogs.
Next steps…
If you enjoyed this article, you may like to sign up for our Pet Talk Newsletter. You may also find the following articles useful or interesting.
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