"Dogs have a specific brain neuron that responds to the stimulation of hair follicles which means when you rub his tummy, the stroking of his tiny belly hairs is actually providing a specific type of stimulation in your dog’s brain. This neurological stimulation is only possible through stroking, which makes petting, like belly rubs, uniquely satisfying."
(From centralbarkusa.com/doggy-day-care-news/)