Arched neck

The dog curves his neck, forming a concave space between himself and his opponent. With neck arched, the dog maintains eye contact, holding his head turned toward his opponent but pulled slightly away. This behaviour has been interpreted in different ways by various authors. Here, it is considered a defensive behaviour (protecting the head), and as a behaviour used to forestall aggression from the dog's opponent.
(Shenkel, 1947; Fox, 1971; Capra, 2010)

In this interaction between two males, the Beagle x Boston Terrier cross confronts the Golden Retriever, who reacts by maintaining a lateral stance and arching his neck.

VIDEO

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An indirect approach between the male mixed breed and the female White Swiss Shepherd. When the male stops and sniffs the ground, the female moves nearer, maintaining a lateral stance. When the male dogs orients his gaze toward her, she arches her neck and flicks her tongue. The female licks her nose, then turns her head toward the male; when he takes a step towards her, she curves her neck, orienting frontally. Both dogs bow; the female exhibits an agonistic pucker and the male reacts with a defensive threat display, then swerves away.

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