Hard eye

A change in gaze produced by muscle tension, opening of the eyelids (widening of the eyes, which appear larger), and contraction of the pupils. In dogs exhibiting fear behaviours, the pupil appears to be dilated.
(Fox, 1971; Capra, 2010)

The young Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dog has just met the female Czech Wolf Dog for the first time. In this frontal encounter, the female hardens her eye as she looks at the male, who reacts with signals indicating uncertainty and fear.

VIDEO

large screen
This male Pointer mix is being held on leash by his owner. The dog is exhibiting a hard eye and staring directly at the person filming the video.

large screen
The female Staffordshire Bull Terrier has declared ownership of the toy. When the Malamute mix puppy tries to steal it, she exhibits a hard eye, stares at her, then punches her delicately with her jaw, and growls. The puppy gives up and the Staffordshire chews the toy.

hackles_raised < > head_down_and_towards