Open mouth display

The action is similar to that of a bite, but it concludes in the air. Unlike snapping, this behaviour does not produce the sound of clenched teeth snapping together.
(Capra, 2010)

While I was analysing the video footage of aggressive interactions frame by frame, I realised that in most cases the dogs opened their mouths as if their intention was to bite, but then closed their mouths before entering into contact with their opponent. Even in the case of impressive displays such as that between this Malamute and village dog, the behaviour is, in reality, a demonstration of strength and aggressiveness.

In this interaction between two German Shepherds, the female exhibits barking associated with an open mouth display as she swerves away from the male.

VIDEO

large screen
In this interaction between two males, the Belgian Groenandel approaches the Australian Shepherd and exhibits ano-genital olfactory exploration. A second male Australian Shepherd interposes himself between the two dogs, circles around them and then attacks the Groenandel. During this lateral attack, the Australian growls, then slams against the Groenandel with his shoulder, exhibiting an open mouth display. The Groenandel reacts by lowering and turning his head followed by an inhibited bite to the chest. The two dogs face off, wrestling, with each exhibiting an open mouth display. The Groenandel attempts to press down the Australian. The Australian exhibits head down and turned; the Groenandel displays hugging and an open mouth display. The first Australian intervenes, exhibiting an inhibited bite to the neck of the Groenandel. The Groenandel arches his back and moves away, followed by the two Australians. The aggressor circles around the Groenandel, who shows hackles raised with piloerection along his entire spinal column.

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