Stone face

Other than an intense stare, the dog exhibits no other threatening signals. The expression may be preceded by imposing behaviours, with smooth movements and no hackles raised / piloerection. The aggressive motivation of the dog can be accertained only on the basis of a subsequent attack launched without having shown any other signs of aggression.
(Zimen, 1981; Koler-Matznick et al., 2005)

The male Pit Bull ignores the friendly overtures of the young male, and stares in the direction of the photographer, exhibiting a 'stone face'.

VIDEO

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Video filmed during a behavioural evaluation. The male Cane Corso is holding head high, tail down and exhibiting a 'stone face' at the approach of an unfamiliar dog. The growl-bark indicating aggression is preceded only by a slight change in breathing rate.

staring_directly < > swerving