Friend or Foe? When I saw this dog I was reminded of the phrase "Still waters run deep." Seemingly non-threatening and certainly at ease with himself, still he was hyper-alert to any...

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

When I saw this dog I was reminded of the phrase "Still waters run deep." Seemingly non-threatening and certainly at ease with himself, still he was hyper-alert to any movement I made. I didn't approach any closer than this ..... he was big enough that I didn't want to tangle with him. And yet, I wonder, would I have been met with a wagging tail or bared fangs?

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AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

His eyes look suspicious. But he's beautiful. I would probably have talked to him.

plessner Loc: North Dakota

A beautiful animal photographed beautifully he looks to be part border collie and they have such intense eyes and never miss a thing--we have had two of them
we have a German Shepard and when people drive up to our yard and see this huge dog they are sometimes afraid to get out of their cars--not knowing he is a lover who will lick you to death!

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

This is a beautiful portrait! To me, he looks very relaxed (but I wasn't there). Out of curiosity, did you take the pic with your phone?

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

AzPicLady wrote:

His eyes look suspicious. But he's beautiful. I would probably have talked to him.

Certainly a good looking animal Kathy. I always communicate with animals in a non-verbal sense, projecting an image in my mind that I was indeed a friend.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

plessner wrote:

A beautiful animal photographed beautifully he looks to be part border collie and they have such intense eyes and never miss a thing--we have had two of them
we have a German Shepard and when people drive up to our yard and see this huge dog they are sometimes afraid to get out of their cars--not knowing he is a lover who will lick you to death!

I know what you mean Katherine. I once had a black Lab/black Great Dane who had a ferocious growl for anyone who knocked at the door. But if we invited them inside, he was their instant friend.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

CAS1951 wrote:

This is a beautiful portrait! To me, he looks very relaxed (but I wasn't there). Out of curiosity, did you take the pic with your phone?

Thank you, CAS. No, this was taken with a Canon 5D MK III. However, it was underexposed and I had to strive mightily to bring it out of the shadows. There is still a lot of color noise going on, but I preferred to live with it rather than sacrifice any more detail from the dog's coat.

Rob48 Loc: Portland, ME

Bob Yankle wrote:

When I saw this dog I was reminded of the phrase "Still waters run deep." Seemingly non-threatening and certainly at ease with himself, still he was hyper-alert to any movement I made. I didn't approach any closer than this ..... he was big enough that I didn't want to tangle with him. And yet, I wonder, would I have been met with a wagging tail or bared fangs?

Nicely captured and framed, Bob.

Annie-Get-Your-Gun Loc: Byron Center, Mi

Bob Yankle wrote:

When I saw this dog I was reminded of the phrase "Still waters run deep." Seemingly non-threatening and certainly at ease with himself, still he was hyper-alert to any movement I made. I didn't approach any closer than this ..... he was big enough that I didn't want to tangle with him. And yet, I wonder, would I have been met with a wagging tail or bared fangs?

That doggie looks friendly enough but as the saying goes, looks are deceiving. 🐕 I think your decision was a wise one, Bob. You got a pleasing picture and came away unscathed.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Rob48 wrote:

Nicely captured and framed, Bob.

Thank you, Rob. I usually get along with most dogs.

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Annie-Get-Your-Gun wrote:

That doggie looks friendly enough but as the saying goes, looks are deceiving. 🐕 I think your decision was a wise one, Bob. You got a pleasing picture and came away unscathed.

Thank you, Annie. I'm a believer in the adage: "Disgression is the better part of Valor."

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

Bob Yankle wrote:

When I saw this dog I was reminded of the phrase "Still waters run deep." Seemingly non-threatening and certainly at ease with himself, still he was hyper-alert to any movement I made. I didn't approach any closer than this ..... he was big enough that I didn't want to tangle with him. And yet, I wonder, would I have been met with a wagging tail or bared fangs?

Beautiful dog and a nice shot Bob. You never know with animals. My grand daughters would run right up to him. Told them not such a good idea never know what you'll get.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Bob Yankle wrote:

When I saw this dog I was reminded of the phrase "Still waters run deep." Seemingly non-threatening and certainly at ease with himself, still he was hyper-alert to any movement I made. I didn't approach any closer than this ..... he was big enough that I didn't want to tangle with him. And yet, I wonder, would I have been met with a wagging tail or bared fangs?

Bob, you have a knack for fantastic photos of dogs and I love this one.!!!

Greg

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Nice shot and good story. Better safe than sorry.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

That is the question, isn't it? It looks as if he's sizing you up here, thinking about his own answer.
Nice photo.