Airplane ears

Ears held out to the sides, with the inner portion of the pinna (or ear flap) turned downwards , like airplane wings. While it can also be a social contact behaviour, in this case airplane ears are interpreted as an ambivalent behaviour indicating fear and aggressiveness.
(Goodmann, 2002; Koler-Matzinck, 2005; Capra, 2011)

The female German Shepherd is exhibiting airplane ears as she barks at a male of the same breed.

This female German Shepherd reacts to the approach of a male Golden Retriever with an offensive facial display and airplane ears.

VIDEO

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The male Hovawart approaches a female German Shepherd who stops in a frontal stance and stares at him. The male arches his neck and moves away, walking stiffly. He then exhibits a rear approach, and she reacts by displaying airplane ears, hackles raised, lowered posture and a lateral stance. She then stiffens and shows a threat display; when the male moves away, the female returns toward her ball and her owner, staring at the male and displaying airplane ears.

 > alertness