Minor/Major Project: Black Shuck - Influence and Initial Sketches

I see the Black Shuck as a creature that can switch from peaceful to threatening at a moments notice, so wanted to give it a less aggressive design. I find the dropped ears come across as too friendly, whilst the upright ears could express docility and aggression more effectively. 
While also looking at art of the Black Shuck, I looked at maned wolves, as their elongated legs have a creepy almost spider-like quality. I like the idea of the dog taking on a larger, more hellish look when aggressive, with longer limbs and red eyes. In its docile state, the dog will have green eyes and simply look like a scruffy black dog.