dogAngelby
kiwinickComment by David.C: What a wonderful pose and expression. She does indeed look as if she has wings instead of ears.
The negatives have been covered in the comments already recieved, but I will reiterate from my own perspective.
The size is probably the one thing that caused your score to drop. The image should always be at (or very near) 640 pixels on the largest side. Anything less and your competing at a severe handicap. This image, with 400 pixels on the largest size is less than 2/3rds the size it could have been. The small size does more than just give the viewer something larger to look at, it also gives more pixels to display the details with.
The overall contrast of this image is low. The black background works well, but it should have been tacked down to an actual black instead of a very dark grey. Once the blacks are nailed down, stretch tonal range to make the whites completely white. Once again, this is a matter of using all that is available to you when displaying the image. An image that doesn't go from complete black to total white is losing some of the tonal range it could be using. If your unfamiliar with adjusting the tones of the image, read the tutorials, ask in the forums or even PM me -- it is super simple and really makes this image pop.
I'm going to go against the crowd in the commenters below and say that I like the softness of the image. Sharpening is an option, if you like; but I like the dreamy look the soft focus gives it. I think it matches the username better this way.
Again, don't take any of this too hard -- it really is a great photo, that's why you got so many comments. We just have to see a photo this good not living up to its full potential.
Good luck in the future challenges.
David
Critique Club
Photographer found comment helpful.