Quite a fantastic image. Love the exposure, focus, and DOF. I hope you're not being voted down because of the appropriateness to challenge theme, as I can see how this could be a possibility. You've got an 8 from me.
The picture is very nice, I like the colors and simple composition, I like the way the eyes on the beast seam to be directed at the camera. I am just not sure whether DPC'ers will agree that the picture fits the challenge. I still like the picture and hence give it 8.