Here's my take on what Mary said - and again, correct me if I'm wrong!
I don't think Dobermans are less dedicated or have less drive - they just have more of a sense of self preservation, they THINK things over before they obey.
Tell a non-thinking, blindly obedient dog to jump off a cliff to their deaths, and the dog will probably leap off, happy as a clam. A thinking dog (think Doberman) will look at you like you're nuts!
That is NOT to say GSDs don't think, PLEASE don't think that's what I'm trying to say!!!
The way I see it, the Doberman, being created as a personal bodyguard, understands that sometimes the handler is not making the right decision - they think for themselves in order to better do their job.
I don't think Dobermans are less dedicated or have less drive - they just have more of a sense of self preservation, they THINK things over before they obey.
Tell a non-thinking, blindly obedient dog to jump off a cliff to their deaths, and the dog will probably leap off, happy as a clam. A thinking dog (think Doberman) will look at you like you're nuts!
That is NOT to say GSDs don't think, PLEASE don't think that's what I'm trying to say!!!
The way I see it, the Doberman, being created as a personal bodyguard, understands that sometimes the handler is not making the right decision - they think for themselves in order to better do their job.