Dogs can be funny. My last Lab was a 75 lb alpha female who didn't take crap from any dog no matter how big; I once saw her stand up to 2 GSDs and a big dog. She was happy though, to see me open the truck door and tell her to get her *** inside and stay there. Only 2 dogs- both Akitas- ever put her in her place as she got older, and there was blood flowing both times.
Yet I've seen her put up with annoying dogs 1/3 her size and just take it, while looking at me with a "Do I have to put up with this crap" look on her face. I never could understand why, especially after I told her to stand up for herself.