12/03/2026
In 1965, the Chatham County Police (Savannah, Georgia) acquired a Doberman pinscher, Schonheidt, to help them track down illegal moonshine stills. Unfortunately, Schonheidt didn't have a nose for the job. His trainer, Ed Swain, told the Associated Press that Schonheidt “was bred for show and just wasn’t aggressive enough to go after liquor.”
The police department decided to try again with another Dobie, this one named Caesar (shown in the photo here with Swain). But ultimately, Caesar didn't much enjoy being a a boozehound, either. While we don't know if the department tried a third time, we couldn't help but chuckle at this article in the Amarillo Globe Times, dated January 27, 1967.
Trouble is, the Doberman Won't Pinch
Savannah, Ga. (UPI) -- The sweet smell of success apparently ruined "Caesar," the Doberman sniffer ... er, pinscher. Caesar was trained last year to lead Chatham County police to illegal liquor stills by smelling the moonshine.
He started his career on the right track, uncovering a seven-barrel still last April. After that, Caesar "never did get the smell right," police said, and many a moonshine toast reportedly was drunk to his continued good health.
It came as no surprise Thursday when Police Chief O.F. Love announced Caesar was being discharged. "Caesar definitely did not pan out," said Love. "We're going to have to advertise for bids to sell him."
If you're in the market for a big dog that'll ignore you while you drink liquor, the price is $150.
Sources include:
"Doberman Proves No Booze Hound," Associated Press, Nov. 26, 1975
"Trouble Is, the Doberman Won't Pinch," Amarillo Globe Times, Jan. 27, 1967
Thedobermanbox.com
