Louis Dobermann, a German breeder of Apolda
in Thuringia probably helped develop the ferocious, medium-sized guard dog
we know as the Doberman pinscher. The Dobermans were originally bred from
pinscher hunting dogs to be used as herders for livestock. About all that
is known about the breed is that it was developed by Dobermann in about
1890, its origins before that being a mystery. The short-haired fearless
dog is generally black or rust in color, proud of bearing, and the male
stands twenty-four to twenty-seven inches, weighing sixty to seventy-five
pounds. Dobermans are used extensively by the military and as guards for
department stores and other commercial establishments. Their ferocity is
fabled and there are tales of them holding onto a gunman’s arm after being
shot to death. There have been several cases reported if poorly trained
Dobermans turning on and killing their owners. Other people swear by their
gentleness with children and are kept by many as family pets.