05/03/2024
Dictator is in the majority of my bloodlines.
TBT: In the closing days of 1941 Peggy Adamson, the young wife of a U.S. Marine Captain, ordered a new Doberman as a companion to her Doberman bitch Granda. A Christmas present, the puppy arrived a few weeks after Pearl Harbor Day and had nearly as explosive an effect on the Adamson household. He would be named Dictator von Glenhugel.
‘Tator was only shown 18 times, retiring after Peggy piloted him to Group 1 at Westminster in 1945. Peggy said that although Dictator enjoyed the show ring, she herself was nervous and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, the dog became the most famous Doberman of the 40’s. He was undefeated in Breed, and won 5 Bests in Show. Just as Ch. Ranch Dobe’s Storm would do in the 1950’s, Peggy would later write, Dictator “captured the imagination of the press, the adulation of the public and the admiration and respect of those in other breeds, including the judges.” This was so, but even though Dictator was a dog who at his best could probably hold his own in the breed ring today, Peggy’s unerring grasp of public relations, her attractiveness and her great intelligence were equally responsible for his popularity.
Dictator ‘worked’ for Dogs for Defense, epitomizing the perfect war dog recruit. It made the newspapers. He was hospitalized for a minor illness. His progeny were sent around the world. It made the newspapers. He won Best In Show. It made the newspaper. Peggy’s files hold many clippings extolling ‘Tator’s virtues. Always amiable, handsome and docile, Dictator changed the American public’s concept of Dobermans forever.
Excerpt and photo credit: The American Doberman Pinscher Education Foundation. The full article, written by L. Ann Lanier, can be found at: https://adpef.org/.../the-dynamic-peggy-adamson-text.../
