Dictator v Glenhugel 1951

If Herr Louis Dobermann is to be considered the forefather of the breed, then certainly Peggy Adamson was it’s leading lady. At a time and place when women weren’t prominent in the dog world, Peggy Adamson took the conformation dog show ring by storm as a handler in post WWII America. She was accompanied by her first Doberman, Ch. Dictator von Glenhugel CD, who became the start of her now legendary breeding program. Dictator, or Tater as he was affectionately called by his friends, would rise to the heights of the conformation world to become the most famous dog of the 1940s and not only for his exploits in the ring. He was one of the first great ambassadors for the breed. His wins, public appearances, and work for Dogs for Defense were chronicled by newspapers around the country. During a period in history when the breed was best known for inspiring fear, Tater presented the first public image we have of a Doberman with the character to work and the temperament to welcome all potential friends. Perhaps inspired by the temperament exhibited by Dictator, Peggy later became one of the first conformation judges to dismiss a Doberman from the ring for displaying inappropriate aggression. It was a decisive move that shaped the breed’s future in America. Dobermans evolved from “untouchable“ guard dogs to animals that could respond to threats, but also thrive in society as faithful friends working side-by-side with their human partners. We are proud to be able to share a rare glimpse of Peggy Adamson and Dictator as they were in their private life together. A 7 minute full length video is available on