Mary M. Rodgers

HAMILTON – Mary M. Rodgers of Marienburg Dobermans of Hamilton, Montana passed away December 8, 2018 at her home in Hamilton. Mary was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Mary was an only child and she grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. Mary loved all animals and didn’t waste time in getting a puppy. Mary’s aunt bought her a German Shepherd, which she had all of his life.  Thereafter, Mary became interested in Doberman Pinschers. But, at the time there were no Dobermans in Lincoln, Nebraska, but there were some Doberman puppies in Kansas. Mary selected a black male, which began Mary’s Life-Time Love Affair of the breed.  In 1962 Mary moved to southern California where she bought a black Doberman male and the gentlemen whom sold Mary the puppy offered to handle him at an upcoming dog show. “Apollo” continued his show career and became an AKC champion. Mary continued to learn more about Dobermans, dog shows, breeding, etc. and had her first litter in January 1963. Thereafter, Mary purchased a female Doberman and named her Sultana von Marienburg, whom within three years would break the existing record for Dobermans by winning 37 All-breed Best-In-Shows. Other great Dobermans of Mary’s were BIS/BISS Am/Can Ch. Marienburg Sun Hawk, CD, he was the Number One Working Dog, the winner of the 1975 DPCA Top Twenty Competition, and a two-time DPCA National Best of Breed Winner in 1976 and 1978. Sun Hawk also won Best of Breed at Westminster in 1976. And, there were many, many more of Mary’s famous Dobermans who were known around the world, and continue to be, such as BIS/BISS CH. Marienburg’s Mary Hartman, Dexter vom Franckenhorst, BIS, BISS CH. Marienburg’s Repo Man, Ch. Marienburg’s Born to Run, etc. Marienburg Dobermans have been awarded “Best of Breed” seven times at the DPCA National with four different dogs; “Grand Prize Futurity Winner” three times and “Top Twenty Competition Winner” three times and Opposite Sex for the following years: 1967 Best of Breed, 1968 Best of Breed, 1975 Top Twenty Competition Winner, 1975, Grand Prize Futurity Winner, 1976, Best of Breed, 1978, Best of Breed, 1978 Top Twenty Competition Winner, 1979: Best of Breed, 1979: Top Twenty Competition Winner, 1983 Best of Breed; 1989 Best of Opposite Sex, 1989 Grand Prize Futurity Winner, 1999 Grand Prize Futurity Winner, 2002 Best of Breed and the list of Mary’s amazing Dobermans goes on. Mary dedicated her Life to Doberman Pinschers. Mary was a true breeder and a successful breeder. Mary was and continues to be a well-respected American Kennel Club (“AKC”) Judge. In 2003 Mary was awarded the AKC “BREEDER OF THE YEAR” All-Breeds. Mary was also awarded the Doberman Pinscher Club of America (“DPCA”) Life-Time Achievement Award.

Mary dedicated her whole Life to the Doberman Pinscher. Thank you, Mary! Love You Forever!

Mary liked bright colors and her favorite color was RED.