Monday, September 20, 2027
The Silver Bay Kennel Club of San Diego (SBKC) is one of the most storied dog organizations in Southern California, holding the title of the longest-running dog show in San Diego County. It generally features up to 150 different breeds.
Establishment: The club was founded in 1934 by Major Charles Beale of the USMC. As of 2026, the club has been active for 92 years.
First Year Attendance: In its inaugural year (1934), the club’s first show hosted an entry of 401 dogs.
Modern Attendance: Today, the SBKC typically hosts over 1,800 dogs per day across its American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctioned two-day all-breed shows.
Peak Growth: The club saw massive growth over the decades. By its 50th Anniversary show in 1984, the entry list had swelled to 2,603 dogs, making it the eleventh-largest dog show in the United States at that time.
2021 Meet The Breeds
Our "Meet the Breed" events are always a crowd favorite, offering a wonderful opportunity to introduce our gentle giants to the public. There is nothing quite like watching someone’s face light up when they first pet a Saint Bernard or experience that famous "lean" against their legs. We spend the day answering questions about life with these massive companions—from grooming and drool to their calm temperaments—while our dogs soak up all the extra attention. It’s a rewarding way to educate potential owners on the responsibilities of the breed while letting our Saints do what they do best: being the ultimate ambassadors of kindness and patience.
2018 Picnic
Our Saint Bernard Club picnic was the ultimate celebration of food, friends, and fur! While our "fun days" focus on training, the picnic was all about leaning into the slower pace our Saints love so much. The afternoon was dedicated to true socializing, giving everyone a chance to relax under the shade and catch up while the dogs lounged contentedly at our feet. Of course, the highlight was the massive spread of food; we spent hours sharing a delicious meal and swapping stories that kept us laughing all afternoon. It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best way to bond is simply by gathered together, enjoying great company and the quiet presence of our gentle giants.
2016 Fun Day
Our Saint Bernard Club Fun Day was a resounding success, filled with wagging tails and plenty of "Saintsational" company. The afternoon kicked off with a mini obedience trial practice, where our gentle giants showed off their skills (and their charming stubbornness) in a relaxed, supportive environment. Between sessions, members enjoyed plenty of time for socializing, catching up on the latest breed news, and watching the dogs interact and make new furry friends. We capped off the day by sharing a delicious lunch, trading stories about our droolly companions, and enjoying the unique bond that only Saint Bernard owners truly understand. It was the perfect blend of training, relaxation, and great conversation!
The Encinitas Christmas Parade is always a highlight for the club, bringing a literal "ton" of holiday cheer! There’s nothing quite like the sight of our massive Saints decked out in festive wreaths and reindeer antlers, walking past the waving crowds. It’s a wonderful tradition that lets us show off the breed’s incredible temperament while celebrating the season with our club family and the local community.
2013 Christmas