Staff Report
The Santa Barbara Kennel Club is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year as part of a weekend of all-breed dog shows on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 24-25, at Earl Warren Showgrounds.
Norwegian judge Espen Engh will adjudicate Best in Show on Sunday. This year’s show is sponsored by long-time partner Purina ProPlan, and entries will be administered by Jack Bradshaw Dog Show Superintendents, www.jbradhsaw.com.
Santa Barbara Kennel Club has been one of the premiere kennel clubs in the U.S. since hosting its first show in 1919. Historically, the club has hosted an international array of competitors and spectators including celebrities from the fields of entertainment and sports.
Gary Cooper handled his own Sealyham terrier to Best in Show in 1936. The first show in Santa Barbara was held in the Palm Court of the Belvedere Hotel, and Best in Show was awarded to a cocker spaniel from Mission Kennels.
SBKC shows have celebrated purpose-bred dogs through a series of special events ranging from exhibition whippet races 60 years ago to the recent traditions of Bullyganza and Sighthound Spectacular.
For more information, visit www.sbkcdogs.org.
