San Diego Dog Names

A well-known dog San Diego dog is Bum, who arrived in the city in 1886. Much of what is known about Bum came from his companion and biographer James Edward Friend, a journalist who frequently wrote about Bum’s adventures around town. According to Friend, Bum, a Saint Bernard and Spaniel Mix, was born in San Francisco to a stray dog, who along with all but one of her puppies, was put down. Bum was taken in by a fire company as their station pet, though it was soon discovered that domestic life did not suit him and his independent spirit.

According to legend, Bum stowed away on the steamboat Santa Rosa, which brought him to San Diego in December of 1886. Not long after arriving, he met a fisherman who gave him a place to sleep, as he did Friend. Life was not always easy for Bum. He got involved in a fight with a Bulldog at the railyard and was hit by a train, losing a part of his foot. According to Friend, the accident changed Bum, who upon recovering, chose a more leisurely lifestyle.

The many editorials written by Friend focused on Bum and he became an unofficial mascot to San Diego, where he was considered the “town dog”. Despite being a street dog, Bum was welcomed in the “finest society” and a place was always ready for him in the best chop house. The town had such appreciation for the dog that an artist painted his portrait, an honor befitting his “place among high society”. Friend shared a story of seeing Bum sneak onto a passenger train heading to Los Angeles. Friend contacted a friend by telegraph to meet him at the train. According to Friend, Bum spent two days exploring Los Angeles before returning home. 

In 1891, San Diego passed an ordinance that required that all dogs be registered. The city council granted Bum a tag for life, “on the grounds that he did more to advertise the city and county than most of the newspapers”. Bum’s image was stamped on all issued dog licenses.

By 1898 Bum, the town dog, was was struggling with rheumatism. After Friend passed away, the Board of Supervisors ordered Bum retired to the County Hospital. He passed away a few months later. A statue of the dog, who was a friend to all, can now be seen in the Gaslamp District of San Diego.