DOZENS of dogs are set to descend on a park as part of a bully meet-up to end the stigma surrounding the breed.

The Southampton Bully Link Up is being hosted on Sunday, August 28, at Gang Warily Recreation on Newlands Road in Blackfield.

The second southern event will start at 1pm.

Organisers hope to highlight that bully breeds are not bad dogs.

The main focus of the event is the American Bully XL and other bulldog breeds, but any dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome to attend.

Andy Smith owns three XL Bullies, a Presa Canario, and a cockerpoo.

He has played a part in organising the event which will be raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Andy said: "People will give these dogs a bad name, but this is all about showing people that they're not all bad.

"The bully breed has such a bad name because of bad owners, but they are some of the most loving dogs.

"We want to show people that they are lovely dogs with good training and an understanding of the breed."

The day will feature dog behaviourists along with other stalls and activities for dogs and their owners to enjoy.

There will be a burger van, an ice cream van, and a bouncy castle as well as a raffle.

The event will run until 5pm.

The American Bully XL is a breed often mistaken for a Pit Bull Terrier - a breed banned in the UK - due to its size and looks.

However, the American Bully XL is a variety of the American Bully, a designer dog recognised as its own breed by the UK Bully Kennel Club in 2013.

It is believed the breed only dates back to the 1980s, and was bred to be a family companion. It is legal to own an American Bully in the UK.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook