DOG owners travelled from across the country to attend an event aimed at showcasing the American Bully breed as well as raising money for charity.

The Southampton Bully Link Up aimed to dispel some of the myths surrounding the dogs, which are often confused with American Pitbull Terriers.

Organisers included Andy Smith, 38, of Netley View, Hythe, who hopes the event will raise hundreds of pounds for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Patients include his four-year-old daughter Sienna, who was born with a rare condition called goldenhar, which affects the development of the eyes, ears and spine.

Daily Echo: Andy Smith, far left, with fellow owners of American Bully dogs.Andy Smith, far left, with fellow owners of American Bully dogs.

Goldenhar, which can also affect the heart, lungs and kidneys, is caused by problems that occur when the fetus is forming within the mother's womb.

Some estimates suggest it could affect as few as one in every 25,000 babies.

Sienna, who has scoliosis and other conditions, has been to Great Ormond Street about 15 times over the past four years. Her treatment has included two operations.

Andy said: "It doesn't really affect her at the moment - she runs around like anything - but it's so rare we don't really know what's likely to happen in the future."

Southampton Bully Link Up was held at Gang Warily Recreation Centre in Newlands Road, Blackfield, on Sunday.

The American Bully breed was established in the 1990s with the aim of creating "the ultimate family companion".

Experts say they are calmer and more relaxed than their pitbull counterparts, but breeders acknowledge they can be dangerous if raised incorrectly.

Daily Echo: Supporters of American Bully dogs gather at Gang Warily Recreation Centre in Newlands Road, Blackfield.Supporters of American Bully dogs gather at Gang Warily Recreation Centre in Newlands Road, Blackfield.

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

Fellow organiser Chris Francis, of Southampton, said people had travelled to the event from places as far afield as Wales and Manchester.

He added: "American Bully dogs used to be quite rare in this country but they're becoming more and more popular.

"They are big powerful dogs - and big powerful dogs are sometimes owned by a certain type of person."

Defending American Bullies against allegations of aggression, he said: "Any type of dog can become aggressive if they're in the wrong hands - it's all about training.

"We've got a hundred dogs here and there's no aggression - they're all as good as gold."

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