People tend to think bully dog breeds like pit bulls are vicious, but Francisco Soto disagrees.

"It's an awesome breed," he said. Bully breeds are "loving and loyal," said Soto, a member of the Shogunz Bully Crew. These dogs are also "very good with kids," he said. In fact, "they were formerly known as nanny dogs."

Over time people ended up breeding and using these types of dogs "for the wrong reason," he said, and now everybody associates pit bulls with viciousness.

"We want people to see them as they really are," Soto said referring to the bully breed.

And to do that local kennels along the American Bully Kennel Club, Sparta Boxing and El Centro Police Activity League organized "Bringing The Bully Heat To The Imperial Valley." 

This is the first time a bully breed show and competition is being held in the Valley, said the event's director Fernie Lara.

"We need to educate people about this misunderstood breed," he said.

The event will take place at the Ryerson Youth Center and while gates open at 8 a.m., registration for dogs runs from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

The show starts at noon and no aggressive dogs will be allowed, according to Soto.

To register, a $20 temporary ABKC registration will be required, Soto said.

Dogs can be registered in five size categories, he said, and an ABKC judge will determine which dogs are the best.

The fee for the public is $10 and $5 for dogs "if you want to bring your dogs," Soto said.

Food vendors, a disc jockey, a jumper for kids, and the possibility for prizes are also in the program, while proceeds will be donated to local agencies.

Hundreds of bully dogs, all getting along, is what will happen at the event, Soto said.

"But in order to believe it," he said, "you have to see it."

If you go

What — "Bringing The Bully Heat To The Imperial Valley"

When — noon today

Where — Ryerson Youth Center, 1100 Fourth St., El Centro

Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com

To comment on this story click here to be directed to Facebook.