Lainey, a 15-month-old rescue dog from Rangiora, snatched the win in this year’s Facebook competition, finishing more than 100 votes ahead of runner-up Moose, a German Shorthaired Pointer.

For owner Natalie Powell, the win is a celebration of a dog who makes friends with everyone wherever she goes.

"She comes everywhere and does everything," Natalie says. "She's a real social butterfly. She just assumes everyone loves her."

Known affectionately as "Hey Bro" because of the way she raises her eyebrows to greet people, Lainey became a favourite at the North Canterbury Dog Training Club, where she quickly progressed from puppy classes to canine good citizen training.

"She loves everyone," Natalie says. "At training she had to go around and kiss everybody first."

Before finding her forever home, Lainey had a difficult start to life. She was suffering from worms and campylobacter and was fostered by veterinarian Jess Yardley from Pringle and Marshall Petmed before Natalie adopted her at seven weeks old.

Natalie had approached Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue looking for a puppy after losing her previous bulldog.

"They told me she was a soft, gentle, quiet little girl," Natalie laughs. "I was looking for something a bit more boisterous. We reluctantly went to meet her, and she was the devil. She did all these really naughty things and we just said, 'She's perfect.'"

A DNA test revealed Lainey is a mix of nine different breeds, including a "supermutt" combination, and Natalie says her intelligence stands out.

"She's got a brain and excels at tricks. She's sassy, she's naughty, but she's smart. As soon as I leave the house, she's up on the table or kitchen bench."

When she isn’t busy at home playing with her best friend, Betty the goat, Lainey loves visiting her favourite local spots, Pines Beach and Baynons Brake Horse Park.

The bull breed community rallied behind Lainey for this year’s Dog of the District, which coincides with the dog registration renewal period. Natalie says support also poured in from her friends in the volunteer fire service, where she has served for nearly 20 years.

"As a puppy she used to come to fire training with me," Natalie says. "We even have matching jackets. You've got to have matching jackets with your dog."

Lainey is also proving to be a wonderful ambassador for rescue dogs and bull breeds.

Abbey van der Plas, founder of Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue, said she was happy to see a rescue dog not only represented but win this year’s competition.

“Lainey is a fantastic example of what second chances can look like for shelter dogs. I hope this encourages others to look for their next best friend in a rescue or shelter.”

Don’t forget to renew your dog registration

The Council is urging dog owners to renew their dog registration by Friday 31 July, before the late fee is applied. Payment can be made at any Council service centre or online. See waimakariri.govt.nz/dogs for more information.

Lainey would go to fire training with Natalie as a pup.