"Huntaways and crosses are popular as pets in rural areas because as working dogs age and need to retire, these dogs are available as pets or semi-retirement on lifestyle properties."
While huntaways take the lead in CHB, the most popular dog nationwide is the labrador retriever.
Huntaways and border collies ranked second and third, which can likely be attributed to the county's rural communities.
Phillips said there are visibly a lot of huntaways around.
"There are often surplus puppies or unplanned litters available," she said.
The Waipukurau-based veterinarian has owned her huntaway, Jack, for five years.
She got him as a 2-year-old after an injury ended his working life.
"He isn't that keen on stock work but will provide some form of help by barking when we are moving calves and sheep," she said. "He's more of a pet and a gentle giant who everyone loves."
Phillips did warn that huntaways need a lot of exercise and attention as they were bred to be a working animal with a purpose.
Last year's most popular names for our canine companions were Bella and Charlie, according to the survey.
Bella the heading huntaway-cross shop dog at Griffiths Footwear, Hastings. Photo / File
Griffiths Footwear in Hastings has a friendly pooch named Bella, and the shop dog is often stationed at the store providing tail wags and affection to customers.
Nine years old, Bella is a rescued heading huntaway-cross - and loves sleeping and being patted.
Wairoa followed CHB in fifth place in the rankings, with 358 dogs per capita – and the district's most popular breed is also the huntaway.
The northern Hawke's Bay district has 3123 dogs for its population of 8720.
The South Island district of Hurunui tops the rankings with 421 dogs per 1000 people, having 5451 registered canines to its human population of 12,950. Hurunui's most sought-after breed is the smooth collie.
Hastings district in 52nd spot has 11,081 dogs with a human population of 84,700 – the most common breed in the area is the golden retriever.
Napier was 60th on the list with only 94 dogs per 1000 people and its favourite breed is the labrador retriever.
The more densely populated areas were shown to have much fewer dogs per capita.
Wellington City ranked in last place, recording the lowest number of a mere 58 dogs per 1000 people.
