Is your K9 our A1 pup?

The search is on for a trio of charismatic canines to be immortalised in print as part of Newcastle City Council's campaign to promote responsible dog ownership.

From today, an online competition will encourage Novocastrians to post a favourite photo of their four-legged friend to Council's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram feeds.

Entries will be judged by a panel of Council staff. Winning photos will be sent to local illustrator Judy Nadin, who will create a cartoon likeness of each of the three victors.

"We're looking for three cute, cool or downright charming pooches to join our existing K9 team," Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said.

"These illustrations are a simple, fun way to get our message across about responsible dog ownership, and so far they've proved very effective.

"We've already got a boxer, silky terrier, bull terrier, cattle dog, Staffordshire bull terrier, spaniel, poodle and Jack Russell terrier in the mix, but we want to add a few more breeds to our inventory."

Cr Nelmes said the best-looking hounds were not necessarily the ones with the best chance of winning.

"It doesn't matter if your dog is young or old, big or small - if they've got a bit of spunk about them, we want to meet them," she said.

The competition will run until Thursday 25 January. To enter, follow Newcastle City Council on Facebook (@newcastlecouncil), Twitter (@citynewcastle) or Instagram (@citynewcastle) and either post a photo of your dog to our wall or send one via private message.

Terms and conditions apply.