South Longford Labradoodle-Bernese Mountain Dog crowned provincial Puppy of the Year

Summer, a Labradoodle-Bernese Mountain Dog cross belonging to David Keenan from Ballymahon has been crowned North Leinster and Ulster provincial winner Petmania Puppy of the Year 2026.

Owned by hairdresser and owner of The Hair Doc, Keenagh, David Keenan, Summer was one of 26 county finalists at the Grand Final, held at Pet Expo at the National Show Centre in Dublin on Saturday, October 17. The competition attracted 1,414 entries nationwide, with Summer taking her title ahead of six fellow finalists from Cavan, Donegal, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Westmeath.

Speaking about how Summer chose him and made his house feel like home, owner David Keenan said:

“We entered Petmania Puppy of the Year because Summer is so worth it. No matter where we go, who we meet, Summer turns heads. My last dog was a German Shepherd called Storm. I drove for miles in a storm to pick her up, and that’s where her name came from. Then along came Summer. I met five bundles of joy, but one stood out - the shy, placid, curious one. She walked over to me, looked into my eyes and sat on my shoe, as much as to say, ‘You’re mine.’ I picked her up and she just smelled like fresh summer air on a lovely summer’s evening. I knew then that Summer had to be her name. She really has made my house feel like home.”

He added: “For anyone considering a puppy, my advice is: ask to see both parents, take your time. Make sure the puppy wants you just as much as you want them. Allow them to choose you. Teach them, train them, spend quality time and you will be rewarded.”

The event was hosted by Eurovision legend and animal welfare advocate Linda Martin and brought together the finalists, their families and the Petmania team to celebrate the puppies.

Speaking about this year’s competition, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania, said:

“We were delighted to see communities across Ireland get behind all of our Provincial Winners, as well as the 26 county finalists who made it to the Grand Final. At Petmania, we’re passionate about celebrating the joy puppies bring to our lives and ensuring new owners have access to the expert advice, products and services they need to give their puppy the best possible start.”

Summer took the North Leinster & Ulster title ahead of six fellow county finalists: Chluaidh, a West Highland White Terrier from Shercock, Co Cavan, owned by Ray Walsh and Julie Kavanagh; Freddie, a Cavapoo from Castlefin, Co Donegal, owned by Kaera Brennan; Bowzer, an English Bulldog from Co Louth, owned by Jasmin Kerr; Tara, a Bernese Mountain Dog from Athboy, Co Meath, owned by Alma McClorey; Ted, a Maltese from Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, owned by Jennifer Cannon; and Milo, a Dachshund from Athlone, Co Westmeath, owned by Kiara Touhey.

Entries opened on September 1, welcoming puppies from all 26 counties. Following two rounds of public voting, one finalist from each county progressed to the Grand Final, where judges selected four Provincial Winners before choosing the Overall Winner.

Previous Overall Winners have come from Westmeath, Laois, Dublin, Sligo, Kerry, Limerick, Carlow and Galway. This year’s Overall Winner, Ivy, is the first dog from County Mayo – and the first Dalmatian – to take the title.

Prizes worth €2,500 were available throughout the competition, including puppy food, grooming and Pet Expo tickets. The Overall Winner receives 12 monthly grooming visits at Petmania, a 12-month supply of food from WELLNESS CORE, a two-night Ireland’s Blue Book stay for the puppy and two of their favourite humans, a professional photoshoot and a 12-month role as a Petmania Brand Ambassador.

Petmania continues to champion responsible pet ownership through initiatives such as Puppy of the Year, alongside its expert advice, in-store services and ongoing support to help pets and their owners enjoy happy, healthy lives together.