Ballymahon's Summer crowned North Leinster & Ulster Puppy of the Year

Summer, a Labradoodle-Bernese Mountain Dog cross from Ballymahon, has been crowned North Leinster & Ulster winner at Petmania Puppy of the Year 2026.

Owned by David Keenan, Summer was one of 26 county finalists at the Grand Final, held at Pet Expo at the National Show Centre in Dublin.

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.

Now in its eleventh year, the competition attracted 1,414 puppy entries from across Ireland.

Speaking about how Summer chose him and made his house feel like home, owner David Keenan said: “We entered 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 in 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 and 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.”

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

Joining Summer on the winners’ podium are the other 2026 provincial winners from South Leinster, Munster, Connacht and the overall winner, Ivy, a Dalmatian from Ballina, Mayo, owned by Aoife Tompkins.

Previous overall winners have come from Westmeath, Laois, Dublin, Sligo, Kerry, Limerick, Carlow and Galway.

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.