Ireland’s pet experts, Petmania, proudly announced the winner of the 2025 Petmania Puppy of the Year competition in a tail-wagging finale at Dublin’s Pet Expo on Saturday, 18th October.
Marking the tenth year of the beloved contest, this nationwide campaign celebrates Ireland’s most cherished puppies, with entries welcomed from all 26 counties. A record-breaking 1,700 puppies competed for the prestigious title this year. From this incredible number of entrants, the judges first shortlisted three finalists from each county. Two rounds of public voting then determined the 26 county finalists, before the judges selected the four provincial winners and, ultimately, the All-Ireland winner at the live Pet Expo in Dublin.
Kevin, a 4 month old Irish Wolfhound from Galway City, has been named Petmania’s Puppy of the Year 2025. The winning pup captured the hearts of judges with their personality, obedience, and special charm. The proud owners, Erin Rietz and John Crowley received a prize package worth €2,500, including a 12 month grooming visits at Petmania, a year’s supply of food from BETA, a two-night stay in a dog-friendly hotel courtesy of Ireland’s Blue Book, as well as a professional photoshoot and a brand ambassador contract with Petmania for The next year.
The four provincial winners were also announcement at the event. South Leinster's winner was Jack Russell cross Willow from Kilkenny; flying the flag for Munster was Maltipoo Indiana Bones from Tipperary; Connacht winner was Irish Wolfhound Kevin from Galway, and proudly representing Ulster and North Leinster was Brody from Longford.
Speaking about this year’s Petmania Puppy of the Year competition, Emily Miller, Marketing Manager at Petmania said:
“Reaching the 10th year of Petmania’s Puppy of the Year is a truly special milestone for us at Petmania. Year after year, we are absolutely blown away by the passion and love from Ireland’s pet parents. This year alone, we had a record-breaking 1,700 adorable entrants from every corner of the country! The grand finale at Dublin’s Pet Expo was a joy to host, bringing together so many wagging tails and proud owners. This competition is more than just a title – it’s a celebration of love, loyalty, and the joy pets bring into our lives every day.”
Erin Rietz and John Crowley, proud owners of Petmania's Puppy of the Year 2025 added:
“We had been looking for a big dog for so long and it took almost two years before we found Kevin. We were absolutely set on getting a female puppy, but when we went to choose one from the litter, Kevin completely charmed us. He watched our every move until we were about to leave, then calmly sat between our legs - Kevin chose us! The very first place we took him was a Petmania store to pick up all his puppy essentials, and that’s when we discovered the Petmania Puppy of the Year competition and a dream was born! We're so proud of Kevin for being the first Irish Wolfhound to win in Petmania’s Puppy of the Year history. We also want to thank Galway for getting behind its favourite pup!”
The annual Petmania Puppy of the Year competition was open to puppies aged 12 months and under. All entrants received a free Puppy Pack sponsored by BETA dog food and an exclusive discount code for puppy essentials. Judges first shortlisted three puppies from each county, before two rounds of public voting determined the 26 county finalists. From this selection, the judges then chose the provincial winners and, ultimately, the All-Ireland Petmania Puppy of the Year.
Petmania has 17 stores across Ireland, over 260 employees and the largest dog grooming business in the country. For more information about Petmania, the latest advice on pet healthcare and wellbeing, and to find your local store, visit www.petmania.ie
