Puppy Bowl 2013: MVP Goes to Schnauzer/Beagle Mix Marta

Puppy Bowl IX is now history, and the MVP — Most Valuable Puppy — has been crowned. 

Of of the 63 puppies that competed in Sunday's pre-Super Bowl showdown, it was a female Schnauzer/Beagle mix Marta who USA Today reports out-hustled and out-muscled dogs twice her size. 

"Marta's tiny, but she's not delicate, and she is deceptively athletic, which kind of tricked the bigger dogs," USA Today quotes Daniel Schachner, who acted as "The Ref" on the field, as saying. 

Possibly the best aspect of Puppy Bowl? Shelters see a spike in adoptions. The puppies participating in this year's event came from shelters around the country and, according to USA Today, all have been adopted.

Looking to adopt a pet? Check out the local organization Walton Animal Guild and visit Walton County Animal Control to meet a new furry friend. You might also be interested in checking out Friends of Walton County Animal Control.

Click here to check out highlights of this year's Puppy Bowl, and here's the starting lineup. There's an option to "View As One Page." Click that so you don't miss any of the cuteness. We've painstakingly narrowed down the contenders to five adorable puppies and we want to know which one you think should take the prize for cutest canine on the field.