Puppy Bowl 2026 Photos: See The Adorable Shelter Dogs Competing This Year! – Patch

NEW YORK, NY — Puppy Bowl XXII officially commences on Sunday, when 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands will compete on two teams: Team Fluff and Team Ruff. The Puppy Bowl first made its debut in 2005 as counter-programming to the Super Bowl.
This year though is not just about the puppies as senior dogs will be showcased during halftime in the ultimate showdown. “Everyone wants the puppy and, unfortunately, the reality of puppyhood is it’s tough,” says Victoria Schade, the show’s lead dog trainer and wrangler. “I think people don’t realize that until they’re deep in the thick of it. That’s the beauty of an older dog, an adult dog, a senior dog: They bring a different sort of calm.”
This annual event is not just an excuse to watch cute puppies play together. It helps shine light on animals that need homes. The 2026 Puppy Bowl will air simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+.
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