With anticipation building across the airwaves, Puppy Bowl XXI is set to delight animal lovers and sports fans alike on Sunday, February 9, 2025. The iconic event will air at 2 p.m. ET, with the Puppy Bowl Kickoff starting at 1 p.m. ET on Animal Planet and various streaming platforms. This year, the adorable competition will feature 142 puppies hailing from 80 shelters and rescues across 40 states, promising to be the most heartwarming spectacle yet.
Among the standout participants are eleven charming pups from Florida, including Smoosh, the first Pekingese ever to grace the Puppy Bowl field, and Kiki, the lovable Chihuahua mix touted as both the team's water girl and resident nap enthusiast. These fluffy contenders will compete on Team Fluff against Team Ruff, which includes dogs like Sky from St. Petersburg. Each dog will not only vie for the coveted 'Lombarky' trophy but will also aim for titles such as Most Valuable Puppy (MVP) and the Subaru Underdog Award.
For the first time, the Puppy Bowl will feature the Puppy Combine, where ten puppy prospects will showcase their skills and attempts to impress the trainers. This unique draft-esque segment allows for fun and engaging practice drills leading up to the main event. Fans are even encouraged to vote for their favorite pups during the "Pupularity Playoffs" on PuppyBowl.com, highlighting the interactive nature of this year's festivities.
Reflecting on the essence of this tail-wagging competition, Warner Bros. Discovery emphasizes Puppy Bowl XXI's dual purpose: to entertain and to promote pet adoption. "While their hearts race on the field, our goal is to showcase the inspiring journeys of these puppies from shelters to loving homes," the network declared.
Notably, this year features eleven special needs dogs, highlighting their resilience and spirit, including Jolene, a pit bull terrier mix competing with the aid of a wheelchair, and Sprinkle, who is blind and deaf. The sheer number of dogs participating, alongside the special features, aims to underline the significance of animal rescue and adoption, as Dan Schachner, the show's veteran referee, mentioned, "It's incredible to watch their spirit shine through, reminding us all of their remarkable stories."
The Puppy Bowl has become synonymous not just with canine cuteness but with making powerful statements about animal welfare since its inception as counterprogramming to the Super Bowl back in 2005. Dan Schachner, who returns for his 14th year on the show, is also excited for the upcoming contest. He praised Puppy Bowl lead trainer Victoria Schade who, for nearly 19 years, has ensured the puppies' well-being and made the competition enjoyable for each participant. "She’s really the heart and soul behind the scenes," Schachner stated. "Her dedication to these dogs is unmatched."
This year is particularly special as Schade steps onto the screen for the Puppy Bowl Kickoff. Known informally as the ‘puppy whisperer,’ she has spent years training the adorable athletes, promoting positive reinforcement training, and ensuring the pups are always happy and healthy. Her spirited interactions go beyond traditional training methods; she has even become adept at reading the puppies’ body language, offering timely breaks when they appear overwhelmed.
The event’s playful format will be punctuated by segments featuring guest appearances, including Dan Smyers of the country duo Dan + Shay, alongside Kansas City Chiefs' defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, adding to the star-studded experience for fans at home.
Each participating puppy has its spotlight moment, and many will find their forever homes right from the broadcast, thanks to the show’s extensive promotion of adoption. Working alongside community animal shelters, producers strive to create awareness about rescue opportunities. From joyful antics to tender moments, Puppy Bowl XXI will showcase the importance of fostering love for our furry friends.
Viewers can watch Puppy Bowl XXI on various platforms including Discovery Channel, TBS, and truTV, along with streaming options from services like Max and Discovery+. It promises to be more than just viewing fun; it cultivates compassion and urges millions to adopt pets, making it one of the most beloved entertainment events of the year.
This lovingly crafted three-hour broadcast—featuring playful touchdowns, amusing game day follies, and astonishing athleticism from these adorable breeds—will reaffirm the show’s mission: advocating for pet adoption and celebrating the spirited personalities of shelter dogs.
Puppy Bowl XXI not only serves as a delightful diversion before the Super Bowl but as a reminder of the joy and companionship dogs bring to our lives. Tune in on February 9 to meet the star-studded lineup of players, including Rory, who will represent Big Lake Humane Society, and plenty of other dynamic pups from various shelters, set to steal the show and your heart!