Puppy Bowl Watch Guide 2026: How to Watch, Starting Lineup & Halftime Show
It might not be the Big Game, but it's definitely the Goodest Game. Move over Super Bowl 2026, because the Puppy Bowl returns on Sunday. This year we'll get 150 adoptable puppies from 72 shelters battling it out in Puppy Bowl XXII.
When Team Ruff and Team Fluff break in their clash for the Lombarky Trophy, we get a special treat this year: a dedicated senior dog halftime show. Here is your guide to the 2026 Puppy Bowl, with kickoff times and the starting lineups.
🐶 What is the Puppy Bowl?
The Puppy Bowl is the world's most ahhh-inspiring competition. It was created as a lightheaded alternative to the Super Bowl, a showcase of adoptable doggos "competing" in a miniature football stadium.
The goal is simple: move a chew toy across the field to score touchdowns. Referee Dan Schachner oversees all the action, making sure there are no penalties like "ruffing the passer."
While the field is full of the goodest boys and girls, and the slow-motion replays will keep you entertained throughout, there is also an excellent cause at play. Every puppy is available for adoption from a real shelter or rescue. The game promotes pet adoption - and has a 100% adoption rate.
🐕 Team Ruff vs. Team Fluff
See the full rosters at www.puppybowl.com. Most of the adorable animal descriptions below courtesy of Animal Planet.
Team Ruff
Looking to avenge last season's defeat with some outstanding competitors taking the field, including:
- Brulee: A Boston terrier/French bulldog mix from Green Dogs Unleashed, over 20 pounds of muscle and joy and mini-raptor energy
- Button: A Boston terrier/beagle mix from Nickel City Canine Rescue, doesn't back down from the big dogs
- Carrie Pawshaw: Norwegian elkhound/American eskimo dog mix from Paws Across Pittsburgh, faster than a subway train
- Litchi: French bulldog/American staffordshire terrier mix from Angel City Pit Bulls, might be one ear down but has two eyes on the prize
- Lobster Roll: Bulldog/Border collie mix from Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, can't be buttered up
- Miss Coco: American staffordshire terrier/chow chow mix from Humane Society of the British Virgin Islands, relentless as the tide
- Oscar: Toy poodle from Phoenix Animal Rescue, one smol puppy stampede
- RuPaw: Boston terrier from Bosley's Place, might actually be scared of the ball
Team Fluff
Back to defend its crown, featuring:
- Showgirl: Chow chow/Rottweiler mix from Kentucky Human Society, move over Bryant Reeves, Showgirl in the real Big Country
- Chappell Bone: Pembroke welsh corgi from Florida LIttle Dog Rescue, not scared of Florida Gators and not scared of you
- Benitor: Siberian husky/Chihuahua mix from The Sato Project, blink and you'll miss him
- Cheesecake: Shih tzu/mini schnauzer mix from Human Society of Missouri, zero empty calories when the competition is for dessert
- Fudge: Pomeranian/Chihuahua mix from SPCA LA, small frame, big game
- Josh Howlin': Beagle/American pit bull terrier mix from Buddy's Second Chance Rescue in Buffalo, looking to lead to his team to more success than the Bills
- Rhett: Bassett hound from Homeward Bound, got something you want to say? he's all ears
- Wynonna: Mini American shepherd/shih tzu from Kentucky Humane Society, still has a leg up despite having three legs
Check out all the competitors in the video below and head to puppybowl.com/vote to help settle the Popularity Playoffs.
🩷 Special breeds with special needs
This year we're also treated to 15 special doggos with special needs, highlighting how all breeds and needs are important to consider for apodption. The game will feature a mix of puppies that are deaf, have heart problems, suffer from diabetes, are visually impaired, have 3-legs and one that uses a canine wheelchair.
You'll be able to learn all about the best boys and girls in the game's "Pup Close and Personal" segments.
🐰 No need for good or bad bunnies when you have senior dogs (and kitties!)
The halftime show will feature a showdown of senior dogs, who are equally deserving of your oohs and aahs and often come with a more serene presence than their younger brethren.
This year we're treated to Team Oldies vs. Team Goldies at the break, and a reminder that sometimes the best companions we can adopt are those that need love and care as they reach the prime of their lives.
We'll also get a sort-of Kitty Halftime Show, but it's going to be different. They'll be hanging out in the Temptations Skybox and will participate in specific segments instead of having the field to themselves.
🔮 Predictions
Look, here's the prediction: we all win when we watch the Puppy Bowl, and the dogs all win if they're adopted.
But, as a man who shares his life with two Boston terriers, I'll be rooting for the Team Ruff squad featuring three of the mini-velociraptors.
📺 How to watch the 2026 Puppy Bowl
- Date: Sunday, Feb. 8
- Kickoff: 2 p.m. ET (pregame show starts at 1 p.m. ET)
- TV/Streaming: Animal Planet, Discovery Discovery+, HBO Max, TBS, and truTV
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