Warning: Cute Dogs! Everything to Know About the 2025 Puppy Bowl

While football fans look forward to Super Bowl Sunday every year, animal lovers look forward to the annual Puppy Bowl! After celebrating their milestone 20th event last year, the Puppy Bowl is set to return to the small screen ahead of the biggest night in football.

Puppy Bowl XXI will highlight over 140 rescue dogs—including 11 special needs pups—and their inspiring journeys from birth to adoption. The dedication of the rescues and shelters will also be explored in the programming.

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"Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl serves as an annual pop culture programming event that continues to expand in reach, awareness and of course, puppies, every year," said Howard Lee, Chief Creative Officer of U.S. Networks and President of Discovery Networks. "Win or lose, Puppy Bowl XXI will have the cutest players in the game and will inspire families across the country to adopt a new furry friend."

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The Puppy Bowl will also feature "Pup Close and Personal" segments, one of which will feature Dan Smyers of three-time Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay, who will bring a rescue pup from Wags & Walks Nashville backstage at one of his concerts to boost their chances of finding a forever home.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and his girlfriend Nani will also visit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, where they will meet Parnsip, who will compete in the games. The duo will spend time helping train the Pit bull-mix and explain the kind of home that would be a perfect fit for him.

Keep reading for everything to know about the 2025 Puppy Bowl:

When is the 2025 Puppy Bowl?

The 2025 Puppy Bowl will take place on Sunday, Feb. 9, ahead of Super Bowl LIX, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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How to watch the 2025 Puppy Bowl

The Puppy Bowl will be simulcast on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, TBS, truTV, MAX and Discovery+ with a reimagined Puppy Bowl XXI Kickoff Show at 1 p.m. ET.

What time is the 2025 Puppy Bowl?

Puppy Bowl XXI will take place at 2 p.m. ET.

Who are the puppies up for adoption in the 2025 Puppy Bowl lineup?

The three-hour event will feature 142 rescue puppies from 80 different shelters across 40 states and two countries—the most puppies in Puppy Bowl history.

Julep, the first-ever St. Bernard-mix, and Smoosh, the only Pekingese to compete in the games, will take the field for Team Fluff. Pug-Chihuahua mix Mr. Pickles and his Chihuahua-German shepherd teammate Tuani will take the field as part of the starting lineup for Team Ruff.

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Eleven special needs dogs will also get their change to show what they've got during the matchup. Jolene, an American Pit bull terrier-mix will be competing in a wheelchair, while Sprinkle, a blind and hearing-impaired Australian shepherd-mix will also show viewers what they've got.

2025 Puppy Bowl Lineup

Here's a few of the 142 dogs who will be featured on the 2025 Puppy Bowl.

<p>Shadow - Team Fluff</p>Animal Planet

Shadow - Team Fluff

Animal Planet

View the 12 images of this gallery on the original article

Viewers can also vote for their favorite Starting Lineup Player ahead of the game—and see the full lineup—at PuppyBowl.com.

Does the Puppy Bowl have a Halftime Show?

Yes, the Puppy Bowl has a halftime show: the Kitty Halftime Show, presented by Arm & Hammer HardBall litter.

How to help animals from your couch on Super Bowl Sunday

Fans will be able to see the puppies (and a few kittens) that are available for adoption during the game in the programming event's Adoptables segments.

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