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

These adorable dogs will take center stage at the Puppy Bowl XXII.

David Allen, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
This image released by Warner Bros. Discovery shows dogs participating in Puppy Bowl XXII, airing Sunday across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+.
This image released by Warner Bros. Discovery shows dogs participating in Puppy Bowl XXII, airing Sunday across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+. (Ryan Muir/Warner Bros. Discovery via AP)

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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Check out photos from the Puppy Bowl XXII below!

This image released by Warner Bros. Discovery shows dogs participating in Puppy Bowl XXII, airing Sunday across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+. (Ryan Muir/Warner Bros. Discovery via AP)
This image released by Warner Bros. Discovery shows puppies participating in Puppy Bowl XXII, airing Sunday across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+. (Ryan Muir/Warner Bros. Discovery via AP)
This image released by Warner Bros. Discovery shows dogs participating in Puppy Bowl XXII, airing Sunday across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+. (Ryan Muir/Warner Bros. Discovery via AP)

Find out what's happening in New York Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Molly Ringwald (R) and Panio Gianopoulos attend Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
Elias Weis Friedman attends Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
Lindsey Coffey and Dan Schachner attends Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
Oona Laurence (L) attends Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
Amir Arison attends Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
Dan Schachner and Isabel Klee attend Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
Molly Ringwald attends Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)
L-R) Phillip Salem and Mila Jam attend Puppy Bowl XXII Press Event on February 03, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Discovery)

Meet some of the dogs!

Aloe from Paws Crossed in New York. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Aurelia from Humane Society of Harrisburg in Pennsylvania. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Buster from Compassion Kind in Florida. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Doodle from Providence Animal Center in Pennsylvania. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Huckleberry from Bosley's Place in Georgia. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Jolene from Humane Society of Dayton in Ohio. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Josie from Bosley's Place in Georgia. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Linen from Dog Star Rescue in Connecticut. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Maya from Operation Paws in Virginia. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Sarge from Angel City Pit Bull in California. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Violet from Barky Pines Animal Rescue in Florida. (Warner Bros. Discovery)
Zoey from Danbury Animal Welfare Society in Connecticut. (Warner Bros. Discovery)

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