Posted on: February 13, 2022 Posted by: Petsynse Comments: 0

They’re competing for first place in the competition — and in our hearts.

America’s beloved Puppy Bowl is back for its 18th year, and its contestants are ready to rumble.

“These are not trained puppies,” long-time Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner told The Post. “These are dogs in their purest form.”

But the annual puppy palooza serves a larger paw-pose: to find these furry friends a forever family.

In fact, the Puppy Bowl has always had a 100% adoption rate.

“Every Puppy Bowl ends with every single dog being adopted,” Schachner, who has refereed the big game for 11 years, said. “Our goal is to showcase as wide of a variety as possible.”

At the shelters providing the playful pooches, adoption rates also increase after Puppy Bowl every year, he added.

This year is the largest competition yet, with more than 100 dogs from 63 shelters in 33 states, including a pup from Hawaii. This edition also includes the most special needs dogs the Bowl has ever featured.

There’s only one rule in Puppy Bowl: Drag a chew toy into the end zone. Any other calls, Schachner said, are made up on the fly.

“They’re fast and loose rules,” he said. “Its kind of crazy, but it’s controlled chaos.”

You can watch the pumped-up pups attempt to score a touchdown through Discovery+ or live on Animal Planet this Sunday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. EST.

But first, let us introduce teams Ruff and Fluff, who are preparing for the ulti-mutt showdown.

Team Ruff

Contents

Hoku

Hoku
Hoku, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This Hawaiian “star” was born at the Maui Humane Society last year after her mother, who was badly wounded, was brought to the shelter just days prior.

When Hoku was born, the American Staffordshire terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix was timid but sweet after she grew more comfortable, and she was eventually put into a foster home.

That is, until she was adopted right after the taping of Puppy Bowl by the parents of the staffer who fostered her.

“She is extremely intelligent, an incredibly calm and trusting puppy, and uses her hound-dog howl only when appropriate,” said a Puppy Bowl representative, adding that she also loves water. “She really is a special dog.”

Aspen

Aspen, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This Great Pyrenees and Australian shepherd mixed pup from Operation Paws For Homes is ready to ruff up opponents on the field.

Banjo

Banjo
Banjo, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Hailing from Rescue City, Banjo is an American pit bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier mix.

Biff

Biff
Biff, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Biff the Maltese comes from Last Chance Animal Rescue.

Billie

Billie
Billie, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

From Compassion Kind, Billie is an American Staffordshire terrier and American pit bull terrier.

Bimini

Bimini
Bimini, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Bimini is a beagle and Australian cattle dog mix from Orange Twins Rescue.

Cannon

Cannon, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Fire away! This precious toy fox terrier and chihuahua mix from Save An Angel is ready to win it all.

Conchita

Conchita
Conchita, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Coming all the way from the Sunshine State’s Miami-Dade County Animal Services, Conchita the dachshund and chow chow is going for gold.

Ellington

Ellington, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Ellington, from Shaggy Dog Rescue, is a Siberian husky and chow chow mix who’s going to lead the pack to victory.

Ted D. Bear

Ted D Bear
Ted D. Bear, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This cuddly golden doodle hails from Florida Little Dog Rescue — and he’s ready to get some tails wagging on the field.

Tayce

Tayce
Tayce, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Tayce’s heterochromia eyes stun as he vies for the trophy — and a new home. From Orange Twins Rescue, this husky and chihuahua mix is starting for Team Ruff.

Surf

Surf
Surf, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Surf’s up! This Miami-Dade County Animal Services poodle and miniature American shepherd mix is ready to dive into the game.

Snowball

snowball
Snowball, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This pup may seem as delicate as snow, but Snowball, a chihuahua and miniature pinscher from Wagmor Pets, is determined to bring the team to victory.

Ridley

Ridley
Ridley, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Ridley, an adorable border collie from Green Dogs Unleashed, is gearing up to wow on the field, if not with his skills then at least with his ultra-soft fur and piercing eyes.

Scotty

Scotty
Scotty, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

From Match Dog Rescue, Scotty the shih tzu and chihuahua mix is poised to play for Team Ruff at the Puppy Bowl.

Pongo

pongo
Pongo, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

From Green Dogs Unleashed, Pongo the dalmatian is ready to prance and play for the win.

Pops

Pops
Pops, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Pops — a border collie and Labrador retriever mix from the Center for Animal Health & Welfare — is ready to ruff-house the opponents on the field.

Odin

Odin
Odin, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Odin is an American pit bull terrier and Weimaraner mix from Big Fluffy Dog Rescue.

Moby

Moby
Moby, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Moby, a French bulldog from Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, may look like a sweetie, but he’s ready to battle Team Fluff to be the top dog.

Noir

Noir
Noir, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Noir — a name reflecting the Labrador and German shepherd mix’s dark coat — is from Charlie’s Crusaders Pet Rescue.

Ocean

ocean
Ocean, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

MatchDog Rescue’s Ocean, an Australian cattle dog, is ready to fetch first place.

Emmylou

emmylou
Emmylou, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Emmylou is an Australian cattle dog and chihuahua mix from the Anti-Cruelty Society ready to win it all at the Puppy Bowl.

Missy

Missy
Missy, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Hailing from the Providence Animal Shelter, Missy the beagle and Australian cattle dog mix is prepping for her big day leading Team Ruff.

Maribel

maribel
Maribel, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Maribel is a darling Doberman pinscher and Boxer mix from East Greenwich Animal Protection League.

Maisie

Maisie
Maisie, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Maisie, the dough-eyed chihuahua and dachshund mix from Compassion Kind, is repping Team Ruff on Sunday.

Luna

luna
Luna, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Lovely Luna from the Danbury Animal Welfare Society is a basset hound and beagle mix vying for the prize on the field and in viewers’ hearts.

Lulu

Lulu
Lulu, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Lulu, the loveable shih tzu and Pomeranian mix, comes all the way from Pack Leaders Rescue of Connecticut.

Lucy

lucy
Lucy, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Rescue City’s sweet Lucy is an Australian cattle dog and German shepherd mix.

Jackson

Jackson
Jackson, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Jackson, a Belgian Malinois, is bringing his perky ears and big paws to the field all the way from Muddy Paws Rescue.

Team Fluff

Birch

birch
Birch, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

In this game, size doesn’t matter. As the smallest pup in the Bowl, this Chihuahua is ready to race his way to a win (especially if treats are involved).

Birch, from Ninna’s Road to Rescue, was adopted on Thanksgiving Day to a family with five kids, two guinea pigs, a dog and a tree frog.

He’s an avid snuggler and passionate about food, even sitting with his family at the breakfast table after running laps to wake them up. He also loves to play with toys — albeit mostly cat toys since he’s so tiny — making his Puppy Bowl outlook promising.

Cooper Pupp

cooper pupp
Cooper Pupp, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

The goal of Angel City Pit Bulls — where Cooper Pupp is from — is to rescue dogs and support the local community by working with local shelters when they’re in need.

For Cooper Pupp, an American pit bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier mix, he found his way to Angel City Pit Bulls after being at a shelter in south Los Angeles, where he was discovered wandering alone on the streets.

After going into foster care and traveling with Ally Fierke, the director of community outreach for the Puppy Bowl, he found his forever home with a LA family.

A Puppy Bowl representative described him as “a goofy, playful guy who charms all his mom’s coworkers when he goes to work with her.” He also adores the beach and park, and still tries to convince his family he’s a lap dog, despite outgrowing that title.

Wes

Wes
Wes, Team Ruff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Wes, from the Sato Project, is a small chihuahua and golden retriever mix who’s ready to play ball.

Kirby

Kirby
Kirby, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

It’s Kirby, reporting for duty.

He’s a Labrador retriever who is enrolled in a pup-in-training program out of Houston, Texas, in partnership with America’s VetDogs, a New York-based non-profit that provides service dogs for free to veterans and first responders with disabilities.

While he lives with a volunteer puppy-raiser, he regularly attends home games and trains in the NRG stadium to be the best, well-socialized pup around.

Baxter

baxter
Baxter, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Baxter, a perfect pug from Florida Little Dog Rescue, represents Team Fluff.

Benny

Benny
Benny, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Benny is a wheelchair-bound poodle from Bosley’s Place, but don’t be fooled — he’s just as quick as the other pooches at play.

Blondie

Blondie
Blondie, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Blondie, who lives up to her name with the color of her sleek coat, is a beagle and Australian cattle dog mix from Providence Animal Shelter.

Bunny

Bunny
Bunny, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Representing Team Fluff is beloved Bunny from Green Dogs Unleashed, an American pit bull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier mix.

Chorizo

Chorizo
Chorizo, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Chorizo, a small dachshund and American Staffordshire terrier mix, comes to the field from Paws Crossed Animal Rescue.

Dinozzo

Dinozzo
Dinozzo, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Dinozzo, from Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue, is ready to charm his way to the championship.

Wasabi

Wasabi
Wasabi, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

The Sato Project’s wonderful Wasabi (no, not the spicy condiment) is ready to wow the crowd.

Ziggy

Ziggy
Ziggy, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Zany Ziggy is here and ready to rumble all the way from Rescue City.

Squeak

squeak
Squeak, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This Pomeranian and chihuahua mix may seem like a pip-squeak, but the fluffy fur-ball is anything but. Hailing from Florida Little Dog Rescue, Squeak is coming to cause a ruckus.

Sky

Sky
Sky, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Sky, an Australian cattle dog and golden retriever mix, comes from ROAR Animal Shelter.

Sammie

Sammie
Sammie, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This Sammie sweetheart comes from a different beach — the Virginia Beach SPCA — but she’s still ready for some fun on the field.

Rob Gronchowski

Rob gronchowski
Rob Gronchowski, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Forget the human Gronk, this playful pup from Love My Pitties Rescue has the perfect paws to be the better tight-end.

Raspberry

Raspberry
Raspberry, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Raspberry looks as sweet as her namesake, but don’t be fooled — she came for the win. The puny pup comes from the Shaggy Dog Rescue to compete for Team Fluff.

Pudding

Pudding
Pudding, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Look at all that chocolatey goodness! Pudding, a Labrador and American pit bull terrier mix, comes from the Rutland County Humane Society.

Nugget

Nugget
Nugget, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Much like the food, Nugget’s moves on the field are crisp, and the Pembroke Welsh corgi traveled all the way from Florida Little Dog Rescue to take home a win.

Mr. Tinkles

Mr. Tinkles
Mr. Tinkles, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

This shih tzu and Pekingese mix is up for adoption at Shih Tzu & Fur Baby Rescue, and is looking for a win on Sunday as well as a forever family.

Mario

Mario
Mario, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

It’s Mario time! Coming from the Sato Project, this cuddly canine was born to play games — and win.

Mallorie

Mallorie
Mallorie, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Repping Team Fluff, Mallorie comes from Rescue City.

Kali

puppy bowl contestant
Kali, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Kali, a mixed breed pup from Lifeline Puppy Rescue, has the perfect puppy dog eyes — but is it enough to take home gold?

Irwin

irwin
Irwin, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Look at this distinguished gentleman. Irwin, a chihuahua and American put bull terrier mix from the Sato Project, is patiently waiting for a win for Team Fluff.

Firework

Firework
Firework, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Firework, a chihuahua and poodle mix from the Helen Woodward Animal Center, is about to have sparks flying on the field.

Glaze

Glaze
Glaze, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

From Green Dogs Unleashed, Glaze is a chow chow and Alaskan malamute mix ready to make a few touchdowns.

Heidi

heidi
Heidi, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Brought to the Puppy Bowl by Virginia Beach SPCA, Heidi seems timid but she’s prepared to paw her way to a prize.

Forrest

Forrest
Forrest, Team Fluff
discovery+/ Animal Planet/ ‘The

Last but not least, Forrest, a fetching mastiff and cane corso mix from Brandywine Valley SPCA, can only see out of one eye, but is leading his team to triumph just the same.