Puppy Bowl 2026 Showcases Adorable Shelter Dogs

The annual event features 150 dogs from 72 shelters competing on Team Fluff and Team Ruff.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Puppy Bowl XXII will air on Sunday, with 150 dogs from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands competing on two teams: Team Fluff and Team Ruff. This year's event will also showcase senior dogs during halftime, highlighting the importance of adopting older pets.

Why it matters

The Puppy Bowl helps shine a light on shelter animals in need of homes, providing an opportunity for viewers to learn about the benefits of adopting adult and senior dogs in addition to puppies.

The details

The Puppy Bowl first debuted in 2005 as counter-programming to the Super Bowl. This year's event will air simulcast across Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+. The show's lead dog trainer and wrangler, Victoria Schade, notes that while puppies are often the most popular, adult and senior dogs can make great companions and bring a 'different sort of calm'.

  • Puppy Bowl XXII will air on Sunday, February 9, 2026.
  • The Puppy Bowl first made its debut in 2005.

The players

Victoria Schade

The show's lead dog trainer and wrangler.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone wants the puppy and, unfortunately, the reality of puppyhood is it's tough. 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.”

— Victoria Schade, Lead dog trainer and wrangler

What’s next

The 2026 Puppy Bowl will air on Sunday, February 9, 2026, across multiple networks.

The takeaway

The Puppy Bowl highlights the importance of adopting shelter animals, including adult and senior dogs, and provides an opportunity for viewers to learn about the benefits of opening their homes to pets in need.