It’s almost time for Puppy Bowl XIX! The event, put on by Animal Planet, is returning for its 19th year. On Super Bowl Sunday, you’ll be able to watch rescue dogs compete in a canine version of football.
Prepare for the Puppy Bowl
Puppy Bowl 2023 promises to be epic. Participation is at its highest level yet, with 122 four-legged players from 67 shelters and rescue organizations squaring off on either Team Ruff or Team Fluff in an attempt to win the coveted “Lombarky” trophy.
This year, there are 11 furry “players” with special needs showing off their athletic skills. We’re going to give you the run-down so you know who to expect in this must-see competition.
Meet the Canine Competitors
Mini: This little sweetheart lost a leg when she was just a young pup but is incredibly agile with the three legs she does have. She comes to the competition from Rescue Dogs Rock in New York City.
Julius: This pup, representing Green Dogs Unleashed in Troy, Virginia, was born with hearing loss. A Puppy Bowl veteran and deaf Dalmatian named Hank is helping him prepare for the challenges ahead.
Mykonos: This fur baby was born with a cleft palate and could not nurse, so a dog breeder surrendered her to Bosley’s Place in Smyrna, Georgia. There, she learned how to drink and eat despite the condition, so she is now an enthusiastic, playful pup.
Little Mighty: This pooch lost a leg due to an injury. His previous parent couldn’t afford to get it treated, so they surrendered Little Mighty to Indy Humane in Indianapolis. The disability hasn’t stopped the dog from being an active, fun-loving guy, though.
Stardust: This pooch from Danbury Animal Welfare Society in Bethel, Connecticut, only has one eye, but he has competitive spirit to spare – and he’s always down for a game of fetch.
Marmalade: This fur baby from Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser, Idaho, has hearing loss and broke the right side of her jaw due to a fall, but she’s grown into a force to be reckoned with!
Clover: This fur baby has overcome the odds. As a puppy, she was almost euthanized due to a fused front leg, but Rescue Dogs Rock in New York City intervened and vowed to help her fulfill her destiny. She’s now the life of the party!
Joey: This pup was born without front legs, a condition which prevented his former family from caring for him. Vintage Pet Rescue in Foster, Rhode Island, took in the canine, and now he enjoys interacting with other special needs dogs and making everyone’s day.
Cheeky Tinker: As unique as her name suggests, this pup was surrendered to Green Dogs Unleashed in Troy, Virginia, after her former family learned she had a hearing impairment. Today, she’s a model canine, impressing every human she meets and setting a high standard for behavior.
Bea: This dog, who is deaf, hails from ARF Beacon in Beacon, New York, which also assists her sister. Together, they’ve become quite the pair of cutie pies.
Kayden: This pup, who has hearing impairment, is known as “one of the happiest balls of fluff in existence,” according to People and her caretakers at Green Dogs Unleashed in Troy, Virginia.
See all these amazing canines perform masterful displays of physical prowess at the Puppy Bowl XIX, which airs on Animal Planet on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT.
