In a bark-tastic showdown that promises more wagging tails than ever, the Puppy Bowl 2025 is setting the stage for an epic face-off between Team Ruff and Team Fluff. This year, the furry contest boasts its largest lineup yet, with 142 spirited puppies from 80 shelters across 40 states and two countries vying for the prestigious ‘Lombarky’ trophy and the title of Most Valuable Pup.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday, excitement is building for what is lovingly hailed as ‘the cutest competition of the year.’ The Puppy Bowl, now in its 21st iteration, continues to charm viewers with its heartwarming mission—showcasing adorable adoptable pups while promoting pet adoption.
Referee Dan Schachner, a seasoned veteran in his 14th year officiating the event, is thrilled about the expanded roster. ‘It’s our biggest roster size ever, which is a lot to manage,’ Schachner shared. But he reassures that the team is prepared, ready to run the field with the boundless energy only puppy athletes can bring.
Peeking behind the scenes, a pre-game special airing an hour before the main event offers a glimpse into the ‘Puppy Combine,’ a skills test, and the ‘puppy draft’ that decides the final lineup of four-legged competitors. Adding a playful twist to human sports drills, Schachner quipped, ‘Humans have a three-cone drill. We have a three-bone drill,’ complete with unique challenges like a ball pit and belly rub contest.
On game day, fans will watch as puppies dash through ramps and tire tunnels, a delightful chaos that Schachner navigates by keeping an aerial view over the rambunctious players. He notes, ‘I can just sort of look down at the action and figure out what the infractions are.’
Beyond the playful antics, the Puppy Bowl serves a greater purpose by shining a spotlight on shelter animals looking for forever homes. Schachner emphasizes the ongoing crisis of pet overpopulation and encourages viewers to adopt rather than shop for pets. ‘There’s still hundreds of thousands of dogs sitting in shelters year after year,’ he said, pointing out that tragic outcomes await some if they remain unadopted.
The event also reflects on natural disasters like the California wildfires, which have exacerbated shelter overcrowding as displaced animals need urgent housing solutions. Schachner has personal experience in fostering, having opened his home to over 40 dogs and adopting a poodle mix named Whistle who made quite the assistant referee last year.
As for the canine competitors, they have sports-themed names like Saquon Barky and Paws Allen, bringing extra charm to the field. When asked about his NFL preferences, Schachner humorously supports teams with animal mascots, ‘We would have loved the Lions to have made it, but instead, we’ve got the Eagles, and that’s OK.’
The Puppy Bowl offers a delightful contrast to the intensity of the Super Bowl, combining entertainment with an important message of compassion. Scheduled to air on multiple networks, the event reminds us of the joys of pet companionship and the importance of adoption.
Whether you’re a fan of Team Ruff or Team Fluff, this year’s Puppy Bowl promises a heartwarming spectacle with a meaningful cause. As wagging tails and playful pups fill the screens, the event continues to champion the adoption of shelter pets, aiming to bring smiles and promote the welfare of man’s best friend.
