Puppy Bowl XII: Everything You Need to Know About Sunday’s Big Game

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This weekend, the eyes of the sporting world will be on one event. Ratings records are sure to be broken when Animal Planet broadcasts its marquee pet event, Puppy Bowl XII.

On Sunday at 3 PM ET/CT, canines from the best shelters and rescue organizations in the country will bring their talents to the gridiron for the most anticipated match-up of the day.  For the 12th version of the big game, 49 puppies from across the United States have been selected to compete for #TeamRuff and #TeamFluff with the hopes of bringing home the coveted MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) Award!

Ready!

The Puppy Bowl is a zany exhibition of tackles, tumbles, fumbles and fun.  Dogs will get the chance to toss and tug their favorite toys up and down the field, trying to cross the goal line for a touchdown!  Children and pet lovers of all ages will enjoy watching their favorite breeds stiff-paw their way into our hearts.

Animal Planet showcases the dogs to help promote the importance of animal adoptions in local communities.  This year, dogs have been selected from the Nevada SPCA, Arizona Humane Society, Mr. Bones & Company (New York), Green Dogs Unleashed (Virginia), Little Dog Rescue (Florida), Paws Chicago, Citizens for Animal Protection (Texas) and Williamson County Animal Center (Tennessee), among others.

The tail (hah!) gate festivities will get underway at 2:30 PM ET with the Puppy Bowl Pre-Game Show.  Sports analysts and pundits will go over last minute details and strategy for what you can expect to see in the big game.

Set!

Once the game starts, the real fun begins.  While watching, keep an eye out for “Ruferree” Dan Schachner and his special assistant Stanley the Skunk.  They will police any puppy penalties and throw flags for any illegal “drops.”  The game is also interactive — you can create your own Puppy Bowl Fantasy Team!

The Puppy Bowl isn’t just about dogs!  The Kitty Half-Time Show attraction allows our friendly felines to get in on the fun!  The San Francisco themed show will feature pretty kitties romping over famous city replicas that include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf and “Al-Cat-Raz” island!

The fun also extends to the sidelines.  Chicken Cheerleaders will root on their squads and Meep the Bird will provide aerial analysis from his perch high above the field.  Special Correspondent Jill Rappaport will introduce Pup Close and Personal segments to highlight the individual stories of the animals.

Hut!

While everyone is sure to enjoy watching their favorite pets have a ball, let’s not forget — there is still a competition!  Members of #TeamRuff and # TeamFluff will try their best to punt, pass and kick their way to the MVP Award.  Last year’s winner was a lab mix named Henry.  Who will take it home this year?  There are a lot of great dogs in this year’s big game.  Any one of them could take home the top prize.

Official That Pet Blog Prediction:  After careful consideration, we are going with rookie standout Carolina — a 17 week old American Staffordshire Terrier — to emulate her namesake Panthers and take home the Most Valuable Puppy Award!  She has been through a lot, but we know she has the drive and determination to come out on top!

Puppy Bowl XII will air on Sunday February 7, from 3-5 PM ET/PT on Animal Planet.  Get your family, friends, snacks and pets ready!  If any of the animals from this year’s event catch your eye, or if you want to know more about pet adoptions, check out Animal Planet’s website!

Luck of the Canine – 5 Top Irish Dog Breeds

Top of the morning to you all.  There be seas of green on the horizon, and what better way to embrace them than to celebrate with some of our favorite Irish breed dogs.  These dogs are beautiful, and all lucky enough to be Irish.

Irish Red Setter

These beautiful dogs are known for their long, silky auburn colored hair.  Irish Setters are known to have an amazing temperment, so they would be perfect in a household with children.  Being an avid hunter, setters need to remain active.  Don’t leave them unattended outside either, because they will find ways to entertain themselves.  They crave human interaction, so if you’re looking for a dog to go on adventures with look no further.

Irish Red and White Setter

The Irish Red and White Setter doesn’t fall far from the red setter, though it is believed that the red and white was the original setter breed from the 17th century.  Sadly, Irish Red and White Setters almost became extinct due to cross breeding.  Luckily enough the breed was saved by the efforts of Reverend Noble Huston.

Irish Wolfhound 

The Irish Wolfhound (or as I like to call it, the Jim Henson dog) is one of the oldest living dog breeds.  Originally referred to as Cú Faoil, wolfhounds were bred as hunting dogs and often given as gifts to nobles and other important people.  Don’t let the size of the wolfhound scare you.  These dogs really are gentle giants.  Though they aren’t considered to be guard dogs, I think the size alone can be rather persuasive.

Irish Terrier

Irish Terrier’s are one of the oldest breed of terriers, and is the fourth most popular breed of terrier in Ireland and England. Irish Terrier’s are extremely active, so they are better suited with a family that loves going for walks, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Irish Terrier’s are great with children, and train extremely well.

Irish Water Spaniel

Thought to be a descendant of Dobhar-chú, the Irish water Spaniel sure has come a long way.  Irish Water Spaniels are perfect dogs for people who may have allergies, due to its dense curly hair, because they shed very little.   Irish Water Spaniels make great family dogs, and can be quite comedic when performing ordinary tasks.

We love dog breeds of all shapes, sizes, and regions!  Thank you for reading, and we hope that you have a safe and Happy St. Patrick’s Day!