Puppy Bowl 2026 Spotlights Record 15 Special-Needs Dogs

Puppy Bowl 2026 Spotlights Record 15 Special-Needs Dogs

> At a Glance

> – Puppy Bowl XXII will feature a record 15 special-needs dogs on Feb. 8, 2026.

> – A total of 150 adoptable pups from 72 shelters across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands will play.

> – The three-hour special airs at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max, and discovery+.

> – Why it matters: Viewers will see that dogs with disabilities are just as lovable and adoptable.

Puppy Bowl XXII is already rewriting the record books. The 22nd edition will showcase the largest-ever lineup of special-needs dogs, proving that every pup deserves a forever home.

Meet the Extraordinary Athletes

Fifteen puppies with conditions ranging from deafness to limb differences will take the field. Their stories highlight the resilience of rescue animals.

  • Anson – deaf, from Underdog Pet Rescue in Madison, Wis.
  • Brûlée – deaf, representing Green Dogs Unleashed in Troy, Va.
  • Cricket – heart condition, from Harley’s Haven in Perkasie, Penn.
  • Dottie – deaf Dalmatian, also from Green Dogs Unleashed.
  • Eleanor – deaf and visually impaired, from Double J Dog Ranch in Hauser, Idaho.
  • Foxy – deaf, another Double J Dog Ranch alum.
  • Grasshopper – plays with diabetes, from Harley’s Haven.
  • Knick Knack – hearing and visual impairments, Green Dogs Unleashed.
  • Litchi – missing an ear, from Angel City Pit Bulls in Los Angeles.
  • Paddy – missing both eyes, from Pets with Disabilities in Prince Frederick, Md.
  • Polly – visually impaired, from Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford, Conn.
  • Riley – missing both eyes, from Rescue Dogs Rock NYC.
  • Teigan – uses a canine wheelchair, from Perfect Imperfections Rescue in Watertown, Conn.
  • Wynonna – three-legged, from Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville.

How to Watch and Adopt

The game kicks off Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT. The simulcast across six networks and two streaming services ensures no one misses the action.

Visit PuppyBowl.com after the show to see every player and start the adoption process.

Key Takeaways

  • Record-breaking inclusion: 15 special-needs dogs out of 150 total participants.
  • Nationwide rescue effort: 72 shelters from three U.S. territories are represented.
  • Adoption spotlight: Every puppy on the roster is available for adoption.
dogs

Mark your calendars for Feb. 8 and prepare to cheer for the most inspiring Puppy Bowl lineup yet.

Author

  • My name is Marcus L. Bennett, and I cover crime, law enforcement, and public safety in Los Angeles.

    Marcus L. Bennett is a Senior Correspondent for News of Los Angeles, covering housing, real estate, and urban development across LA County. A former city housing inspector, he’s known for investigative reporting that exposes how development policies and market forces impact everyday families.

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