Before the Seahawks and Patriots kick off the 2026 Super Bowl, another beloved showdown takes center stage — the annual Puppy Bowl. This year, two pups from Ohio are on the roster.
Two terrier mix siblings from the Humane Society of Greater Dayton will represent the Buckeye State as they compete on rival teams, Team Ruff and Team Fluff. This marks the fourth straight year the shelter has sent puppies to the Puppy Bowl.
“This is one of our favorite traditions, and we’re proud to represent Dayton and Ohio once again,” said Brian Weltge, President and CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton. “Puppy Bowl gives shelter animals a national platform and reminds people everywhere that adopting a pet can truly be a game-changer.”
Here’s what to know about the Ohio pups taking the field in the Puppy Bowl XXII.
2 Ohio dogs compete in 2026 Puppy Bowl
According to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, Derby and Summer are two Ohio terrier mix siblings who were part of a litter of six puppies discovered abandoned along a roadside and brought to a local shelter by a good Samaritan. At around three months old, the puppies entered foster homes through the adoption service and now grace the Puppy Bowl stage.
Summer, Team Fluff
Summer (now named Stormy) is a cream and black terrier mix playing for Team Fluff in the Puppy Bowl. Since her adoption, Stormy has gained a dog sister, a Chihuahua named Trixie, the Humane Society of Greater Dayton shared.
Derby, Team Ruff
Derby (now named Winnie) is a black and gray terrier mix playing for Team Ruff opposite her sister. Since her adoption, Winnie shares her home with two dog siblings, a basset hound named Willy and a cocker spaniel named Stewie.
What is the Puppy Bowl?
The Puppy Bowl is described as the original and longest running call-to-adoption television event, according to a release from Warner Bros. Discovery. The three-hour event returns for its 22nd year and includes 150 dogs from 72 shelters nationwide. Fifteen dogs with special needs will also compete, and senior dogs will appear in a special exhibition game.
When is the Puppy Bowl 2026?
The 22nd annual Puppy Bowl airs ahead of the Super Bowl at 2 p.m. ET and will be simulcast on Animal Planet, Discovery, TBS, truTV, HBO Max and discovery+.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Meet the Ohio dogs playing in the 2026 Puppy Bowl before the Super Bowl
Reporting by Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
