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What is Puppy Bowl? Team Ruff vs Team Fluff rules Internet ahead of Super Bowl LVI

Puppy bowl is not only about fun, but also raises awareness about adopting animals from shelters and rescuing the ones that have been abandoned

Our furry friends were having a paw-some time as we held our breaths for Super Bowl LVI. Dogs were ready to compete in the annual Puppy Bowl in an event nearly as big as the human Super Bowl. The two teams, Ruff and Fluff, are playing to win the highest prize of any canine championship -- the “Lombarky” trophy.

The one rule in the game is that the dogs will have to drag a toy into the end zone to score a touchdown. “It’s like a zoo when you’re watching the Puppy Bowl, it’s a little bit of everything,” Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner told New York Post.

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The Puppy Bowl XVIII, a three-hour game, aired on Sunday, February 13, at 2 pm, ahead of Super Bowl LVI. The event was streamed exclusively on Discovery+, and aired live on Animal Planet. Puppy Bowl took place at New York City’s Geico Stadium.

Daily Dogs show teamed up with Animal Planet to celebrate Puppy Bowl. "We're so excited to team up with Animal Planet again this year to celebrate the big game...the #PuppyBowl! The big game will showcase incredible shelters and rescues, as well as their staffers who dedicate their lives to helping animals find their fur-ever loving homes," Daily Show Dogs wrote on Twitter. 

What is the annual Puppy Bowl?

Puppy bowl is not only about fun, but to raise awareness about adopting animals from shelters and rescuing the ones that have been abandoned. A veterinarian is always on the site to ansure the safety of the participating canines. The first Puppy Bowl was shown on February 6, 2005, opposite Super Bowl XXXIX.

The show's producers say that the inspiration for Puppy Bowl came from the popular Yule Log Christmas program -- a television show which is a ilm loop of a yule log burning in a fireplace with classic Christmas music playing in the background. 

Puppy Bowl takes place over the course of a week, with pups from several states coming together to participate. Schachner, a referee and also a voice for the pooches, has said that  the adoption rate of every Puppy Bowl is 100%. In the kitty halftime show, we have seen chickens, sloths and skunks making guest appearances in the past years. Pooches can be adopted by viewers through the event’s website, which also allows them to view the lineup and vote for the best players. 

Team Ruff vs Team Fluff

Team Ruff vs Team Fluff has taken over the Internet, with social media users waiting for the 'big game'. "everyone is talking about the bengals vs rams, maddy vs cassie, BUT everyone forgetting team fluff vs team ruff," one user wrote on Twitter. "Alright, who have you got for the big game today? Team Ruff, or Team Fluff?? Rob Gronchowski vs Ted D. Bear. I’m talking about #PuppyBowl Ofcourse," wrote another. 

"It's that time of year again folks! Taking any and all action on Team Ruff vs Team Fluff in Puppy Bowl XVIII. I got Team Fluff at -120 this year. Cooper Pup really gonna bring it home," one user commented, while another said, "Watching the only matchup I care about today. Team Ruff vs. Team Fluff!" "TD! Closing out my 30th birthday weekend with watching the #puppybowl at the @WatershedPub. Coffee and brunch are a must after an eventful and amazing day yesterday!" one user wrote.