Not everyone’s a fan of major league sports, but if you’re reading this page, then you’re probably a fan of puppies. Lucky for you, there’s a delightful and heartwarming alternative to the Super Bowl – known affectionately as the Puppy Bowl – that arrives with a new series every February.
What Exactly Is the Puppy Bowl?
The Puppy Bowl is called the fuzziest sports competition on television, and it lives up to its name! Celebrating its 16th year, the show continues to ensure that all animals who take part in the show are adopted afterward by loving families.
During the competition, cute animals take part in a variety of different games of sports. Trackers keep score and people can root for their favorite puppy teams.
History
The show originated in 2005, the same year that Florida hosted the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles in the state’s first Superbowl.
The idea was originally a joke. However, humans are strange. When exposed to hilarious, cute, and potentially functional ideas involving adorable animals, we often do our best to bring these dreams into a reality.
It was supposed to be counterprogramming for the Superbowl. In the words of Rolling Stone, you could “point a camera at puppies [to] counter the Superbowl…. just put a box of puppies up there.”
That said, the first filming of the puppy bowl brought in nearly 6 million viewers. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Cool Facts About the Puppy Bowl
- The Puppy Bowl is actually based on the Christmas-time favorite yule log. The yule log television show helps to soothe and relax you – much like the puppy bowl.
- The show is released in February, but the actual filming takes place in October. There are two days of shooting involving 21 cameras. The editing and processing take several months.
- The clever camera crew utilized some crafty tricks to get shots of dogs. Some cameras are mounted inside dog toys, and others are situated beneath bowls of peanut butter.
- Lazy dogs get disqualified! If one of the dogs falls asleep on the field, theeeeey’re out!
- A further spinoff show, known as the Puppy Games, was developed as alternative programming during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Puppy Bowl also inspired other shows including the Kitten Bowl, currently in its sixth season.
- In 2017, executives decided to include handicapped and special needs dogs in the competitions. They have continued to do so since then.
- A veterinarian is present on-site to ensure that puppies remain safe and sound. They also ensure only to include dogs who are friendly and sociable to avoid fights.
All in All
Quite simply, the Puppy Bowl is one of the best things to happen to network television. However, it’s important to remember that a lot of time and effort goes into training these dogs!
If you’ve never raised a dog on your own but you’re inspired to do so, then it’s a good idea to prepare. Check out our quick guides on where to find a cute German Shepherd puppy or learn how to take care of a Chow Chow puppy!
