IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Meet the Puppy Bowl Xl starting lineup before game day

While everyone is gearing up to see the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, the real highlight of this Sunday will be watching puppies play in Puppy Bowl XI, airing Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. on Animal Planet. For the first time in Puppy Bowl history, there will be two distinct teams. That is, instead of puppies simply running rampant, jumping and nipping at eac
Puppy bowl
Keith Barraclough / Animal Planet

While everyone is gearing up to see the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, the real highlight of this Sunday will be watching puppies play in Puppy Bowl XI, airing Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. on Animal Planet. 

Puppy Bowl 2014
Referee Dan Schachner's job is to make sure the puppies play a safe, clean game. He also calls puppy penalties, which can lead to expulsion if necessary, and calls touchdowns just like a football referee. And, of course, there are always puppy \"messes\" to clean up.Damian Strohmeyer / Today

For the first time in Puppy Bowl history, there will be two distinct teams. That is, instead of puppies simply running rampant, jumping and nipping at each other. Team Ruff and Team Fluff will go snout-to-snout to battle for the "Lumbarki" trophy, according to Animal Planet's website, while one or more dogs will be crowned MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). And if you stick around for halftime, be sure to catch the kitten show and goat cheerleaders performance as well.

Puppy Bowl 2014
Goats cheer on the puppies when they score.Damian Strohmeyer / Today

Meet a few precious pups in the starting lineup (some of which are rescues) and watch them prepare for the big game through Animal Planet's live puppy-cam.

Puppy Bowl line-up
Keith Barraclough / Today

Savannah

Age: 13 weeks

Breed: Shih Tzu

Fact: Thinks Lorde is overrated.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Pepper

Age: 14 weeks

Breed: ShihTzu/TerrierMix

Fact: Can’t wait for the new Star Wars movie!

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Maggie

Age: 20 weeks

Breed: Beagle/Dachshund mix

Fact: Was first in line to buy the new iPhone.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Lewis

Age: 12 weeks

Breed: SharPei

Fact: Can name every state capital.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Kiaria

Age: 12 weeks

Breed: Pekingese/Japanese Chin mix

Fact: Loves car rides.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Faulkner

Age: 12 weeks

Breed: Great Pyrenees/Lab mix

Fact: Wants to be on Dancing with the Stars.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Falcor

Age: 14 1/2 weeks

Breed: Clumber

Fact: Has a crush on Miley Cyrus.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Drew Carey

Age: 12 weeks

Breed: Cocker Spaniel

Fact: Loves to bid $1 on "The Price is Right."

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Chicklet 

Age: 15 weeks

Breed: Sheltie mix

Fact: Wants to visit all 50 states.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Boomer

Age: 17 weeks

Breed: Husky

Fact: Champion chess player.

Puppy Bowl
Keith Barraclough / Today

Aaron

Age: 13 weeks

Breed: Boxer

Fact: Trained at The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Check out the whole squad below!

The 2014 Puppy Bowl lineup

Slideshow  29 photos

The 2014 Puppy Bowl lineup

The Puppy Bowl is Animal Planet's answer to the Super Bowl. Here is a shockingly cute look at this year's furry lineup.