Meet the 4 Iowa Puppies Playing in the 2026 Puppy Bowl [PHOTOS]

Once again, an Iowa animal rescue organization will be represented at Discovery's annual Puppy Bowl! According to a recent article from Entertainment Weekly, four pups from AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport are "competing" in this year's big event!

The Iowa Puppies

Puppy Bowl XXII will take place on Sunday, February 8th, the same day as Super Bowl LX. Entertainment Weekly reports that there are a total of 150 dogs taking part in the 2026 Puppy Bowl, all of which are from animal shelters in the United States. Of the 72 shelters represented, just one is from Iowa: AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport in DeSoto.

Unfortunately, none of the pups from Iowa were chosen for the “Most Pupular” competition, which you can vote on each week leading up the event HERE. But, it doesn't really matter all that much, because ALL of the featured puppies are absolutely adorable! Here are the four Iowa players competing in Puppy Bowl XXII:

Asiago - Team Ruff

Atticus - Team Fluff

Boopsie - Team Ruff

Dandelion - Team Ruff

You can check photos of all of the puppies playing in the 2026 Puppy Bowl HERE.

2026 Puppy Bowl New Additions

If you've watched any of the previous Puppy Bowls, then you might notice a couple of new features during this year's three hour event. First of all, 15 dogs with special needs are taking part in 2026, which is the most that the Puppy Bowl has ever had. Some of the dogs are deaf, others have visual impairments, and some are missing body parts. There's even a pup named Teigan who has a wheelchair! You can read more about all 15 of the puppies with special needs HERE.

And, puppies aren't the only thing you'll see at the 2026 Puppy Bowl! This year, there will also be a special appearance from some dogs who are a bit older! Entertainment Weekly reports:

"Additionally, for the first time ever, the Puppy Bowl will also showcase senior dogs in a special exhibition game, as Team Oldies and Team Goldies go head-to-head in the all-new Pro-Dog Halftime Showdown."

About AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport

AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport is a non-profit animal rescue organization based in DeSoto whose mission "is to care for the homeless companion animals in our community and surrounding areas." They also provide important services to local pet owners and help rescue dogs placed in "traditional shelters" who are on death-row. To check out their adoptable animals or make a donation to AHeinz57, you can visit their website HERE.

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