Team Fluff has been crowned the champions of Puppy Bowl 2026, securing a nail-biting 73-69 victory over Team Ruff in the 22nd edition of Animal Planet's adorable pre-Super Bowl event. The win marks back-to-back championships for Team Fluff, but this year's celebration is tinged with sadness as fans learned that one of the game's most beloved participants, Teigan, passed away months before the episode aired.
How the Championship Was Decided: Inside Puppy Bowl XXII
Puppy Bowl XXII delivered three hours of heartwarming competition that came down to the final seconds. With 35 seconds remaining and Team Ruff leading 69-66, Team Fluff mounted a dramatic comeback. Twilight, a special needs dog from Team Fluff, scored the winning touchdown after a critical replay review that confirmed the victory. The game featured a record 150 adoptable puppies from 72 shelters across the United States, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands, making it the largest Puppy Bowl in history.
Timeline: The Road to Puppy Bowl 2026 Victory
The 2026 Puppy Bowl season began with filming in October 2025 at an arena in Glens Falls, New York. Over four days, the 150 participating dogs were divided into Team Ruff (red bandanas) and Team Fluff (blue bandanas). In November 2025, Teigan, a wheelchair-using dog from Connecticut's Underdog Pet Rescue, captured hearts during filming. Tragically, she succumbed to pneumonia in December 2025, three months before the February 2026 broadcast. The final game aired on February 8, 2026, just hours before Super Bowl LX, with Team Fluff securing their second consecutive Lombarky Trophy.
Why Puppy Bowl 2026 Matters: Adoption Impact and Emotional Resonance
Beyond the adorable competition, Puppy Bowl 2026 achieved its primary mission: promoting pet adoption. According to Animal Planet, every dog featured in the event is available for adoption, and historically, the broadcast leads to a significant increase in shelter inquiries. This year's inclusion of 15 special needs dogs and older puppies helped highlight animals that often face longer shelter stays. The heartbreaking story of Teigan has sparked nationwide conversations about adopting pets with disabilities and the importance of shelter support.
Where Things Stand Now: Adoption Updates and Fan Reactions
In the days following the broadcast, shelters reported a surge in adoption applications for the participating dogs. Boba, the Most Valuable Puppy from the Humane Society of Missouri, has received hundreds of adoption inquiries. Meanwhile, fans have flooded social media with tributes to Teigan, using the hashtag #RememberTeigan to share support for special needs animals. Animal Planet has announced that Teigan's rescue organization, Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin, will receive a $10,000 donation in her memory.
What Happens Next: The Future of Puppy Bowl and Animal Adoption
Animal Planet has already begun planning for Puppy Bowl 2027, with expectations of even more shelters and dogs participating. The network is considering creating a permanent "Teigan Memorial Award" for special needs animals in future competitions. For now, viewers are encouraged to visit the Puppy Bowl website to see profiles of all 150 dogs and connect with their local shelters. As the Lombarky Trophy finds its home at the winning team's shelter, the real victory continues to be the hundreds of animals who will find forever homes thanks to this annual event.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
- Team Fluff won Puppy Bowl 2026 with a 73-69 score
- Boba was named Most Valuable Puppy (MVP)
- Remy received the Underdog Award
- Fan favorite Teigan died from pneumonia before the episode aired
- A record 150 dogs from 72 shelters participated
- The event continues to drive pet adoption nationwide
