Puppies, you could learn a new trick or two from these veteran players.
14 years into Animal Planet’s adorable “Puppy Bowl” run, the Discovery-owned cable channel will present its first-ever “Dog Bowl,” TheWrap has learned exclusively. The newly added furry football competition will feature adult dogs living in rescues and shelters — the kind of pooch frequently passed over for a younger counterpart.
“Puppy Bowl”-companion special “The Dog Bowl” will air during “Road to Puppy Bowl,” which leads up to the network’s premiere of “Puppy Bowl XIV.” The new one-hour competition will feature all adoptable adult dogs in need of forever homes, and is set to be hosted by animal advocate Jill Rappaport.
“Puppy Bowl Presents: The Dog Bowl” will work with shelters and rescues in the U.S. to fill the rosters of players for what will be a full-scale matchup between two teams, with the adult dogs going nose to nose for touchdowns, furry fumbles and ultimately the win, per Animal Planet’s cute description.
“‘Puppy Bowl’s’ goal is to promote animal adoption so as many animals as possible can find their forever homes,” said Patrice Andrews, general manager of Animal Planet.
Animal Planet and other Discovery Communications channels will present programming Wednesday at the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.