Puppy Bowl XXI 2025
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Short filmTranscript
00:00For 20 years, four-legged footballers have made their mark here at the Puppy Bowl,
00:08where Team Ruff and Team Fluff have gone wet nose to wet nose in a collision of cubits.
00:15But before any given pup is ready to play in the big game,
00:19they have to prove themselves worthy to take the field.
00:23Today, for the first time ever,
00:2510 puppy prospects will strut their stuff in a test of skills in the Puppy Bowl Combine.
00:32There'll be drills and thrills, fun and surprises,
00:36as these pups make the jump from shelter to stardom.
00:41Which pups will win barking rights as the top pick in the Puppy Bowl draft?
00:45We're about to find out.
00:48So sit back and settle in as we get you ready for Puppy Bowl 21.
00:55Happy Puppy Bowl Sunday, folks.
00:57Welcome to the all-new Puppy Bowl 21 kickoff here at Progressive Stadium.
01:02The big game is less than an hour away,
01:05as we get you set for the biggest and cutest Puppy Bowl in history.
01:09I'm Steve Levy, joined by my broadcast partner, Taylor Rooks.
01:13To officially kick things off, we are going to toss it down to Dan the Ref,
01:18or should I say Dan the Scout,
01:20who will be pulling double duty, officiating the game.
01:23Ready, set, go.
01:24And overseeing our all-new Puppy Bowl Combine and Draft.
01:29Thanks.
01:29I am thrilled to be here kicking off the, well, the Puppy Bowl 21 kickoff.
01:34This show is brand new and exciting this year, as fresh as newborn puppy breath.
01:39I have been recruited as the Scout by both Team Ruff and Team Fluff.
01:42Now, there's a lot of talent on the field this year.
01:45Today, ten lucky pups have been selected to compete for the last five spots on both Team Ruff and Team Fluff's roster before the big game starts.
01:55Invited from all over the country, these prospective pups will participate in our Puppy Bowl Combine,
02:02where each one will then be drafted based on their performance and their adorability.
02:07Let's head out to the all-new Puppy Bowl practice field to meet the draftable pups who we'll be snuggling up with over the next hour as they get ready for the combine.
02:19Up first is Alice, a curious and fearless Chihuahua mix that isn't afraid to go down rabbit holes and pull the ball out of a pile.
02:29Then there's Beethoven, a classically trained Great Pyrenees mix.
02:34He's got size and skills.
02:36Beethoven might be primed to compose a Puppy Bowl masterpiece today.
02:41Up next is Belle, a princess of a pup who surfed her way here from lovely San Diego, California.
02:48We also have a purebred bulldog named Carl.
02:52Carl is as friendly as he is adorable.
02:55He was born with a condition called microphthalmia, resulting in vision loss, but that hasn't stopped him.
03:02He might be out sniffing all of his opponents today.
03:05Then we have Julep, a St. Bernard Border Collie mix who comes to us from Louisville, Kentucky.
03:11Julep is a bluegrass bundle of energy and should excel in the upcoming combine.
03:16That's quite an impressive group to start with, Taylor.
03:19Lots of talent and charm on that practice field.
03:22It certainly is, Steve.
03:24Here are the next five player pups, starting with a street dog named Enrique, who comes to Puppy Bowl all the way from Puerto Rico.
03:33Fluent in both English and Spanish, Enrique has no problem interpreting play calls in either language.
03:39Like a bolt from Zeus's hand comes Lightning, a Husky Terrier mix ready to show off her high-end speed.
03:47No question.
03:48Lightning has shown flashes of brilliance and could be the deep threat that both teams crave.
03:54Here's Foxtrot, a talented collie hound mix who's rumored to be choreographing an elaborate end zone dance.
04:01Up next is Trio, a Boston Terrier with only three legs, but a missing limb has not held him back.
04:09He's full of determination and positivity.
04:12Rounding out our ten draftable puppies is this adorable pity pup named Sarge who will be looking to take charge of this combine.
04:20To learn how the Puppy Bowl combine works, let's go back down to Dan, the scout, who will oversee these doggy drills.
04:27Thanks.
04:28We designed a series of drills to test their puppy playmaking abilities.
04:32The three-bone drill shows off change of direction.
04:35The hurdle showcases agility and explosiveness, while the incline ramp will elevate the puppy's confidence.
04:44The sniff-and-find ball pit will really work their sense of smell.
04:47The tire course will test their poise and coordination.
04:53Finally, the 40-yard dash is, of course, all about speed.
04:58Now, these pups have been preparing for the Puppy Bowl combine for weeks, so basically since birth, and they're now ready to show it off.
05:05When it comes to preparation, one pup stands out.
05:08Meet Alice.
05:10For more on her story and how she got ready for the Puppy Bowl, let's bring in our field reporter, Natasha Carter.
05:16All right, well, I'm here with Lori from Florida Little Dog Rescue.
05:20Tell us about Alice.
05:22Alice is a very sweet little girl, very curious about everything that goes on in the world.
05:28That's how she got her name from Alice in Wonderland.
05:31Alice arrived at our rescue with her mom and her litter mates.
05:33She was just under a week old from a hoarding situation in rural central Florida.
05:37How's Alice going to do in the combine?
05:40I think she's going to do great.
05:41She's been working on her agility skills, and her foster mom has an entire agility course set up, and so Alice has been able to run right through it.
05:49She knows the big day is coming, and she wants to put her best paw forward.
05:53And Alice is so smart.
05:54She's going to figure out that other team's playbook and how to get right around it.
05:58And she's super small and super fast, so she should be able to just run right around them.
06:05Thanks, Natasha.
06:06It's time to test the skills of our 10 draftable pups.
06:10Let's go down to Dan the Scout on the field.
06:13All right, we are ready to kick off the combine.
06:17With me is expert animal trainer Victoria.
06:19The first event is the three-bone drill, a much cuter, much furrier version of the human three-cone drill, which, fun fact, is played with four cones, not three.
06:29But here at Puppy Bowl, we know how to count.
06:31Exactly.
06:31Right?
06:32All right, so we're going to look for accelerating, changing speed.
06:34What else are we looking for?
06:35We're looking for agility.
06:36We're looking for their ability to follow my instruction, which can be tough because with the Scout watching, pressure's on.
06:42Yeah.
06:43Up first is the Wonder Pup, Alice.
06:46Let's take a peek inside the Pup Player Lounge, where the shelter reps are cheering on.
06:54Wow.
06:55Look at that.
06:56Cornering like a pro.
06:58Almost there.
07:00Last little bit.
07:01Woo-hoo!
07:0214 seconds.
07:03We need to keep our eyes on this pup.
07:06An impressive start by Alice.
07:09Next in the three-bone drill is Enrique, a high-stepping, half-bark hopeful.
07:14All right.
07:14You ready, Enrique?
07:15Okay.
07:16Let's go.
07:17This is for all the glory.
07:18Fast.
07:21Hydration break.
07:22I respect that.
07:23Whoa, Steve.
07:24A little bit of a detour.
07:27Oh, my gosh.
07:28Impressive.
07:29Good.
07:29Weaving, dipping.
07:31The Scout.
07:32Turning gracefully.
07:34Beautiful.
07:35Almost done.
07:35One more.
07:36One more.
07:37Round it.
07:39There it is.
07:40There it is.
07:41Last bit.
07:42Bring it home with those high-stepping paws.
07:44Enrique crosses the line.
07:46Wow.
07:46In 18.5 seconds.
07:49Enrique is from the island of Puerto Rico, so maybe he just likes the water.
07:54That could explain it, Steve.
07:56You know, Taylor, this could be the moment for whom the bell tolls.
08:01Let's learn more about our next draftable pup from Natasha Carter.
08:04So I'm here with Eliana from the Animal Pad Dog Rescue from sunny San Diego, and you bought
08:11an amazing pup with you named Belle.
08:13She actually came to us in her mom's belly, so her mom gave birth two days after we rescued
08:18her.
08:18So it's almost like she was waiting for just a safe, loving home to have her babies in.
08:23How does she get that name Belle?
08:25Her mom is named after Princess Aurora, and then all of the siblings in the litter are
08:30named after Disney characters.
08:32So she's a princess, too.
08:34Yes, she's Princess Belle.
08:35All right, so tell us.
08:36She seems sweet, but I heard she has a little bit of an attitude.
08:40Just a little bit.
08:41When she's playing, she's definitely playing.
08:43So she seems very quiet and shy at first, but then when she gets going, she's a little
08:47rambunctious.
08:47This is Belle.
08:49She's going to run it like a pro.
08:52You ready?
08:58Oh, wow, Belle, you've got this.
09:02She's got the spirit.
09:04She rounded the first two in record time.
09:07You got it.
09:09Last little bit.
09:10Woo-hoo.
09:1213.2 seconds.
09:14Good job, Belle.
09:15Let's rename her Victory Belle and draft her ASAP.
09:18I agree, Dan.
09:19The Puppy Bowl Combine is off to a great start.
09:21Here's a look at the top three finishers in the three-bone drill.
09:26Coming up, we'll meet our Puppy Bowl Drill Sergeant and learn how not to do the Foxtrot.
09:31Plus, lots more drama and fun as our 10 adorable pups try to catch the eye of Team Rough or Team
09:37Fluff when Puppy Bowl 21 Kickoff continues.
09:45Welcome back to Puppy Bowl 21 Kickoff.
09:54I'm Steve Levy with my co-host Taylor Rooks.
09:56As we get set to continue the Puppy Bowl Combine, let's get to know Sarge, who is looking confident
10:02on the kickoff practice field.
10:04Back down to Natasha for more.
10:06That's right.
10:06I'm here on the practice field with Jennifer from Angel City Pit Bulls, and she has an
10:11amazing pup named Sarge.
10:13Yeah, so Sarge joined us after the LA City staff had reached out.
10:17They had a very pregnant pit bull they needed help with.
10:20She delivered five puppies the following day.
10:22So Sarge and his siblings have been with us since then.
10:25They've all thrived.
10:27They're great animals, and they've been doing really well in their foster home.
10:31Earlier, we saw Sarge doing his thing on the practice field.
10:35Tell me, like, what's going to make him stand out?
10:37He was out here practicing today.
10:39He would run, grab his toy, get it, run back to his tunnel, and he kept doing repeats.
10:43He's working on those skills, fine-tuning them.
10:44He's kind of a little bit rough and tumble, but he likes to make sure he can move quick
10:47when needed.
10:48He sounds like exactly what we need for the Puppy Bowl.
10:52I cannot wait to see how he does in the Combine.
10:55Back to you, Taylor and Steve.
10:56Thank you, Natasha.
10:58We're all set for our next Combine drill.
11:02Let's go back down to Dan for more.
11:05Thank you, guys.
11:06The next drill up is the hurdles.
11:08Here, the athleticism of our puppies is going to be tested as they hop, skip, and jump over
11:12this obstacle course.
11:13I, of course, will be relying on animal expert Victoria to help me through it.
11:17Let's go.
11:17Up first is Sarge.
11:19Ready, set, go.
11:20All right, we got it.
11:22What a start.
11:23Let's go.
11:24Come on, you got this, brother.
11:26This one's about two inches higher.
11:27Let's see if you can do the final one.
11:29You've got the spirit.
11:30About as tall as his shoulders.
11:32Okay, we're going to improvise and go under.
11:36Good recovery, Sarge.
11:3718 seconds.
11:39I didn't tell you this is a start, but the limbo is allowed.
11:42Thank goodness.
11:42Yeah, they just put that rule in this year.
11:44Congratulations, Sarge.
11:44You did amazing.
11:45I salute you.
11:46After watching Sarge warm up on the Puppy Bowl practice field, I knew he would do great.
11:52Our next hurdler is Beethoven.
11:54Ready, set, go.
11:55Okay.
11:57I wasn't ready.
11:58I screwed you up.
11:58On your time, Beethoven.
11:59But it's okay.
12:00We're going to recover.
12:01You ready?
12:02It's up to you.
12:05It's a little daunting for Beethoven.
12:06It is, shockingly.
12:08But let's limbo.
12:10There you go.
12:13There we go.
12:13Oh, look at that army crawl.
12:15He's got more spirit than this.
12:16Maybe we should demonstrate.
12:18Maybe you should demonstrate.
12:20Let's go.
12:20Beethoven, let's go.
12:21Ready?
12:21One, watch this.
12:23One, two.
12:23It's not that hard.
12:24You want a treat?
12:25Yeah, yeah.
12:25Go.
12:26One, two, three.
12:28Look at what Scout damned it.
12:30So easy.
12:31Give it a toss.
12:32Come on.
12:33Finish medium.
12:34Guess what?
12:35Guess what?
12:36That took about three minutes, but he follows directions.
12:39He can be coached.
12:39He does.
12:40Exactly.
12:42With that kind of effort, it looks like Beethoven may need a nap.
12:46Up next is Foxtrot, who comes to us all the way from Minnesota.
12:51For more on his story, let's bring in Natasha Carter.
12:54Yes, at the Puppy Bowl, we get pups from all walks of life.
12:58And this next pup, Foxtrot, was actually rescued from an indigenous reservation.
13:04And I'm here with Ashley from Pethaven.
13:06What was that environment like?
13:08So he came from a home that had over 20 dogs in it.
13:12We got his mom.
13:14We didn't know she was pregnant.
13:16And she had a litter of nine puppies, and Foxtrot was one of them.
13:19He looks like a collie.
13:20What do you think he is?
13:21So we know dad was likely a full collie, and mom is a mix of collie, shepherd, and probably
13:29some pointer.
13:30So he has that merle coat, which is pretty cool.
13:33How do you think he's going to do in the upcoming combine?
13:36He's a tall, lanky dude.
13:38I think he could do well in the hurdles, if he can figure it out.
13:43We've got this.
13:44Don't worry.
13:45Watch.
13:46Okay.
13:48Kind of looks like how I do the Foxtrot.
13:51Whoa.
13:52Foxtrot clips the first hurdle big time.
13:55Let's see if we can get a jump on this last one.
13:57No, that's two.
13:57That's two.
13:59There it is.
14:00Good work.
14:01Back pause.
14:01Back pause.
14:03Perfect.
14:03Did it.
14:04Good job, Foxtrot.
14:06You know, and he finished it with minimal destruction.
14:09Little bit of trouble in the start, and just clearly improved along the way.
14:13Foxtrot, that was a great Foxtrot.
14:15Let's see your jazz routine, your rumba, then your tango.
14:17Here's how the puffs finished out.
14:19Sarge earns his stripes at the Combine Hurdles champion, followed by Foxtrot, and Beethoven
14:24plays ninth.
14:26With two rounds of the Combine complete, let's take a first look at the Puppy Bowl readiness
14:30ratings.
14:31Bell went beast mode in the three-bone drill with a record time.
14:35And Sarge took command of the hurdles.
14:37Now that we've checked the Puppy Bowl readiness ratings, let's also take a look at how one
14:43of our current pup players made it to Puppy Bowl 21 with help from Bissell Pet Foundation.
14:52Recently, Bissell Pet Foundation traveled to northern Michigan to visit Little Traverse
14:56Bay Humane Society, one of the partner shelters and Bissell Pet Foundation's national networks.
15:01They're making a huge difference for the community and the pets that they serve.
15:06Hey, Elise.
15:07Hey, Kathy.
15:08How are you?
15:09Good.
15:09How are you doing?
15:10Good to see you.
15:11Oh, these guys are adorable.
15:14How's it going?
15:15Good.
15:15Everything's been great.
15:16We've been super busy saving a lot of pets.
15:19Well, good.
15:19I can't wait to meet all the pets you have.
15:21We have brand new cat kennels that we just got that I really want to show you.
15:24With all of our amazing babies.
15:26Oh, it's wonderful.
15:28Look at Nellie.
15:29She came in locally from one of our transfer partners with two little babies.
15:34Bissell Pet Foundation was established to reduce the number of pets in shelters and support
15:38partners like Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.
15:41One way we do this is through our Empty the Shelters Adoption Program, the largest funded
15:46pet adoption event in North America.
15:49Our nationwide events bring awareness to adoption and get people to visit their local shelter to
15:54meet their pets.
15:57Since 2016, this program has found homes for more than 280,000 pets across the United States
16:03and Canada.
16:04It really is amazing.
16:06Cats and dogs of all breeds get the second chance that they deserve.
16:09Hello.
16:11And with every adoption, space is created in the shelter to save another pet.
16:16Their Empty the Shelters Program reduces the adoption fees so it's more affordable for
16:20families to bring a pet into their home.
16:21And every newly adopted furry friend comes home vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered.
16:28Sometimes, our partner shelters struggle to find veterinarians or lack the funding to
16:33spay and neuter the pets in their care.
16:35To help solve this problem, Bissell Pet Foundation started the Fix the Future initiative.
16:39With over 320 relief veterinarians, we've served thousands of pets, prevented millions of unwanted
16:46litters, and created more adoption opportunities.
16:51Kathy and her foundation do so much to help these animals.
16:55Having their support allows us to continue to do the work we do, which is to find loving
16:59homes for as many of these animals as possible.
17:01Oh my gosh, that is the cutest face over there.
17:05I mean, they're all cute, but that little puppy is adorable.
17:09That's Trixie.
17:10She was an owner-surrender with the rest of her litter.
17:12She's precious.
17:13Come here, girl.
17:14Hopefully, she will be adopted next.
17:17We're going to make that happen right now.
17:19I love it.
17:20Okay.
17:21Come on, Trixie.
17:22Let's go to the puppy bowl.
17:23That's great work Bissell Pet Foundation does, and joining us here from Little Traverse Bay
17:31Humane Society is Trixie.
17:34She'll be rocking the bark blue bandana for Team Fluff in the upcoming game while looking
17:40for her forever home.
17:42When the Puppy Bowl 21 kickoff continues, we'll climb to new heights, take a deep dive into the
17:48puppy bowl ball pit.
17:49I mean, it looks a lot of fun.
17:50I'm not going to lie.
17:50I would jump in, too.
17:53I'm not going to lie.
18:23Any insights?
18:24You know, for some pups, this is a walk in the park.
18:27They excel at it.
18:28For others, more of a struggle.
18:29So I'm going to be right here coaching them along, getting them up and over, working on
18:33that sure-footedness and confidence.
18:35Okay.
18:36Let's get ready to reach new heights.
18:37Ready to make the climb as our pity limbo pup, Sarge.
18:42You're recording for duty.
18:43Okay, sir.
18:43Let's see what you've got on the incline.
18:45All right.
18:45All right.
18:46Show them the magic.
18:47Oh, my gosh.
18:49That is the heart of a winner.
18:51All right.
18:52That was really good.
18:54Great job, Sarge.
18:55Put that in your notebook.
18:57He doesn't even need me.
18:58Now he can't stop him.
18:58Look at this.
19:00It's so good.
19:02Fantastic, Sarge.
19:03Sarge is in charge.
19:05I'm impressed.
19:07From Buddy's Second Chance Rescue in Buffalo, New York, comes Lightning.
19:12Beautiful.
19:13Strong start.
19:14You ready?
19:15Good job, Lightning.
19:16Keep it up.
19:16Those back paws.
19:19There he is.
19:20Nice and slow.
19:22Clear the top.
19:23All the way to the end.
19:24Nice and clear.
19:25Yes, yes.
19:25Very well done.
19:26Celebrate that victory.
19:28That looks so good.
19:29Lightning, nice job.
19:30Yeah.
19:31Our next climber is Beethoven.
19:33All right, Beethoven.
19:34Maybe ramps are easier than hurdles for this gentle giant.
19:38Let's go.
19:38We've been working this.
19:39Ready, set, go.
19:40Go.
19:43You've got this.
19:47What do we think?
19:49Steve, Beethoven either has stage fright or is positioning himself to be the best sleeper
19:55pick in the upcoming draft.
19:57Natasha Carter has more.
19:59I'm with Grace, who's with Beethoven, who was a little sleepy in the combine.
20:03Come on.
20:04Last little bit.
20:05But he's clearly saving it for the big game, right?
20:08Yeah.
20:08He performs best with his teammates by his side, so just wait and see.
20:12Mm-hmm.
20:13So tell me a little bit about his journey.
20:15What is his background?
20:16So Beethoven came from Atlanta, Georgia.
20:19He was a litter of five, and he came to New York City.
20:23So he's a city dog at the moment.
20:25So what can we expect in the puppy bowl?
20:28I think he really stands out.
20:30He does his little rabbit hops to defend and also get around the other players.
20:37And he was quick on the practice field.
20:39I have high hopes for him.
20:40Good luck.
20:41Thank you very much.
20:42Here's a look at the final incline ramp results.
20:45Sarge and Lightning finished one and two, while Beethoven celebrated his 10th place finish
20:51with a well-deserved nap.
20:53The field is set for our next combine drill.
20:56Let's go down to day.
20:58This is one of my favorite combine drills, the sniff and find.
21:01The concept is simple, right?
21:03You've got a beautifully scented tennis ball that's been marinating for how long?
21:07Two days in pure dehydrated chicken.
21:10And I'm going to stick it in here.
21:12Oh, that's pretty deep.
21:14First into the ball pit is Kentucky's Julep.
21:18Let's learn about her journey to the puppy bowl from Natasha Carter.
21:21Yes, from the streets of Kentucky all the way to puppy bowl, Julep is fluffy but fearless.
21:27And I'm here with her shelter rep, Jay, from Kentucky Humane Society.
21:33How you doing?
21:33Good, how are you?
21:34Yes, so give me a little backstory on the name Julep.
21:37How did you come up with it?
21:38We just kind of want to tie it back to Kentucky, just to know where, you know, home is.
21:42She came in as a stray, and then she went to a foster home.
21:45What has she been like since you guys rescued her?
21:47Oh, energy, energy, energy.
21:49So she definitely has two working breeds in her, the St. Bernard and the Collie.
21:53So she definitely has that stamina and that energy.
21:55And she just loves being a puppy, and she's going to make someone a very happy family.
22:01I bet.
22:03All right.
22:03In you go, now.
22:04Good luck, Julep.
22:05Okay.
22:06I like this approach.
22:08This is a full-body approach.
22:09Oh, yeah, just submerge yourself.
22:10Yep.
22:11Just try to...
22:11Displace everything.
22:12Dig it out.
22:13Yep.
22:14Yes.
22:15Yeah, she's got a blue one in her mouth.
22:16That's okay.
22:17This is like a warm-up.
22:19She is really going for it.
22:22I mean, it looks a lot of fun.
22:23I'm not going to lie.
22:23I would jump in, too, and just hang.
22:25I mean, I've taken a couple turns.
22:27Another big thing is, in training, you want to make sure it's fun.
22:30And right now, she's having a great time.
22:32Yeah, no question about it.
22:33An interesting approach here by Julep.
22:36Mmm, yellow.
22:36Mmm, let me see.
22:37Not quite white.
22:38Not the one, but good try.
22:40Got it.
22:41She is having a ball, Steve.
22:44Several hundred, to be precise.
22:46Yeah, let's see.
22:47Let's see.
22:48Yes!
22:48Yay!
22:49Okay, not too bad.
22:51Good time.
22:52Minute and a half.
22:54Coming up, the inspiring story of our special needs bulldog, Carl, as he takes on the sniff
23:00and find.
23:01Plus, we'll steer our pups through the challenging tire course when Puppy Bowl 21 Kickoff continues.
23:06Welcome back to the Puppy Bowl 21 Kickoff, another live look at the Kickoff Crackers Field
23:22as we get set to continue the Puppy Bowl Combine.
23:26You know, Steve, not all puppies are created equal.
23:29Some of these sweet souls have had to deal with some early life obstacles.
23:32Our field reporter, Natasha Carter, has more on One Such Pump.
23:37I'm here with Janet from Louie's Legacy, and tell us about Carl.
23:41I understand that Carl's considered blind.
23:44Right.
23:45Where are you?
23:46Where are you?
23:48So how does he get around?
23:50He navigates perfectly like a normal dog.
23:52You would never believe that he's blind.
23:54Right away, he learns his commands.
23:56Eight, nine weeks old, he was sitting, learning multiple commands.
24:00Sit.
24:01He's very smart.
24:01Good boy.
24:04How's he with his other senses?
24:06His nose is the big thing because he could smell a treat from really far away, and he'll get to it.
24:12I can't wait to see how this plays out for Carl as we continue with the sniff and find.
24:17Let's go back down to Dan and Victoria.
24:19This is Carl.
24:20He has a heightened sense of smell, and I think you're going to be super impressed.
24:23Here's a drill you won't see Travis Kelsey doing, right?
24:26Definitely not.
24:26Strictly a dog-related combine drill.
24:28Carl is already on the scent.
24:31I'm going to pop it right in there.
24:34Okay, you ready?
24:35Are you ready to make this happen?
24:36One, two, three.
24:37Clock starts now.
24:39Off you go.
24:39Okay, now you see that he's air-scenting.
24:43Right, scanning the environment.
24:45Exactly.
24:46He might not be able to see, but he can smell like a champion, and that hearing is equally cute.
24:51I believe it.
24:52Makes his approach.
24:53Come on.
24:54Zeroes in on the target.
24:55Oh, he's so close.
24:56A lot of determination.
24:59Oh, I think we have a moment.
25:02I think we have it.
25:03Have it?
25:04We got it.
25:05Victory!
25:06Way to go, Carl.
25:08Amazing.
25:09In under a minute.
25:10I knew he could do it.
25:12What a performance.
25:14Carl sure has a nose for the ball, setting a new combine record.
25:18The rest of these sniff-and-find results look like this.
25:23Let's go back down to Dan and Victoria for their thoughts.
25:26Okay, let's break down Mr. Carl.
25:28Very impressive showing from him.
25:30I'm so proud, because we worked really, really hard.
25:32He might not see really well, but boy, can he pick up a scent.
25:35You wouldn't know that he had any different abilities going in there.
25:39He dove right in.
25:40Record time, 58 seconds.
25:42And I have to tell you, this drill is very important, especially for Puppy Bowl.
25:45They've got to sniff out the chew toys, and they've got to sniff out who's on their team and who's not.
25:49So I'm so pleased with how he did.
25:51The pressure was on.
25:53He delivered.
25:53Can't wait to see what happens during the draft, but I have a feeling he's going to be just fine.
25:56I'm so happy.
25:59As we reset the field for our next combine drill, let's meet another one of our superstar draftable pups.
26:05For more on Enrique's amazing journey to Puppy Bowl 21, let's once again bring in Natasha Carter.
26:11Yes, well, I'm here with Marky from the Sato Project,
26:14and she brought a really dynamic pup named Enrique.
26:18Where did you find him?
26:19The Sato Project rescued a very pregnant dog from the sidewalks of Puerto Rico.
26:25They brought her under their care, and she had eight puppies, and one of them was Enrique.
26:30What makes him unique, and why do you think he's going to be amazing in this year's Puppy Bowl?
26:34Well, he's super smart.
26:36He loves other dogs and people.
26:38He loves to play.
26:39He's very social.
26:40Are strays a big problem in Puerto Rico?
26:44They sure are.
26:45There's over 650,000 stray dogs on the island of Puerto Rico,
26:50so that's one of the major things the Sato Project's trying to do is address that crisis.
26:55So we know Enrique is a Sato, which means street dog, but do you know the breed?
27:00Well, Natasha, I'm really not certain.
27:02Um, I think there's likely a little chihuahua.
27:05He kind of looks a little like a Rottweiler.
27:08Each and every one of our star pups in Puppy Bowl 21 will be getting a Wisdom Panel DNA test
27:14to find out exactly what they're made of.
27:16Looking at Enrique, I'm not convinced he has any Rottweiler, but maybe some German Shepherd.
27:23Well, let's find out as we welcome in Dr. Annette Louvier from Wisdom Panel.
27:28What can you tell us about the little Sato pup?
27:30So, with Enrique, we detected 28 different breeds in his DNA.
27:36Wow, that's amazing.
27:38Yes, it's quite a lot.
27:40Enrique's most prominent breeds were Miniature Pinscher and Chihuahua, that 13%.
27:46He's also 11% Chow, and yes, Steve, Enrique is 5% German Shepherd, but he's also 3% Rottweiler.
27:56It's really hard to guess a dog's breeds based on looks alone.
28:00It is, Steve.
28:01There are so many variables that determine a dog's appearance.
28:05That's why we DNA test.
28:07Knowing a dog's ancestry can help you predict canine behaviors, detect genetic conditions
28:13they may be prone to, and help provide insight into the best dietary and veterinary choices
28:18you make for your pet.
28:20So, how does the DNA process work?
28:22It's quite simple, Taylor.
28:24We collect DNA via a cheek swab from each puppy, then send that sample to our lab and run it
28:30through our proprietary breed detection system, which scans for over 365 breeds.
28:36This helps us pinpoint each puppy's genetic makeup right down to the percentage point.
28:41Wow, that's some excellent science.
28:44Thank you for joining us, Doctor.
28:46You're welcome.
28:47Thank you for having me.
28:49Up next is the Treaded Tire Course.
28:52Once again, Dan and Victoria have the deets.
28:55This next drill is a combination of coordination, strength, poise, and, of course, cuteness.
29:00So, Dan, this is a time drill where the puppies have to navigate their way through the Tire
29:04Obstacle Course.
29:05Now, this tests the puppy's agility and nimbleness, as well as helping build their confidence.
29:09And those are skills they're going to need out on the field.
29:12So, let's see how they're going to do.
29:13Certainly what Team Ruff and Team Fluff are looking for.
29:15Let's burn some rubber.
29:17Up first is our 28-breed shadow mix.
29:20Hola, Enrique.
29:21Marius, you got it.
29:23He certainly is cute, but seems a bit intimidated by the course.
29:29Head over to the next obstacle.
29:32Come back to this one.
29:32I'm not seeing a lot of speed.
29:35I like his technique, though.
29:37What he doesn't have in speed, he has in charm.
29:40I mean, come on.
29:41His jaws move fast.
29:42That's good.
29:42He's a great eater.
29:43Come halftime snack time, he's going to light up the room.
29:47Next is Belle.
29:49You've got this.
29:50So brave.
29:51Oh, gracious.
29:52You've got it.
29:53Belle, who nearly spins out going into turn one.
29:56But she stays in high gear.
29:59Wow.
30:00No hesitation.
30:01I feel like she used the first two set of tires to warm up,
30:04and then this is her grand finale.
30:05That's exactly right.
30:07Belle looks to be both a beauty and a beast.
30:11Looks like Atlas is at the starting line.
30:14Okay.
30:15Show him how it's done.
30:16Wow.
30:17Right out of the gate.
30:20Super, super impressive.
30:21No fear.
30:22Oh, yeah.
30:22She's got a small paw radius, but she makes up for it with her footwork.
30:27A lot of tenacity here.
30:28You ready?
30:30Now we go through here.
30:31Oh, my gosh.
30:33Wow.
30:34Yeah.
30:34Through the tires within 1.7 seconds.
30:36I'm really, really impressed.
30:38You ready?
30:39We're going to do this one.
30:42Yay.
30:44Speedy.
30:44That was so impressive.
30:46No fear.
30:47Nice job, Alice.
30:48Wow.
30:49Alice handled that tiger course faster than an Indian.
30:52She sure did.
30:53She sure did.
30:55Here is a look at the final results of the tire course.
30:58Alice takes the top spot, followed by Belle and Enrique.
31:02Let's take a look at the updated Puppy Bowl readiness ratings.
31:06Carl proved a disability didn't define him, taking first place in the sniff and find.
31:11And Alice's agility training paid dividends.
31:15She dominated the tire course.
31:17The Puppy Bowl draft is coming up, where we'll find out which pups go to which teams.
31:22But first, we'll find out which puppy is the fastest as they take on the 40-yard dash,
31:27where the Puppy Bowl kickoff continues.
31:29Welcome back to the Puppy Bowl 21 kickoff.
31:43Before we continue with the combine, we have a live look-in to show you.
31:47Yes, Taylor, the kittens have arrived backstage, where they are rehearsing for the upcoming Kitty Halftime Show,
31:55presented by Arm & Hammer Hardball Kitty Litter.
31:57This year's Cattacular will have a special New Orleans Mardi Gras theme.
32:04There will be beads to catch.
32:06DJ Catlid will be scratching the decks.
32:09And, of course, the show-stealing feline parade float.
32:13This Mew crew is ready to party, or as they say in the Big Easy,
32:17Laissez le bon temps rouler.
32:19That's French for let the good times roll.
32:22Well, we're going to get rolling, too.
32:24Let's meet another one of our draft-eligible puppies.
32:28Natasha Carter is standing by.
32:30You know, every pup deserves a second chance.
32:33And our next pup, Lightning, got that from Buddy Second Chance Rescue.
32:38And I'm here with Julie, so tell us all about Lightning.
32:41So, Lightning came from Laredo, Texas, from an overcrowded shelter.
32:45We brought Lightning with her two siblings, Hurricane and Thunder,
32:48along with 20 other dogs, to Buffalo, New York, which is where we are based.
32:52I mean, I know her name is Lightning, so is she fast?
32:55She's lean, she's got long legs, she can run, and she is bright and shines like lightning.
33:01What is your prediction?
33:01You think she's going to be drafted to Team Rough or Team Fluff?
33:05I'm thinking Team Rough's going to pick her up.
33:07She looks like she would really fit in with their team and their skills and their athleticism.
33:11I know a lot of people will be cheering for Lightning.
33:13I sure know we will be.
33:15Good luck.
33:17Thanks, Natasha.
33:18With a name like Lightning, that puppy has got to be fast.
33:22The field has been cleared for our final and fastest combine drill.
33:26Let's go down a dam.
33:27This is the combine event that we've all been waiting for, the 40-yard dash.
33:32A straight-line speed test from one side to the other that could really shake up the puppy bowl draft.
33:37I'll be at the end with my trusty stopwatch.
33:40Let's see how fast they can make it from one end zone to the other.
33:43Let's go.
33:46Up first is who else but Lightning?
33:49Okay, Lightning, on your mark, get set, go.
33:53Let's go Lightning!
33:54Yay!
33:55Day 2.5!
33:57Okay.
33:58That's what I'm talking about, Lightning?
34:01Man, light really does travel faster than sound.
34:04Another look shows how supercharged Lightning was to get out of the blocks.
34:09I haven't seen that fast a start since Usain Bolt.
34:12No relation, right, Steve?
34:14No relation, Taylor.
34:16Mustering at the start is Sarge.
34:18On your mark, get set, go.
34:19Let's do this.
34:20Oh, my gosh.
34:21You are looking so...
34:23Oh, big stretch.
34:28You got this!
34:29Perfect!
34:31Yay!
34:326.2 seconds.
34:34Respectable.
34:34You minus the pancake he just pulled at the 50, he's down at 4.2.
34:38You know, being able to accelerate, stop, and start again
34:42is something both Team Ruff and Team Fluff will be looking for in the upcoming draft.
34:47Next to the line is Kentucky's Julep.
34:50Julep ready?
34:50Victoria ready?
34:51Unleash the hounds!
34:52No, no.
34:53Go!
34:53Oh, my gosh!
34:54That is the spirit of the champion.
34:56Wow, great work.
34:58Yeah.
34:58She's a great mix.
34:59I don't know what mix she might be, but I know that half of it is Ball Hog and Speedster.
35:04Ready to run is Beethoven from Best Friends Animal Society.
35:09Are you Mark?
35:09Get set.
35:10Go!
35:11Let's see what you got, brother!
35:13You got this!
35:14Put it into second gear at least.
35:19I love it.
35:20This is a well-thought-out dash.
35:22Getting ready to run next is Trio, who has just three legs but a need for speed.
35:29Natasha has more on his heartwarming story.
35:32Here at the Puppy Bowl, we love giving unique pups a voice.
35:36And right now, I'm here with Julie from Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue.
35:40And she has a special pup that dominates the field with only one hind leg.
35:47How did you meet him?
35:48He came to us from a puppy mill as a survivor.
35:51He was born with a bone deformity in his front two legs.
35:55And the hind leg was bitten off tragically.
35:57So there's never going to be a normal way of walking for him.
36:01He doesn't know that he's any different than any of the other puppies.
36:05How do you think this is going to affect his performance?
36:08He's been training since seven or eight weeks old.
36:11And it's an everyday experience for him.
36:14This is literally how he manages the world.
36:17You usually adopt out these puppies.
36:19But tell me why you decided to keep him.
36:22So despite having, I don't know, over 75 fosters myself, he's going to be the first foster fail of mine.
36:28He's been a super unique journey for both me and him.
36:32A constant reminder of why I started volunteering with a shelter.
36:35And I can't live without him.
36:39I don't know about everybody else, but my heart is certainly warmed.
36:43Thank you for doing the good work and rescuing our boy.
36:46Good to see that Trio has a loving home.
36:49He's ready at the starting line.
36:51On your mark.
36:51Get set.
36:52Go.
36:53Let's see what you got.
36:54Oh my gosh.
36:55New record.
36:55New record.
36:56You've got this.
36:57I'm so proud of you.
36:59Unbelievable.
37:005.4 seconds.
37:02You are a superstar.
37:04Trio, I'm going to show this to all the young rookies out there because that is some very inspirational stuff.
37:10I'm so proud of you.
37:11Get yourself an agent, buddy.
37:12Wow.
37:14Here's a look at the results from the 40-yard dash.
37:17Lightning claims the title of fastest pup, followed by Julep.
37:20And Trio clocks in sixth with a truly unforgettable run.
37:25Team Fluff is officially on the clock.
37:28Who will be the first pup drafted?
37:30Where will your favorite pup be picked?
37:32Find out as we bring in Puppy Bowl statistician Cynthia Freeland to help break down the data
37:37and analyze the adorability when the Puppy Bowl kickoff continues.
37:43Welcome back to the Puppy Bowl 21 kickoff.
37:53The draft is set to begin.
37:55Team Fluff is officially on the clock.
37:57As we await their pick, let's bring in our Puppy Bowl statistician Cynthia Freeland for a closer look inside the numbers.
38:07Thanks, Steven Taylor.
38:08Just looking at the combine results, Foxtrot, Alice, and Julep have clearly positioned themselves as draft frontrunners.
38:14But when adorability and charm are figured in, Bell may have an edge here.
38:19What's the one skill Team Ruff and Team Fluff are looking for in a draft pick?
38:23Speed.
38:24It's something both teams put a premium on.
38:26And Lightning's 40-yard dash topped out at 18.3 miles per hour.
38:30But more coveted than speed is cuteness.
38:34And Enrique's Pookie Factor is off the charts.
38:37All right, Cynthia, which puppy still has something to prove?
38:40Well, looking into the data, Beethoven's combine performance was anything but an ode to joy.
38:46He wasn't interested in the hurdles.
38:47He didn't put much effort into the 40-yard dash.
38:50But he was voted best snuggle buddy in the Puppy Player Lounge.
38:54So we'll have to see what Team Ruff and Team Fluff think.
38:57Should be an interesting draft.
38:59Back to you guys.
39:00Thanks, Cynthia.
39:02All ten of these pups are special and will all play in the upcoming game.
39:06The Puppy Bowl draft works like this.
39:09Team Ruff and Team Fluff will draft five pups each over five rounds.
39:14On the clock is Team Fluff.
39:16Well, that didn't take long.
39:18Team Fluff has turned in their draft card.
39:20With the first pick in the Puppy Bowl 21 draft, Team Fluff selects Julep.
39:27Wow, what a great first choice.
39:30Julep had an amazing combine.
39:32She finished in the top five in the sniff and find, the tire course, and the 40-yard dash.
39:38A dominant performance all around.
39:40Julep, you've got a lot to be proud about.
39:43Number one overall draft pick.
39:44And I might add, heaviest pup of the entire combine.
39:48You've earned it, pal.
39:49Congratulations.
39:50Yes, I'll take a kiss.
39:51Okay.
39:51Okay.
39:52With their first pick in the Puppy Bowl draft, Team Ruff selects Foxtrot.
39:58Foxtrot's a multi-position pup who can play running back or middle linebacker.
40:04With their second pick, Team Fluff drafts Alice, Florida Little Dog Rescue.
40:10With their second pick, Team Ruff takes Trio.
40:14Moving into the third round, Team Fluff enlists Sarge.
40:18Ruff follows that up by selecting the spunky Sato Pup Enrique.
40:22In the fourth round, Team Fluff takes San Diego's Bell.
40:27In need of a game-changing deep threat, Team Ruff strikes fast, taking Lightning with their fourth pick.
40:34In the fifth round, Team Fluff picks fan favorite Carl with their final pick.
40:39Team Ruff closes out their draft, taking the best pup available and a true sleeper pick, Beethoven.
40:45Let's go down to Dan.
40:46That concludes this year's Puppy Bowl 21 draft.
40:49All ten puppies are ready to meet their new teammates in the Puppy Bowl locker room and go over any last-minute game plans.
40:56There are a record number of pups suited up for Puppy Bowl 21, and each one has very special talents.
41:02Now, speaking of suiting up, it's time for me to get changed into my referee outfit.
41:05Let's go.
41:06We're counting down to the start of the biggest and cutest Puppy Bowl ever.
41:12I'm so ready.
41:13Me too, Taylor.
41:14Special thanks to our animal expert, Victoria.
41:17Field reporter, Natasha Carter.
41:19Our Puppy Bowl statistician, Cynthia Freeland.
41:22And, of course, Dan, the ref, who has changed into his familiar stripes.
41:26The moment we've been working for all year is finally here.
41:29You can feel the excitement in the air for Puppy Bowl.
41:33Yes!
41:34The adorable cuteness overload is off the charts.
41:37I'm ready.
41:37Are the pups ready?
41:38Oh, yeah!
41:39The fans are ready.
41:40Let's do this!
41:41Universal musica is over.
41:46Podcasts on the floor.
41:57It's atnoo Store.
41:58Once again's over.
41:59Let's do it.
41:59Talk to you next time and take time.
42:00Do it because we go to theению?
42:00Feel right back.
42:01Wonder!
42:02It's atnoo Store.
42:02Just take a minute.
42:03I'll be right back.
42:04And we're the only time.
42:04Today's gonna be right back.
42:04So we'll be right back.
42:05Keep it on closed.