Cute players to watch in this year’s Puppy Bowl

The 49ers and the Ravens won’t be the only athletes hitting the field on Sunday. The date will also mark the ninth annual Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.

Sixty-three puppies from around the country will compete in this year’s event, and head referee Dan Schachner tells KIRO Radio’s “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs” there are a number of standouts to look for.

The dogs compete as individuals with puppies scoring touchdowns by dragging a toy from the field of play into either end zone.

Blitz and Biscuit were two puppies Dan touted as players to watch. Also, Harry a short-haired chocolate Dachshund, seems to be one of Dan’s personal favorites.

“I happen to love Harry, just a beautiful, beautiful dog, who has got tons of energy, super charismatic, and very well behaved on the field,” which as a ref, Dan says he appreciates.

Dan says the puppies are excited and ready for the big day.

“They’re generally excited. They’re not too aware of the reality of the situation that nearly 2 million people might be watching them,” says Dan. “They’re just excited to be on the field, to be running around, to be in this new environment.”

All the puppies on the field are adoptable says Dan. They are all shelter or rescue pups. For those that can’t get over the cuteness and want a puppy of their own, the Puppy Bowl recommends a visit to Petfinder.com, which helped recruit the puppy players.

This year’s match will include a half-time Kitty show, and a new addition to the sidelines will be nine hedgehog cheerleaders.

Tune into this year’s Puppy Bowl Sunday Feb. 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Animal Planet.

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs can be heard on KIRO Radio Sundays at 1 p.m. Available anytime ON DEMAND at KIRORadio.com.