Puppy Bowl XXI is the 21st anniversary of arguably the cutest pre-Super Bowl event. The "competition" each year has two teams of dogs from shelters and rescues around the world facing off in a football game. The event encourages viewers to consider adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue rather than a breeder.

The dogs will compete across two teams -- one named Ruff, the other one Fluff -- with the winning one taking home the coveted "Lombarky" trophy

The Super Bowl is happening this weekend, and if you also enjoy sporting events with tail-wagging, toy-tugging and miniature limbs, you can watch good boys and girls face off in the 21st Puppy Bowl. Puppy Bowl XXI will showcase 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters -- the biggest canine cohort yet -- before the Super Bowl airs at 6:30 p.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, these furry competitors will face off in their own big game on Feb. 9 — here's how to watch the Puppy Bowl without cable, and where to stream for free

Clear your (and your pet's) schedules—the 21st Annual Puppy Bowl (Puppy Bowl XXI) is this weekend. This yearly sporting event broadcasted by Animal Planet is not only adorable, but it historically raises awareness for shelter animals in need of adoption.

And while loads of folks will be tuning in to watch two teams face off on the gridiron, a number of people will be watching a much different competition: the Puppy Bowl. Puppy Bowl XXI is set to take place on Super Bowl Sunday,