These local puppies are representing Ohio in Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XIV

Cincinnati hasn't seen much luck with the Super Bowl in recent years, but the same can't be said for the NFL championship's adorable counterprogramming.

Over the last few years, the Animal Friends Humane Society in Franklin, Ohio, has routinely sent adoptable puppies to Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl, a high-profile showcase for adoptable animals across the country that airs ahead of the big game.

And this year is no different.

Boomer, a 14-week-old Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix, as well as terrier mixes Teddy and Bubbles are the shelter's latest furry contestants to take part in the cuddly game-day event, which will air Feb. 4 at 3 p.m.

Last year, the shelter sent Sable, a 14-week-old husky-Labrador mix who competed on Team Fluff. The year before that was Rugby, who also competed on Team Fluff.

Unlike his predecessors, Boomer, who was among the 35 starters announced earlier this month, will be starting for Team Ruff. Teddy also will on Team Ruff, and Bubbles and will be a "back-up pup" for Team Fluff. In total, there will be 90 dogs competing this year.

If you're watching from Kentucky, the players to keep your eyes on are Harley, a beagle, and Rowdy, a Jack Russell terrier mix. The puppies will be representing Barktown Rescue, a Boston, Kentucky-based shelter that also sent a dog to play last year.

More: Meet the Butler Co. dogs competing in Puppy Bowl XIV

In addition to the showdown, viewers will also be treated to a piano-playing chicken, baby animal cheerleaders, the famous Kitty Half-Time Show, and “Pup Close and Personal” segments highlighting some of the athletes and their heartwarming stories.

And, this year, it's not just puppies that are going to be in the spotlight.

Viewers will be treated later in the night to Animal Planet's newest spin-off, The Dog Bowl, which turns the focus on older canines in need of forever homes.

Like Puppy Bowl, Dog Bowl splits shelter pooches into two "teams" — Paws and Tails — for a playful game of pigskin. But the more mature offshoot is a whole different breed of competition, with 50 mutts from 15 shelters in 11 states, ranging from 2 to 15 years old.

More: Animal Planet starts 'Dog Bowl,' a new breed of football game

"They're calmer with each other" on the field, said Dan Schachner, Puppy Bowl's official "ruffaree" of seven years. "We don't get fights like the puppies when they yip at each other. They seem a little more aloof" and like to "stake their claim."

The Dog Bowl will air at 8 p.m. Feb. 4 during the Super Bowl, and we cannot wait.

If you can't, either, check out some of the most "unfurgettable" highlights below.

Patrick Ryan of USA TODAY contributed to this story.