Puppy Bowl IX is on the horizon, and we know you're just as excited as we are to see the playful pooches romp around the puppy-sized playing field, not to mention the all-kitten halftime and, of course, the hedgehog cheerleaders. In case you, like us, can't bear to wait until Sunday for this epic showdown, we've got a little pregame action for you: a slideshow featuring some of the puppies in the starting lineup!

To check out the rest of the precious players, head on over to Animal Planet. And don't miss the show itself on Animal Planet, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

Agatha

Agatha

Breed(s): Miniature Pinscher
Sex: Female
Age: 9 weeks
Fun Fact: Loves to be the center of attention and get everyone going.
Adoption Organization: IMPS (Internet Miniature Pinscher Service)

Aurora

Aurora

Breed(s): Siberian Husky/Retriever mix
Sex: Female
Age: 10 weeks
Fun Fact: Loves to play, play, play, and she loves toys.
Adoption Organization: Wayside Waifs

Biscuit

Biscuit

Breed(s): Puerto Rican Sato
Sex: Female
Age: 12 weeks
Fun Fact: Her mom is Julia Roberts, so she is destined for greatness.
Adoption Organization: The Sato Project

Blitz

Blitz

Breed(s): Terrier mix
Sex: Female
Age: 11 weeks
Fun Fact: Rode on a plane, a subway, and in a taxi in 24 hours.
Adoption Organization: SPCALA

Chestnut

Chestnut

Breed(s): Labrador Retriever/Australian Shepherd mix
Sex: Male
Age: 9 weeks
Fun Fact: Loves to play and snuggle.
Adoption Organization: Bonnie Blue Rescue

Copper

Copper

Breed(s): Dachshund/English Pit Bull mix
Sex: Male
Age: 9 weeks
Fun Fact: Loves to shred paper.
Adoption Organization: Furever Dachshund Rescue

Daisy

Daisy

Breed(s): Yorkshire Terrier
Sex: Female
Age: 12 weeks
Fun Fact: Likes to wrestle with her two brothers.
Adoption Organization: Shih Tzus & Furbabies

Harry

Harry

Breed(s): Chocolate Dachshund Smooth
Sex: Male
Age: 12 weeks
Fun Fact: Is a lovable little terror.
Adoption Organization: Furever Dachshund Rescue

Koda

Koda

Breed(s): Catahoula/Boston Terrier mix
Sex: Male
Age: 4 months
Fun Fact: Voted cutest puppy in Howl's Kitchen Manhattan. He is an expert at riding the subway.
Adoption Organization: Howl's Kitchen Rescue

Sally

Sally

Breed(s): Dachshund/Basset Hound mix
Sex: Female
Age: 12 weeks
Fun Fact: Loves to steal slippers.
Adoption Organization: Furever Dachshund Rescue

Simba

Simba

Breed(s): Japanese Chin
Sex: Male
Age: 8 weeks
Fun Fact: Very playful and confident with other dogs.
Adoption Organization: Tails of Love Animal Rescue

Tuck

Tuck

Breed(s): German Shepherd/Pit mix
Sex: Male
Age: 10 weeks
Fun Fact: The only black pup in his litter of six.
Adoption Organization: Bergen County Animal Shelter

Willis

Willis

Breed(s): Longhaired Chihuahua mix
Sex: Female
Age: 4 months
Fun Fact: A puppy with the funniest ears ever.
Adoption Organization: Gimme Shelter