Shar PEI Chihuahua mix

Pictured, Lewis, a 12-week-old Shar-pei now living with the a family of Stamford, Conn., is among the dogs that will be duking it out during Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl XI. Several other dogs, who have been adopted by local families, are part of the roster, as well. Contributed photo

Image 1 of 6 | Puppy Bowl 2015

Pictured, Lewis, a 12-week-old Shar-pei now living with the a family of Stamford, Conn., is among the dogs that will be duking it out during Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XI. Several other dogs, who have been adopted by local families, are part of the roster, as well. Contributed photo

Pictured, Lewis, a 12-week-old Shar-pei now living with the a family...of Stamford, Conn., is among the dogs that will be duking it out...during Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XI. Several other dogs, who have...been adopted by local families, are part of the roster, as well.Contributed photo

Image 2 of 6 | Puppy Bowl 2015

Fritz, a 15-week-old schnauzer became a member of the Fraleigh Family of Norwalk, Conn.

Fritz, a 15-week-old schnauzer became a member of the Fraleigh Family...of Norwalk, Conn.

Image 3 of 6 | Puppy Bowl 2015

Graham, a 12-week-old Pomeranian/Chihuahua/Lab mix was adopted by the Hartsman family of Norwalk, Conn.

Graham, a 12-week-old Pomeranian/Chihuahua/Lab mix was adopted by the...Hartsman family of Norwalk, Conn.

Image 4 of 6 | Puppy Bowl 2015

Lewis, a 12-week-old Shar-pei was adopted by the Hossman family of Stamford, Conn.

Lewis, a 12-week-old Shar-pei was adopted by the Hossman family of...Stamford, Conn.

Image 5 of 6 | Puppy Bowl 2015

Pudge, a 16-week-old Chihuahua mix was adopted by the Kerr family of Riverside, Conn.

Pudge, a 16-week-old Chihuahua mix was adopted by the Kerr family of...Riverside, Conn.

Image 6 of 6 | Puppy Bowl 2015

Smudge, a 17-week-old Havanese mix was adopted by the Kim family of Darien, Conn.

Smudge, a 17-week-old Havanese mix was adopted by the Kim family of...Darien, Conn.

• Local canines among the competitors in Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl XI

Of the 60 or so pooches that will be in the competition, Norwalk’s Dog Gone Smart adoption program was able to get eight of the puppies into new homes, with several families in Fairfield County. Those eight puppies were part of a group of 16 puppies from Florida Little Dog Rescue, according to Laurie Johnson of the Florida rescue organization.

The Puppy Bowl, which will air on the Animal Planet on Sunday at 3 p.m., drafts puppies from rescue groups across the country to play on the big day. This is the first year they will be divided into teams.

Among the local dogs are Fritz, a 15-week-old schnauzer adopted by the Fraleigh Family of Norwalk; Graham, a 12-week-old Pomeranian/Chihuahua/Lab mix adopted by the Hartsman family of Norwalk; Lewis, a 12-week-old Shar-pei now living with the Hossman Family of Stamford; Smudge, a 17-week-old Havanese mix adopted by the Kim family of Darien; and Pudge, a 16-week-old Chihuahua mix now with the Kerr family of Riverside. You can see the full lineup here.