This puppy is too big to fit in your pocket, but he’s still monstrously cute.
As arguably the Internet’s favorite breed of dog, it follows logically that the Shiba Inu should also have an interest in technology. So we wonder, how do they feel about Pokémon GO, humanity’s latest digital entertainment obsession?
It’s our theory that Shibas would love the augmented reality title for the way it encourages going for walks, but dogs don’t generally have their own smartphones. As such, they can’t really play Pokémon GO like we do, i.e. taking on the role of a Pokémon Trainer. As this video shows, though, what they can do is make for adorable stand-ins for the game’s Pocket Monster prey.
飛びかかってきた!
— shiba4 (@Westin071) August 7, 2016
なかなかのモンスターだ! pic.twitter.com/kh4mWNuhHj
Japanese Twitter user @Westin071 shared this video of his pet Shiba playfully yapping and lunging at the camera. While some may scoff at the vertical video format, it helps emphasize the uncanny resemblance between the puppy and the characters of Pokémon GO, which dance and flit about the screen as you toss Poké Balls at them. @Westin071’s energetic pet looks like he’d be particularly difficult to catch without some sort of upgraded equipment or a special aiming aid.
“This one’s a pretty tough [Pocket] Monster!” @Westin071 tweeted. In keeping with that assessment, the video ends with the dog uncaptured, and while that means @Westin071 can’t check the box for “Shiba Inu” on his Pokédex, we know of one Internet video fan who’ll probably be hitting that play button over and over.
Source: IT Media, Twitter/@Westin071

Japanese pet owner illustrates likeness between adorable Shiba Inu and Pokémon Eevee
Shiba Inu in the snow: Japanese dogs melt hearts with their love for the cold【Pics & Video】
Japanese Shiba Inu shows even the dog world’s biggest goofs can have elegant table manners【Video】
Shiba Inu dresses up as old woman, charms internet with tails of the good ‘ol (dog) days 【Pics】
Cute Miniature Shiba Inu dog sisters from Japan never leave each other’s side
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Mr. Sato shares his own secret Ministop hack to help save the ailing convenience store
Haikyu fan event lets you step onto the court, see what it’s like to play with the anime athletes
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japanese government creates new word for cruelly hot summer days
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japanese-style afternoon tea in this Japanese manor house outside downtown Tokyo is something special
Tomahawk Tonkatsu at Japanese restaurant becomes a hot topic online
Temple with 600-year-old tree near busy Tokyo station is like a tranquil pocket dimension
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Adorable pet dog’s Japanese-style housecleaning video convinces the Internet he’s a very good boy
Funny Shiba dog had a silly reaction to eating natto, frightened its owners, made the vet laugh
Shiba Inu watches humans on YouTube, internet has officially come full circle 【Videos】
Adorable Shiba Inu melts into puddle of doggy bliss when her head is rubbed 【Videos】
These Shiba Inu dogs are so cute they need a sign above their peeping holes
Japanese Shiba Inu stops baby’s cries like a doting parent, melts hearts for being a good dog
First Shiba Inu police dog in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture now on duty[Video]
Adorable Shiba Inu gives the best response to owner’s magic trick【Video】
Shimamura Boutique shop has the perfect Shiba pillow for a little Shiba Inu
You’re so cute when you’re angry. Shiba Inu gets angry at mocking mini-me toy【Video】
Japanese Shiba Inu melts hearts with adorable swimming technique…above water 【Pics & Video】
Yoga for dogs? Nope, just your friendly, lazy neighborhood Shiba Inu【Photos】
Adorable Shiba Inu and tortoise duo prove you don’t have to look alike to be best friends【Pics】
Five reasons why Shiba Inu are the absolute best
Cute Japanese Shiba Inu joins in adorable “Handshaking Championship” with its owner