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
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Cowboy Bebop creator’s Samurai Champloo anime to become live-action series from Hollywood studio
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Yu-Gi-Oh rights holders address use of anime clip in White House post on attack on Iran
The top 5 ice creams you should try at Family Mart convenience stores in Japan this summer
How do European Cup Noodles taste to a Japanese palate?
Starbucks Japan offers special sakura picnics at Reserve Roastery Tokyo beside Meguro River
A diner’s guide to oden: Japan’s weird-looking, super-popular winter dish
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Is Tokyo Station’s startlingly expensive wagyu bento boxed lunch worth its high price?[Taste test]
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
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
Always have cute puppies waiting for you to come back to your car with Shiba Inu sun shades
We don’t think anyone has ever enjoyed a nap as much as this Shiba Inu dog in Japan 【Video】