US Nintendogs to feature three new breeds

Easy, boy. Dog fanciers wagging their tails in anticipation of the US release of Nintendogs will have something worth waiting for. Nintendo today announced that the North American versions of the virtual-pet game, set for release on August 22, will include three new breeds of puppies not found in the Japanese versions.

As in Japan, the US Nintendogs will be released in three editions, each with six different breeds of canines for a total of 18. The Chihuahua and Friends edition will feature German shepherds, King Charles spaniels, Yorkshire terriers, Shetland sheepdogs, and the all-new boxer. The Miniature Dachshund and Friends edition will include beagles, pugs, Shih Tzus, and the new golden retriever and Siberian husky breeds. The Labrador Retriever and Friends pack will contain miniature Schnauzers, toy poodles, Pembroke Welsh corgis, Shiba Inus, and miniature Doberman pinschers.

The game, which has bolstered DS sales in Japan, lets gamers tend to a virtual puppy from infancy. Owners will have to feed, clean up after, bathe, and play with their dogs to keep them happy and healthy. Through the wireless function of the game, Nintendogs owners can let their pooches play with one another.

For more information on the Nintendogs, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.