It's excellent fun. I think its more geared to the Japanese practiclaties of dog ownership. But I think it will sell well here and in the US too.
The voice commands I'm in two minds about. On the one hand its very good and gives a real sense of connection to your virtual pet. On the other , no way am I going to talk to my DS in public :D
Neither the Golden Retriever, Husky or Boxer are featured in any of the Japanese versions, but Americans will get the chance to select them along with the usual collection of poodles, pinschers, corgis, beagles, Yorkshire terriers and those really weird-looking tiny ones favoured by Hollywood celebrities that you just want to crush in your fist till their big beady black eyes pop out like living marbles.
As in Japan, both Chihuahua and Friends and Miniature Dachshund and Friends versions will be available, but the Shiba edition has been renamed Labrador and Friends for the US market.