A playful pup has become an internet sensation after chasing after a Google Maps car.
The adorable dog has been caught on camera running down the street after the unusual car in Minamitane, Kagoshima, Japan.
First spotted near a boating area, the dog appears to excitably jump into the road before beginning his chase after the driver.
With its tongue hanging out its mouth, the pooch follows the car to a dead end before disappearing out of sight.
Google randomly schedules its car to come around, possibly to guard against people from performing stunts when it's on route.
However, they do update their satellite images once every one to three years.
Sign up to our TeamDogs newsletter for your weekly dose of dog news, pictures and stories.
The adorable dog quickly went viral after being spotted by eagle-eyed internet users, with many claiming it to be "the cutest thing on Google Maps".
One user said: "The car was later found with the driver covered in the cutest slobber ever."
Another user added: "We don't know why dogs chase cars, but this little one shows such determination.
"I see that he is having such fun, that day could have been the most fun he has had in a very long time."
While others questioned whether Google Maps will incorporate the quirks they capture into their road directions.
"Does this mean that Google Maps will include the dog in its directions? Say, make a left next to the white and blue boat with the cute dog," said one user.
It remains unknown who owns the dog or whether it is a stray - but it appears to be in good health.
Google Maps launched in February 2005 as a "new solution to help people get from point A to point B". It is now used by more than one billion people all over the world every month.
Most recently, it announced its Live View, which helps users better navigate the world around them by providing them with arrows and directions clearly overlaid on their maps.
A Google Maps statement reads: "We launched Google Maps as a useful way to help people get around.
"As we’ve added features and capabilities, Google Maps has evolved into much more than a website that gives you turn-by-turn directions.
"Today, it’s a gateway to exploring the world—both digitally and in real life, on foot or by car, via public transit or a wheelchair.
"The world is constantly changing, and so is the way we get around in it. And as it does, Google Maps will be there every step of the way, building new tools that help you navigate, explore and get things done, wherever you are."
Do you have a cute dog story to sell? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
