Short and sweet chapters, perfect to wind down or pass the time. I loved that our main characters are adults and have their own identities outside of the romance. Their shared love for dogs gives them a natural way to connect to one another.

Thank you to Kodahsa Comics and Netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for providing the ARC. <3

I can say that this manga is super cute and so heartwarming. Seeing each character with their dog and their perception of each other was so funny! At first, it was a bit difficult to understand how to read it, but after one or two pages, you get the hang of it. I loved how the dogs interacted and had their own dialogues and feelings. Being able to reread these moments made me love this story even more. And the main characters... THEY ARE SO CUTE, AND I LOVE THEM!!! I can't wait to see more of them in the second manga!

If you love dogs and romance, you need to read this. I'm excited to read more of Hono Natsuna's work and see more of her art style! I can't wait to read the second part and see more of their journey!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars!

This manga was so cute! There are so many cute manga about cats but not nearly enough about dogs! The owners and dogs are both adorable and I can't wait for V2!

For whatever reason, there's much more of a history of cat manga in English translation than dog manga. That doesn't mean that there aren't any—Doomsday With My Dog and Inubaka: Crazy for Dogs both have English editions, and that's not even counting series like Yuzu the Pet Vet with its periphery focus on canines. (We perhaps should refrain from raising the specter of Guru Guru Pon-chan.) However, a stark difference immediately becomes apparent when you compare that short list with the sheer number of cat titles Seven Seas alone is translating. Fortunately for us dog people, Kodansha has shown up carrying the stick labeled Pupposites Attract, a cute romantic comedy based on the joys of canine companionship.

The story in this first volume is fairly slight. It follows a petite woman and her huge dog as she meets and interacts with a large man and his tiny dog. The canines in question are a Rottweiler and a Pomeranian, which makes for a striking visual difference, one furthered by the fact that Chiharu puts Tsubu in spiky collars while Kiyotaka dresses Monjuro in ruffled bibs. Both accoutrements are at stark odds with the dogs' personalities, though—big, buff Tsubu is a shy scaredy cat, while fluffy little Monjuro is the world's most outgoing, energetic dog. This goes for their people as well: Chiharu is tough while Kiyotaka is shy and retiring, making this a story that trades in opposites in more than just its punny title.

Whether or not creator Hono Natsuna intended it, the story does a very good job of quashing assumptions about both dog breeds. (They say in their author's note that although they love dogs, they don't have one.) Although Rottweilers can be aggressive, they were initially bred as herd dogs or working dogs who pulled carts in their native Rottweil, Germany—and some of what we interpret as “guard dog” behavior today is more herd dog mentality, though they can be territorial. But a breed is not a monolith and ultimately it all comes down to training and personality. Tsubu was raised by Chiharu and her father, the latter of whom works as a dog trainer. Tsubu is well-behaved and very obedient because he was trained by someone who knew what they were doing. Monjuro, on the other hand, is a toy breed (meaning tiny) descended from the Spitz dog family—and while Spitzes probably were working dogs at one point, for centuries they've been bred as lap dogs, which is about as far from a working breed as you can get. More importantly, Monjuro has been raised by someone without dog training experience, and as Chiharu notices, it's more like Monjuro trained Kiyotaka than the other way around. To be clear, both of them adore their dogs, it's just that their experience as dog owners is vastly different, something that's nicely shown in the pups' behavior.

Frankly, the dogs are more interesting than the humans in this volume—although they aren't uninteresting as characters. It's more that they're a bit predictable, from their seemingly opposite looks and personalities to their jobs. Chiharu feels like she gets more page time, although that could simply be because she's the more striking character; Kiyotaka is so shy that he almost disappears off the page even when he's the focal point. That works with the idea of opposites that the volume is trading in and it's certainly an interesting angle to take. It also feels like the creator is simply more invested in Chiharu and Tsubu than the other dog/human pair.

As with any comic that uses actual, recognizable dog breeds, the dogs must be well drawn, and in this, the book is an unqualified success. If you're older, you may notice that Tsubu's tail isn't docked (amputated); that used to be the breed standard for Rotties, and fortunately more humane practices prevailed—today the practice is outright illegal in many countries, and you rarely see it anymore. The story is also good about acknowledging people's reactions to the two dogs, with strangers being more likely to want to interact with Monjuro than Tsubu—something Chiharu, portrayed as a very responsible dog parent, mentions a few times.

But all of these details are just the icing on the cake—Pupposites Attract is simply at its heart an ode to the love between people and their dogs. There are short sections of the book that are from the pups' perspective—and those are delightful without being too cutesy—serving to let readers know that the dogs love their people just as much as their people love them. This is the dog-person equivalent of many of the cat-person manga out there—and if there's a dog-shaped space in your heart for a new manga series, this is worth your time.

I loved the art, but the story wasn’t very intriguing, especially to pick up the rest of the books! It’s still a cute story, and I can see the buildup for the romance, but again. Not interesting enough!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the parts where the owners were alone with their dogs. The parts where they were together were just weird. I mean, how can you repeatedly be amazed at how someone can control his own strength and doesn’t crush his small dog. Just weird.. How are men supposed to hold babies if that was an actual issue…

So Kiyotaka has a small dog and Chiharu has a large dog. Which is a bit funny I guess. But we soon learn that it’s the small dog that is hard to control. They keep running into eachother and they eventually go on a date.

I loved how they really loved their dogs and learning more about them. Especially the backstory of how Chiharu met her dog, was beautiful.

I have a big and a small dog myself and it was wonderful to see both in this manga.

Review to come end of September to my blog (sorry, earlier wasn't possible), and then later to Goodreads/other places.

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

😍 I love how the humans weren't just opposites (she with a big strong dog and he with a tiny dog), but also the personalities of the dogs with their humans. Chiharu is bold and brave, but her rottweiler is a scaredy cat (for real, he doesn't dare come close to other dogs, even if they are very tiny, and when it storms he hides under blankets, it is also kind of cute though) and very shy. Then there is Kiyotaka who is very shy, but has a Pomeranian who is very outgoing! I really loved that the author went full out with it.
😍 I love their first meeting. How she was wondering how he wasn't crushing his tiny dog (she is superstrong) and he was wondering how the heck such a tiny girl was able to handle such a big dog. It just made me laugh, especially their facial expressions.
😍 I love that the chapters are short, there are 15 in total in this first volume, but it doesn't feel like too much.
😍 It was great that we got to see the POVs of both the characters and see how they go through their daily lives. Why they choose their dogs, how they choose their dogs (that chapter with baby Tsubu, my heart!!!), their feelings on the dogs, it was a lot of fun and it made me very happy. As I said the chapters are short, but you really get a good read on the dogs and the humans. You really learn all about them.
😍 OMG, that part where Kiyotaka gave a bib for Tsubu and he was worried he wouldn't like it... but it is all the opposite, it is now Tsubu's new favourite. It just was SO CUTE. *dies*
😍 I loved seeing them get more happy to see the other and even looking forward to it. You see them grow together, discover their feelings, and I was just shipping it like mad.
😍 I also want to visit a doggy cafe!! It looked like such a fun place with a special menu for dogs and humans~ Sadly, I did a search, and it seems we only have one cafe like this, but it is in Amsterdam. Not going there. Nope. Can we please make teleporting to a book/manga a thing?
😍 I also love that we got to see the thoughts of dogs, like in the cafe chapters. I loved how the Pomeranian was shipping it like mad and Tsubu was unsure as he worried his owner would drift away from him (boy, that will never happen, you are way too dang cute).
😍 Sorry, but I found it hilarious how they kept meeting up. Not just during walks, but also when visiting the pet store, and even during work. They are just fated to be!
😍 The art!! I just so loved every bit of it! How the humans were drawn, the expressions, the dogs. Everything!

All in all, if you are looking for a super adorable opposites attract along with cute/strong puppers, be sure to check out this one!

This was an incredibly sweet opposites attract story! The way the characters met felt very natural and is a scenario any dog owner could see themselves in.

The visuals were stunning and I especially loved the adorable rottweiler Tsubu-chan! The contrast in imagery and colouration between the two dogs really made this a visually striking manga to read.

This was the perfect way to start the series as it set the premise up quickly, kept characters to a minimum to help get to know them and left plenty of space for the story to develop.

I read lots of manga but don't think I've ever come across a story involving dogs so this also felt very original.

I already want a volume two to continue the adventure with these adorable 4 pawed friends and their equally as nice owners!

this is so cute

i love how the title holds true. not only are chiharu & kiyotaka opposites, but their dogs are opposites from them too. it's so cute to see an outgoing pomeranian & a shy rottweiler. monjuro & tsubuchan are adorable.

the art/drawing is so nice, i love how there is so much personality in this book, it's a really great first volume.

i really enjoyed the story of how chiharu got tsubuchan. i like how kiyotaka is always worried about monjuro, & i also like how chiharu & kiyotaka met from walking their dogs.

thank you to kodansha comics & netgalley
- arc provided via netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I really liked this slice-of-life manga. It was super cute, and I especially liked the contrast between the FMC and MMC and their dogs. I do wish the story was a little more fleshed out, but I will definitely read volume 2.

I really enjoyed this volume 1! It was cute and has heartwarming moments that made me reflect on my own relationship with my pet. If you are looking for a fluffy easy read this is perfect!

This manga was absolutely cute and fluffy! ;) The dynamic between the characters were incredibly heartwarming and super sweet. The initial misunderstandings based on how Chiharu and Kiyotaka interacted with their dogs were hilarious and perfectly balanced. It wasn't drawn out too long, nor was it rushed, allowing for a satisfying realization of their true feelings. Overall, a precious "feel-good" story that’ll leave you with positive emotions lingering afterward.

A romance for dog lovers! Chiharu has a big personality in a small frame which stands out even more when she's out with her sweetheart Rottweiler, Tsubu-chan. Kiyotaka is a shy giant who swoons over his fluffy pomeranian, Monjuro. A chance encounter leads to long walks and developing feelings that neither seems able to recognize yet.

It's adorable and sweet and all the positive emotions you could possibly think to assign to a story. Chiharu and Kiyotaka are total opposites in everything from their choice of dog to their personalities, but they're a perfect match when it comes to emotions and the love they have for their furry companions. There are a ton of great emotional and comedic moments to keep things interesting and it always feels like the plot is moving even when what we're seeing are flashbacks.

The art is nothing special but it conveys the adorableness of the doggies and the emotions of everyone perfectly so it works wonders with the story.

I'm looking forward to picking up the next volume.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for the adorable read!

A very cute and light story. Great for anyone that loves dogs or animals in general. Felt very cosy, while also including some funny scenes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

The story is cute, the characters are lovable and I love the style. Suggested if you're looking for something heartfelt and cozy that makes you smile.

It was really cute and perfect for dog lovers. I liked the contrast of personality between FL and ML and between their dogs. The romance looks promising and I am looking forward to pick the next volume.

This had me from the first page. It's cute, so, so cute. The mind that has you smiling and giggling to yourself. I love the personality of each character, pets included. Their thoughts and feelings towards other pet owners in public makes me feel seen. Animal lovers must read this. I will be recommending this to several coworkers and customers at my store.

This is such a cute manga. I love dogs and these characters have such a cute chemistry. It’s always adorable when the two leads have complete opposite personalities and they slowly start falling for each other.

I would love to read the next volume of this manga since I’m curious to know about their blooming love story and to view the cute doggos 🤗

Thank you to Kodahsa Comics and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review

While pitched as an "Opposites attract" with a title to relfect, this manga is about a slow developing friendship between 2 dog owners. While they are mutually attracted to eachother, they initially reach out and start talking because of their dogs. Sharing puppy supplies and going on playdates will hopefully lead up to actual ones. So far in this first volume they are just getting to know the other person. This isn't the most exciting, but they're genuinely nice individuals and its relaxing and calm to watch them interact and open up. I can see this becoming a series I come back to when I am having a bad day or need a pick me up.

In fiction its rare to see an animal character that isn't fully anthropromorphic. At one point the dogs do have a converation, but for the most part they exsist as closest to real pets. Their relationships with their owners are very sweet and caring. As a single cat mom it's nice to see parts of my days with her reflected here.

I would recommend this to someone looking for a slowburn and cute romance as well as any pet owners (not just dog ones).

3.75 🌟!

so so cute! a really easy read, and I can't wait for volume 2! characters are so so adorable and likeable :)
would def reread on a cozy day