Siberian Huskies are known for their striking appearance, marked by a thick fur coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive facial markings. This breed’s wolf-like features and piercing blue or multicolored eyes have made them a popular and easily recognizable dog breed around the world.
Unsurprisingly, many dog enthusiasts are drawn to dog breeds that look like Huskies. Several breeds resemble Huskies in appearance and share comparable temperaments, exercise needs, and adaptability to various environments.
Among the dog breeds that bear a close resemblance to Siberian Huskies, some are variations on the Husky breed itself, while others are distinct breeds with their own unique characteristics and histories. These dogs range from the Alaskan Malamute, which shares a similar work ethic and love for activity, to the smaller but similarly fluffy Finnish Lapphund, and the even tinier, fox-like Pomeranian.
Contents
- 1 Dog Breeds That Look Like Huskies
- 2 Summary and Final Thoughts on Dogs That Resemble Huskies
Dog Breeds That Look Like Huskies
Popular Husky-like Breeds
The allure of Husky-like breeds often lies in their striking wolf-like dog appearance and dynamic personalities. These breeds share a common ancestry with their sled-pulling relatives, characterized by their resilience and energy.
1. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute is notable for its strength and endurance. Contrary to its Siberian cousin, the Malamute is heavier and more robustly built, designed to haul heavy freight over long distances. They can easily be confused with Huskies due to their similar dense coats and distinct facial markings.
2. Samoyed
Samoyeds are easily recognizable by their fluffy white coat, curled tail, and friendly expressions. Originating from Siberia, these dogs were bred to herd reindeer and heavy loads and these friendly dogs are known for their gentle and playful nature. The Samoyed’s smiling face is not only a breed hallmark but also prevents drool from freezing in their cold native climate.
3. Siberian Huskies
Siberian Huskies are medium-sized working dogs, renowned for their ability to endure freezing temperatures. These active dogs exhibit a thick double coat, erect triangular ears, and distinctive wolf-like markings. Their agile build is a testament to their history as sled dogs in Northeast Asia, where the Chukchi people first bred them. And of course most Siberian Huskies come with beautiful blue eyes.
4. Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai are a miniature version of their larger Husky counterparts. This breed shares the same captivating almond-shaped eyes and mask-like facial patterns, yet in a more compact and manageable size. The Klee Kai is as energetic as it is inquisitive, making it an apt choice for those desiring a Husky-like breed but in a smaller package.
5. German Shepherd
Although not directly related to Huskies, German Shepherds often exhibit a wolf-like appearance that can be reminiscent of the Siberian breed. German Shepherds are distinguished by their tan and black thick coat, pointy ears, and confident stature. Their versatility and intelligence have made them a staple in various service roles, from law enforcement to search and rescue operations.
Unique Husky Variations and Crossbreeds
Esteemed for their wolf-like appearance and robust nature, certain breeds and crossbreeds astonish with their close resemblance to Huskies. They often share the Husky’s thick fur, piercing eyes, and an affinity for colder climates.
6. Utonagan Dog
The Utonagan Dog is a crossbreed designed to mirror the wolf in appearance. It combines the traits of the Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. These dogs are known for their gentle temperament and are often described as sociable and friendly animals, making them suitable for family life and potentially first-time dog owners.
7. Northern Inuit Dog
Another breed that bears a striking resemblance to wolves is the Northern Inuit Dog. As a crossbreed, it shares ancestry with the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd among others. These dogs are characterized by their friendly and outgoing nature, although they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
8. Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog, or the Canadian Inuit Dog, is one of the oldest indigenous domestic canines of the Arctic. Recognized for their strength and endurance, this breed is traditionally used for pulling sleds and hunting. They exhibit a friendly yet assertive temperament, synonymous with northern type dogs.
9. Finnish Lapphund
Originating from Finland, the Finnish Lapphund is a hardy breed, once employed by the Sami people for herding reindeer. While its appearance is somewhat similar to that of Huskies, the Lapphund is smaller and known for its intellect and versatility.
10. Greenland Dog
Rounding out the group, the Greenland Dog is another northern breed with an ancient lineage, similar to the Canadian Eskimo Dog. These dogs were vital to survival in Arctic communities due to their capabilities as sled dogs. Their thick fur and powerful build are indicative of traditional dog breeds that thrived in the demanding Arctic environment.
Breeds With Distinctive Coats Resembling Huskies
The striking appearance of Huskies often leads people to seek out breeds with similar aesthetic appeal. Notably, their dense double coats provide insulation and are common among breeds that endure cold climates.
11. Keeshond
The Keeshond flaunts a lush double coat that comes in a mix of grey, black, and cream. This breed’s standout feature is its impressive ‘spectacles’—patches and shading around their eyes that impart an expressive face. Their well-protected double coat requires regular grooming to maintain its magnificent mane.
12. Akita Inu
Originating from Japan, the Akita Inu sports a double coat similar to the Husky, capable of withstanding harsh weather. Typically, their fur showcases bold colors like red, fawn, sesame, and white. A notable characteristic is their plush tail that curls over the back, draped in a thick fur that accentuates their robust physique.
13. Finnish Spitz
Renowned for their fox-like looks and vibrant red-gold coat, Finnish Spitz dogs share the Husky’s resilience to cold with their double layer of fur. The Finnish Spitz features a bounteous, lustrous coat with a ruff around the neck, displaying a sharp contrast between their lighter undercoat and darker topcoat.
Small or Miniature Breeds Similar to Huskies
14. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog, affectionately known as the “Eskie,” features the fluffy white coat and striking, alert expression associated with Huskies. Small yet sturdy, this breed comes in three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard, with the toy and miniature sizes being particularly apt for those desiring a Husky-like dog in a much smaller form.
15. Pomeranian
Pomeranians are tiny canines with a personality that defies their size. Bred down from larger sled-pulling dogs, which makes them distant relatives of the Husky, they showcase a plush double coat and a fox-like face. Pomeranians may come in a variety of colors, including the less common Husky-like shades of grey and white.
16. Miniature Husky
Aptly named, the Miniature Husky is indeed a scaled-down version of the Siberian Husky. They inherit the same striking blue or multi-colored eyes, dense coat, and energetic temperament, all while fitting into a lap-dog-sized profile.
Rare and Lesser-Known Similar Breeds
While huskies are widely recognized, several rare breeds bear a close resemblance to them, showcasing similar traits and appearances. These breeds are not commonly found and may possess unique attributes similar to the Siberian Husky.
17. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a canine breed that looks remarkably similar to huskies, originally bred from German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves. They possess a strong, agile physique and a temperament that demands a knowledgeable owner.
18. Saarloos Wolfdog
Unlike the more commonly known husky breeds, the Saarloos Wolfdog is the result of crossing a domestic dog with a wild wolf. This breed has the wolf-like appearance of a Husky but with a more reserved and independent nature. Interested in Saarloos Wolfdogs? Explore their attributes.
19. Tamaskan Dog
The Tamaskan Dog is another breed that resembles huskies, developed for their wolf-like look without having any recent wolf ancestry. They are known as an intelligent dog with a good temperament, making them suitable family dogs for an active owner.
20. Icelandic Sheepdog
Although not a direct relative, the Icelandic Sheepdog shares some physical characteristics with huskies. It is a Nordic breed known for its cheerful disposition and herding instinct, easily distinguishable by its curled tail and smiling expression. Delve into the traits of the Icelandic Sheepdog.
You might enjoy reading my articles on dog breeds that look like border collies, dog breeds that look like akitas and dog breeds that look like snoopy.
21. Alaskan Husky
An unsung cousin to the well-known Siberian, the Alaskan Husky is built for endurance and speed. They are sled dogs with a keen work ethic, often used in long-distance mushing so they need a lot of exercise. Their appearance closely aligns with that of huskies but varies more due to breeding for performance rather than breed standards.
Summary and Final Thoughts on Dogs That Resemble Huskies
In exploring the diverse breeds that bear a resemblance to Huskies, it becomes clear that these dogs are not just visually similar; many possess traits such as endurance, a thick double coat, and a friendly demeanor.
Breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and the Samoyed are often mistaken for Huskies due to their comparable size and coat texture. Meanwhile, more compact breeds like the Alaskan Klee Kai exhibit Husky-like features in a smaller package.
- Similarities: They typically exhibit a thick fur coat, erect triangular ears, and a wolf-like appearance.
- Differences: These can range from size variations, like those seen in the smaller American Eskimo Dog, to behavioral traits, such as the Finnish Spitz’s vocal nature.
NB: If you’re looking to get a puppy in the United States or United Kingdom make sure to only work with a reputable breeder. Check out this article from the American Kennel Club for advice.
Amanda O’Brien is the owner of The Dog Snobs website. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney. She can’t wait to have a schedule that allows her to have a dog of her own (for now it is two Siberian cats) and loves learning about dog breeds and dog behavior.