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13 Dog Breeds Similar to Huskies (With Pictures)

Adam Mann

By Adam Mann

Husky coat colors

Huskies are one of the most sought-after breeds in the world, but they’re also among the most mixed up. Many people confuse them with other dog breeds, and often, it’s one of the 13 dog breeds that made it to our list.

If you’re curious about what that Husky-looking dog might be or if you want a dog that simply looks like a Husky, this list is a great place to start!

hepper-dog-paw-divider 5

 

The 13 Dog Breeds Similar To Huskies

1. The American Eskimo Dog

american eskimo dog face
Image Credit: KA_Richer5171321, Shutterstock
Origin: United States & Germany
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Height: 10 to 18 inches

The American Eskimo Dog is extremely similar to a Husky in appearance, but regarding actual lineage, they’re not all that close. However, they both require constant activity, and they’re both great herding dogs. While people often confuse these dogs with each other based on their appearance, an American Eskimo dog is generally a bit smaller.


2. Malamute

alaskan malamute
Image Credit: ertuzio, Pixabay
Origin: Alaska
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Height: 22 to 26 inches

Malamutes and Huskies are similar to each other in quite a few ways, and that’s why so many people often confuse the two breeds. They love working just like a Husky, and not only do they look similar, but they often have extremely similar personalities and temperaments.


3. Bangkaew

thai bangkaew dog sitting in the grass
Image Credit; KPhrom, Shutterstock
Origin: Thailand
Lifespan: 9 to 12 years
Height: 16 to 22 inches

The Bangkaew doesn’t have a direct relation to a Husky, but that doesn’t make them look any less similar. The Bangkaew comes from a Spitz lineage, and when you look at their ears and colors, it’s easy to see how they made the list. They’re definitely different breeds, but they’re close enough that people can mix the two up.


4. Samoyed

Silver-tipped samoyed
Image Credit: Zanna Pesnina,Shutterstock
Origin: Northern Russia & Siberia
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Height: 19 to 24 inches

The Samoyed is another sled-pulling dog that is similar to each other in quite a few ways. Both have bright white coats, and both dog breeds have high stamina levels and similar temperaments. But while they might look and act similarly, they’re two completely different breeds.


5. Akita Inu

happy akita inu
Image Credit: TatyanaPanova, Shutterstock
Origin: Japan
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 24 to 28 inches

The Akita Inu has a few signature features that remind people of Huskies, but most people won’t confuse the two breeds. They have a Japanese heritage, so they don’t have much actual relation to a Husky. The Akita Inu has hunting instincts and do better on their own, which is different from a Husky.


6. Icelandic Sheepdog

icelandic sheepdog
Image Credit: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Shutterstock
Origin: Iceland
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Height: 5 to 18 inches

The Icelandic Sheepdog is similar to the Husky in quite a few ways, but there are a few differences. Icelandic Sheepdogs herd, but they usually herd smaller animals like sheep, not reindeer. Icelandic Sheepdogs also have brown in their coats.


7. Keeshond

Keeshond sitting on green grass
Image Credit: Olga Aniven, Shutterstock
Origin: Germany and the Netherlands
Lifespan: 13 to 15 years
Height: 17 to 18 inches

At first glance, a Keeshond has a few traits like a Husky. This includes a similar-looking coat, and they both have watchdog traits and are stubborn. However, the Keeshond has a denser coat, and they don’t wander as much. They’re distant cousins, and that’s exactly what they look like.


8. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog

Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
Image Credit: mjurik, Shutterstock
Origin: Czechoslovakian
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Height: 24 to 26 inches

The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Carpathian Wolf, which means they have no real relation to a Husky. But while they might not have much actual relation, they look similar in quite a few ways, and that’s enough to give them a spot on this list!


9. Utonagan

Utonagan Wolfdog
Image credit: Peakpx
Origin: England
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Height: 23 to 30 inches

If you’re looking for a dog that’s genetically similar to a Husky, the Utonagan is near the top of the list. They have Husky DNA, which is why they look so similar and often have similar personalities. They’re extremely active dogs, so ensure you have plenty of space and plenty of time to take them out before getting one.


10. Saarloos Wolfdog

Saarloos Wolfdog
Credit: gloverk, Shutterstock
Origin: Netherlands
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 24 to 30 inches

This is another German Shepherd and wolf mix, which means they don’t have any real relation to a Husky. But Saarloos Wolfdogs look similar in many ways, and they both have higher energy levels and are both extremely protective of their families.


11. Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kai
Image Credit: bon9, Shutterstock
Origin: Alaska
Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Height: 17 to 17.5 inches

The Alaskan Klee Kai might look like a Husky to the untrained eye, but due to their smaller size, most people can tell the two apart. Because of their smaller size, the Alaskan Klee Kai isn’t a good sled dog, but they’re super intelligent and easier to train than a Husky.


12. Tamaskan

tamaskan
Image Credit: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Shutterstock
Origin: North America
Lifespan: 14 to 15 years
Height: 24 to 28 inches

Tamaskan are group dogs by nature, so if you’re getting one, you might want to get two. They hate spending time alone, and if you don’t give them enough attention, they can get a bit destructive. They look similar to the Husky in a lot of ways, but they’re two completely different breeds.


13. Finnish Spitz

finnish spitz out in the snow in the woods
Image Credit: Christian Ustvedt Kavli, Shutterstock
Origin: Finland
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
Height: 15 to 20 inches

Unless you’ve never seen a Husky before, you won’t mix up the two breeds. The Finnish Spitz is a dark brown breed, and they have hunting and guarding instincts that make them a bit more aggressive. However, while they’re different, they have similar coats, tails, head shapes, and ears, which is enough to give them a spot on this list.

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Conclusion

While none of these dogs are Huskies, they’re similar enough that many people will mix the two up. Whether you’re just interested in learning more or if you want a dog like a Husky with a few fewer Husky traits, any of the dogs on our list are worth checking out! They’re all great pups, and they’re all different from Huskies in their own way.

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Featured Image Credit: Konstantin Zaykov, Shutterstock

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