Ever admired the striking appearance of a Siberian Husky? You’re not alone; these dogs have captivated hearts worldwide. However, there are 15 other dogs that look like huskies, each with unique attributes. This article explores them in detail.
What Do Huskies Look Like?
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1. Eye Color
One of the first traits people often notice about Siberian Huskies is their captivating eyes. These dogs can have eyes in various colors such as blue, brown, and green. In some instances, huskies may have heterochromatic eyes, where each eye is a different color.
The varying eye colors are largely due to their unique genetic makeup, which ensures that each husky’s gaze is distinct and mesmerizing.
2. Fur Pattern
The fur pattern of a Siberian Husky is another arresting feature that grabs people’s attention. The range of coat colors includes agouti, black, gray, red, and sable. Adding to the allure, many huskies have unique facial markings, like masks and spectacles, that contribute to their easy recognition and widespread appeal.
3. Coat
The Siberian Husky’s coat is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves practical functions. Huskies have a double coat consisting of a dense undercoat beneath a longer topcoat. This dual-layered fur provides insulation against both cold and hot conditions.
If you decide to bring home a husky, be prepared for seasonal shedding, often called “blowing their coat,” especially during the transition between seasons.
4. Build
At first glance, it’s clear that Siberian Huskies are built for both endurance and agility. Generally medium-sized, these dogs usually weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, with males typically being larger than females. Their strong but agile frame has historical roots in sledding, as these dogs were initially bred to pull sleds across long distances in frigid climates.
15 Dogs That Look Like Siberian Huskies
1. Tamaskan
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- Origin: Finland
- Type: Large
- Height: 24–28 inches
- Weight: 55–99 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 14–15 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, Sociable, Relaxed
The Tamaskan is a relatively new breed that originated in Finland with the goal of creating a dog that closely resembles a wolf while maintaining a good temperament. With its strikingly wolf-like appearance, it’s often mistaken for a Husky.
While it shares the Husky’s aesthetic appeal, the Tamaskan is generally easier to train and has a more laid-back temperament. These dogs are known for their intelligence, social nature, and suitability for families. Despite their relaxed demeanor, Tamaskans do need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
2. Canadian Eskimo Dog
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- Origin: Canada
- Type: Large
- Height: 20–28 inches
- Weight: 40–88 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Loyal, Tough, Independent
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is native to the Arctic regions of Canada and has been utilized primarily for pulling sleds and hunting. They are similar in appearance to Huskies but are generally larger and have a more robust build.
Known for their toughness and loyalty, these dogs are not as social as Huskies and require an experienced handler. They are incredibly resilient and do well in colder climates, making them excellent choices for those living in northern regions.
3. Alusky (Alaskan Malamute and Husky mix)
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- Origin: United States
- Type: Large
- Height: 22–28 inches
- Weight: 60–100 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10–15 years
- Temperament: Energetic, Affectionate, Social
The Alusky is a cross between an Alaskan Malamute and a Siberian Husky. This blend results in a dog that carries traits from both breeds, from the Husky’s graceful agility to the Malamute’s stamina and strength.
Aluskies are energetic and require a lot of exercise but are also incredibly affectionate and social, making them great family pets. Like their Husky parent, they may have a striking coat and captivating eyes, adding to their visual appeal.
4. Gerberian Shepsky (German Shepherd and Husky mix)
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- Origin: United States
- Type: Large
- Height: 20–25 inches
- Weight: 45–88 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10–13 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
The Gerberian Shepsky is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky. This mix results in a breed that is both intelligent and protective, making them excellent for work in law enforcement or as family protectors.
They usually have the facial features of a Husky, including the potential for multi-colored eyes, and the body build of a German Shepherd. Their coat colors can vary widely and may require regular grooming. The Gerberian Shepsky is known for its loyalty and tends to form strong bonds with its family.
5. Huskador (Labrador and Husky mix)
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- Origin: United States
- Type: Medium to Large
- Height: 20–24 inches
- Weight: 40–60 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10–13 years
- Temperament: Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent
The Huskador is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Siberian Husky. This breed combines the best of both worlds: the friendly and obedient nature of the Labrador with the energetic and spirited disposition of the Husky. They are usually medium-sized dogs that make excellent family pets due to their sociable and friendly demeanor.
The Huskador often has a unique mix of coat colors and patterns, often including the eye-catching shades and markings of the Husky parent. Their intelligent and trainable nature makes them well-suited for various canine sports and family activities.
6. Saarloos Wolfdog
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- Origin: Netherlands
- Type: Large
- Height: 24–30 inches
- Weight: 70–90 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Shy, Loyal, Independent
The Saarloos Wolfdog originated in the Netherlands as a cross between a European wolf and a German Shepherd. They bear a strong resemblance to Huskies due to their wolf-like features. These dogs are often shy and prefer sticking close to their families.
Unlike Huskies, Saarloos Wolfdogs are relatively reserved and are not as outgoing with strangers. They are independent and intelligent, requiring an experienced owner to handle their unique needs and temperament.
7. Klee Kai
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- Origin: United States
- Type: Small
- Height: 13–17 inches
- Weight: 10–20 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–16 years
- Temperament: Alert, Intelligent, Curious
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized dog that was bred to look like a mini Husky. Originating in the United States, this breed retains the intelligence and curiosity that make Huskies so beloved, but in a smaller package. With their expressive faces and keen senses, they make excellent watchdogs. Klee Kais are highly intelligent and trainable but require ample mental stimulation to keep them engaged.
8. Samoyed
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- Origin: Siberia
- Type: Large
- Height: 19–23 inches
- Weight: 50–60 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Adaptable, Friendly, Social
Originating from Siberia like the Husky, the Samoyed is another spitz-type breed. They share the thick, double coat and the strong build common to Huskies. However, Samoyeds are often pure white, with a distinct “Sammy smile.”
These dogs are extremely friendly and social, getting along well with humans and other animals alike. They are versatile and can adapt to various lifestyles, provided they get sufficient exercise.
9. Northern Inuit Dog
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- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Large
- Height: 23–30 inches
- Weight: 55–110 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Intelligent, Social, Gentle
The Northern Inuit Dog originated in the United Kingdom as a breed designed to look like a wolf while having a dog-like temperament. This breed is a mix of several, including the Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, and Alaskan Malamute. These dogs are generally larger than Huskies but share similar facial features and coat colors. They are highly social and intelligent, making them excellent family companions.
10. Laika
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- Origin: Russia
- Type: Medium
- Height: 21–23 inches
- Weight: 40–50 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 10–12 years
- Temperament: Alert, Independent, Loyal
The Laika is a Russian breed that encompasses various types like the West Siberian Laika and East Siberian Laika. Though not identical to Huskies, they share many similarities in terms of build, coat, and even temperament. Laikas are often used for hunting and herding in Russia. They are alert and independent dogs that form strong bonds with their owners.
11. Finnish Lapphund
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- Origin: Finland
- Type: Medium
- Height: 16–21 inches
- Weight: 33–53 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Alert
Originating in the Arctic Circle, the Finnish Lapphund was initially used by the indigenous Sámi people for herding reindeer. With a spitz-type face, double coat, and curled tail, it bears a strong resemblance to the Siberian Husky. Finnish Lapphunds are well-suited to families and tend to get along well with other animals. Despite their friendly demeanor, they are alert and make good watchdogs.
12. Jämthund (Swedish Elkhound)
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- Origin: Sweden
- Type: Large
- Height: 17–26 inches
- Weight: 50–70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Courageous, Calm, Independent
The Jämthund, also known as the Swedish Elkhound, hails from Sweden. With a thick double coat, erect ears, and a wolf-like face, this breed looks similar to a Husky. These dogs are used for hunting large game like moose and bear, requiring them to be courageous and resourceful. Though calm and composed, they need an owner who can manage their independent streak.
13. Utonagan
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- Origin: United Kingdom
- Type: Large
- Height: 23–30 inches
- Weight: 55–90 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Gentle, Intelligent, Social
The Utonagan is a British breed developed to look like a wolf but maintain a domestic dog’s demeanor. This breed is a mix of Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky. With their friendly, social nature, Utonagans make excellent family pets. They are gentle and well-suited for homes with children and other pets, yet they still retain a high level of intelligence and alertness.
14. Seppala Siberian Sleddog
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- Origin: Canada
- Type: Medium
- Height: 22–23 inches
- Weight: 40–50 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
- Temperament: Energetic, Loyal, Intelligent
The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is directly descended from sled dogs used in early 20th-century polar expeditions. They closely resemble Siberian Huskies but are generally leaner and more focused on work. They are highly energetic and require a lot of physical activity, which makes them well-suited for tasks like sledding or dog sports.
15. Greenland Dog
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- Origin: Greenland
- Type: Large
- Height: 22–27 inches
- Weight: 66–70 pounds
- Life Expectancy: 12–14 years
- Temperament: Independent, Robust, Loyal
The Greenland Dog is native to the Arctic regions and is one of the oldest breeds in the world. Built for pulling heavy sleds across icy terrains, they share similar physical characteristics with Huskies, such as a strong build and double coat. They are robust and have great stamina, but they tend to be independent and are best suited to experienced dog owners.
FAQs
Q: What are some small dogs that look like Huskies?
A: Small-sized breeds that resemble Huskies are relatively rare given that the Husky is a medium to large-sized dog. However, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version that very much looks like a Husky. Miniature Huskies are also a downsized version of the Siberian Husky and are another option for those looking for a smaller-sized dog with a Husky-like appearance.
Q: What are some big dogs that look like Huskies?
A: The Alaskan Malamute is often mistaken for a Husky and is generally larger, built for heavy pulling and endurance. The Akita and German Shepherd, especially when mixed with Huskies, can also resemble a larger version of the Husky.
Q: What about fluffy dogs that look like Huskies?
A: If you’re a fan of fluff, the Samoyed is a fluffy dog that has some resemblance to the Husky, particularly in its facial features. The Finnish Lapphund is another breed with a plush, double coat similar to a Husky’s. Both of these breeds are known for their luxurious fur and are often mistaken for Huskies due to their similar appearance.
Q: Any white dogs that look like Huskies?
A: White is one of the common colors for Siberian Huskies, but if you’re looking for other breeds that are predominantly white and resemble Huskies, the Samoyed is an excellent option. Its thick white coat and similar facial features often lead to comparisons with the Husky. Additionally, the American Eskimo Dog, despite its name, is not from Alaska but does have a white coat and Spitz-like features that could resemble a white Husky.
Conclusion
There are more dogs that look like huskies than one might initially think, each with its own unique set of traits, temperaments, and needs. Whether you’re looking for a companion that resembles the Siberian Husky in appearance but differs in lifestyle compatibility, or simply wish to know more about these stunning breeds, we hope this article has been enlightening.