Huskies are the standout model dogs in your neighborhood. They have stunning eyes, unique coat markings, and so much personality. But they’re not the only beauties that can show off.
In fact, there are 13 other breeds that look like huskies (in some fashion).
Unsurprisingly, a lot of these are arctic or sled dog breeds. Which makes sense. If you needed a companion out in the snowy wilderness you would look for some specific traits.
Just remember: most of these are working breeds. That means they need a lot of exercise and stimulation, otherwise they get bored and very destructive.
Maybe wolves are more to your taste – in that case see our guide on dogs that look like wolves.
1. Malamute
Let’s start with the most obvious similarity: the Alaskan Malamute. The Malamute is taller and heavier than a husky. And quite a bit more muscular.
Both the husky and malamute were bred for pulling in harsh arctic conditions. However, the Malamute was designed for heavier loads over longer periods of time, hence the extra muscle.
Malamute owners will often tell you about their stubbornness. These dogs require a lot of training and patience to fit into your typical family.
These are a working breed, and if they don’t have a daily outlet for their extreme energy they’ll quickly become bored and destructive.
2. Utonogan
Utonagan is a newer crossbreed introduced to the UK in the 1980’s. They are a mix of Malamute, Siberian Husky, and German Shepherd.
Similar to the husky in looks and in temperament, Utonagans are playful, curious, and very active. In fact, they’re so energetic that you’ll need to keep them occupied with daily activities.
Because of their free roaming instinct, Utonegans are best suited for large living spaces or acreages.
3. Samoyed
Samoyed’s are the thicker, fluffier, version of a Husky. They are the epitome of a white fluffy dog.
The biggest difference is the Samoyed are not completely over-energized like their ecstatic Husky cousins. But they still require an outlet for their energy (daily training or long runs).
Samoyed’s are a lovable, happy, and often “talkative” dog breed with a silly personality. They enjoy being chatty with an assortment of barks, howls, and grunts. They’re happiest when with their family, and do not take well to being left alone.
4. Tamaskan
Tamaskans are a dog breed designed to look like wolves, but with the temperament of a dog. Officially recognized as a breed in 2013, this once rare breed breed is now quickly becoming a more common sight.
Tamaskans are active, talkative, curious, and notoriously difficult to train.
These carry the hard working and independent traits of their ascendants. As such, many Tamaskan owners report that this can be a difficult dog to own. We don’t recommend this breed for novice owners.
Their surge in popularity has also lead to unethical breeding practices. Be informed on adoption to ensure the health and safety of your pup.
5. American Eskimo
​The American Eskimo is excitable, affectionate, and quite clever, not unlike a husky.
They’re an active breed and always seeking their next big adventure. Therefore, you will be tasked with keeping them physically and mentally stimulated, or they may become bored and destructive.
“Eskies” are incredibly affectionate and are usually stuck to their owners like glue. This is not a breed that can be left alone for long periods of time.
If you can accommodate their active lifestyle you will find a wonderful family pet and companion.
6. Keeshond
The Keeshond is an affectionate and fun-loving breed that makes an excellent companion.
They’re so affectionate that they tend to follow their owners around all day and night. They never like being alone, and will often bark when they find they’re not getting enough attention.
As you may have surmised by the picture – the Keeshond is a thick-coated breed. Their coat will need a lot of love. Deep brushing will help reduce shedding and keep your home hair free. We recommend learning about line brushing.
7. Saarloos Wolfdog
While similar in design to a Tamaskan, these dogs tend to have significantly more ‘wolf-like’ traits. They’re typically non-aggressive but they also tend to be shy, cautious, and quite stubborn.
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The Saarloos is recommended to owners without children, and who can provide a large outdoor space to accommodate their free-roaming nature.
8. Akita Inu
The Akita were once used to protect royalty and families in Japan. And they still take guard duty seriously.
The Akita are a proud breed, and have unwavering respect for their owners and loved ones, but can ​overly protective at the same time.
These dogs are strong headed which makes them difficult to train. If not socialized and trained from a young age they tend to become aggressive. They also tend to use their powerful voice quite often, to alert or to voice their opinion in every situation.
With all that in mind; Akitas are not recommended for first time owners.
9. Finnish Spitz
Finish Spitz are very unique hunting breed, and similar to your Husky – they tend to ‘talk’ a lot. They are described as active and alert, and therefore make excellent watchdogs.
But you won’t find any aggression here, they’re extremely friendly and gentle with kids and new people. They are loyal right down to the bone, and always ready to tell you how their feeling with their talkative nature.
10. Swedish Vallhund
The best way to describe the Swedish Vallhund is like combining a Husky with a Corgi (although they have no relation to either).
Despite their small stature these are very much a working breed. Originally bred to herd cows, they have endless amounts of running and barking stored within them. Which can certainly test your patience.
But there’s always time for play and fun. And if you can accommodate their energetic lifestyle the Vallhund make excellent companions.
11. Czech wolfdog
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is the result of a military experiment in the 1950’s by crossbreeding German Shepherds and Carpathian wolves. Originally bred to be attack dogs, they are now used for a wide range of work.
As you might expect, this breed requires a high level of training and leadership.
Until 2008 this dog was classified as a “Dangerous Wild Animal” in the UK. And due to the wolf-content of this breed, they cannot be legally owned in some States or Countries.
That being said, this breed has proven to be a good family companion in the right environment. Owners report them being active, playful, curious, and very intelligent.
Czech Wolfdogs still carry strong guarding traits, so they may be wary of strangers.
These dogs are best suited for large, open spaces where they can freely roam and feed their curious mind.
12. ​Shikoku Dog
The Shikoku are enthusiastic, sociable, and energetic dogs.
Originally bred for hunting boars (which is no small feat), this is a hard working breed that requires plenty of physical stimulation every day.
They can be reserved with strangers and children, and tend to focus solely on their owner. Socialization and training are important, or they may become aggressive with other people.
The Shikoku has a strong prey drive, and they will attempt to chase down any small creature they find interesting.
13. Icelandic Sheepdog
Icelandic Sheepdogs are part of the “Spitz” family (see Finnish Spitz – #8 on this list). That’s because they carry common physical traits of pointy ears, almond eyes, foxy face, and a thick coat. Perfect for this list.
These are active dogs that love exercise and work. They’ll need a lot of daily activity and runs to keep them healthy and happy. They’re incredibly intelligent but also get bored easily, so best to keep them occupied.
Icelandic Sheepdogs are compassionate and caring, and love being the center of attention. A daily routine of fun and cuddles is all this dog really wants.
14. West Siberian Laika
The Laika is another dog that’s apart of the Spitz family (see above). And in similar fashion, this is a hunting and working breed that loves to stay active.
As the name the suggests, the West Siberian Laika was discovered in Russia, originating hundreds of years ago as a hunting companion for the Hanty and Mansi cultures in West Siberia.
As for their temperament – let’s just say this isn’t the ideal dog for new owners. They’re stubborn, independent, destructive, and vocal.
15. Norwegian elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a high energy hunting dog and companion. Originally they were used to hunt big game such as moose. Despite their name, however, these dogs were not used to hunt elk.
While they bare similar markings to a husky, there is no relation.
This is a working breed, as such they require daily physical exercise and training. There is nothing more destructive than a bored Elkhound.
Elkhounds are affectionate and friendly, but they love doing their job more than anything.
They have a strong desire to track, so much so that they’ll completely ignore the rest of the world. And if they see small prey outdoors they will bark and chase without regard.
These might all be desirable traits for hunters, but could be difficult for everyday owners.
