7 Dog Breeds that Look Like Huskies

The beauty and grace of Huskies are the main reasons why people like this breed. Their attractive coat, erect and pointy ears, and fluffy tail make them irresistible for many pet lovers. While most Siberian huskies have clear blue eyes, some of them may have bi-colored eyes. This slight variation makes them even more attractive.

Over the years, many dog breeds have been developed that resemble huskies in appearance. Some of the most popular ones among them are discussed below.

Akita Inu

This large, well-built guard dog was bred in Japan in the early 1600s. This dog breed was used for hunting wild game because of its bravery and fearlessness. The aggressive attitude of these canines makes them excellent watchdogs. However, proper training is crucial to get the best out of this energetic dog.

When it comes to families and kids, Akita Inu is a very affectionate dog breed. They are very loyal to their people and would do anything to protect them. Therefore, proper socialization and training are necessary to prevent them from becoming overly protective. Although they prefer large areas to run around, Akita Inus can adapt to an apartment, if provided sufficient exercise.

Tamaskan Dog

This dog breed of Finnish origin comes from a mix of German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, and other dog breeds. These canines are easy to train but should not be left inside an apartment without supervision. This hybrid of different huskies was bred to behave like a wolf. Therefore, it is NOT recommended for novice owners.

Tamaskan dogs are very loyal when they become attached to someone. They are sweet and intelligent, a perfect pick if you have children and smaller pets at home. Just remember to give your Tamaskan dog enough exercise or be ready for various health problems that may arise.

Finnish Spitz

The national dog of Finland national was originally developed for hunting wild game. These brave and fearless watchdogs can show some serious kind of aggression when provoked. They are energetic and usually participate in dog sporting activities.

The Finnish Spitz is lively, intelligent, and good with kids. This huskie lookalike is very loud and ‘talkative’. This makes them an ideal breed to alert you against intruders. However, there is also a downside to this attribute.

They love to bark and will bark at everything, if not trained well. This may become a problem for some families and their neighbors. It is NOT a good idea to have smaller pets around this hunting dog. Because they love to eat (especially treats), obesity can be an issue with these pups.

Fair warning: if you want a quietly-behaved guard dog, this is not the breed for you. 

American Eskimo

This dog breed is stunningly white and fluffy. Originally, they were bred by the Germans in the 1800s. They are incredibly smart and alert. These qualities make them an ideal choice if you’re looking for a watchdog to keep you safe at night. While they do look like huskies, they are also confused with Samoyeds, owing to the striking resemblance both breeds have.

Just like the Finnish Spitz, American Eskimo Dogs bark a lot if not given enough attention. Having said that, this dog breed is quite obedient if trained properly. A slight disadvantage of this dog breed is that it is not very tolerant of kids and other pets.

Alaskan Malamute

Probably the closest in looks to a husky, this primal dog breed descended from actual wolves. They were originally bred for accompanying hunters. Later on, they were also utilized as sled dogs to chase away predators. Due to these reasons, Alaskan Malamutes need a lot of space and exercise.

Do keep in mind that this dog breed is demanding but this is just a sign of their intelligence. Alaskan Malamutes are playful for the most part but will often try to overrule your authority. Proper training is necessary to train this dog. Give them an active lifestyle and the area to run around to enjoy the most of these ancient dogs.

Northern Inuit

Despite being named such, the precise origin of the Northern Inuits is still unclear. Known not for barking, but for their howls, they look like wolves yet don’t have wolf DNA. These affectionate sidekicks are known for being very intelligent and loving their owners fiercely.

It is never a good idea to leave this dog breed alone as it often suffers from separation anxiety. You should try to not leave them alone for more than 8 to 10 hours a day.

The wolf-husky hybrid look of this dog is stunning and this is the main reason why people get this dog. While adopting Northern Inuits, always keep in mind that they need plenty of exercise. If these canines don’t get the required level of physical activity, they will become ill and feeble.

Icelandic Sheepdog

Originally, Icelandic Sheepdogs were used by ancient Vikings in Iceland for herding sheep. They kept the predators (especially birds that would come to hunt lambs) away. With a rich history like this, no wonder this dog breed has strong mental and physical capabilities. Despite their aggressive working background, these sheepdogs are quite friendly and easy to train.

These intelligent dogs love to bark and alert their owners of the presence of an intruder. Similarly, they bark a lot at other animals due to their history of being a watchdog. Make sure to keep them away from birds as this dog breed will not let any birds live around. In contrast to their fierce nature, Icelandic Sheepdogs will blow you away with their sheer capacity of love.