10 Dog Breeds That Look Like Huskies: Find Your Perfect Lookalike

Patrick MacFarland Patrick MacFarland · Updated May 2, 2025
A black and white husky, one of the best dog breeds for cold weather, stands on snow with a backdrop of snow-covered mountain peaks under a blue sky.

If you love the wild, wolf-like look of the Siberian Husky but are curious about other breeds with a similar appearance, you’re not alone. Many dog breeds share the same striking features, such as thick fur, pointed ears, and piercing eyes, that often remind people of Huskies.

You might be surprised by how many different dogs match this unique style. Exploring these breeds can help you find a new favorite or the perfect fit for your home.

1. Alaskan Malamute

  • When you first see an Alaskan Malamute, you might think it’s a Siberian Husky. They have similar thick double coats, upright ears, and wolf-like faces.
  • Alaskan Malamutes are larger than Huskies. They stand taller and have a more powerful build. This breed was made to pull heavy sleds over long distances in cold climates.
  • The markings of a Malamute can also look like a Husky’s, but their eyes are usually brown instead of blue. Their fur is dense and often comes in shades of gray, black, and white.
  • Malamutes are strong, intelligent, and social dogs. They usually need plenty of exercise and attention.

Three Siberian Huskies, adorned with harnesses, dash energetically down a snowy forest path, trees lining their route. Unlike the Alaskan Malamute, known for its larger size and strength, these agile Siberian Huskies glide gracefully across the wintry landscape.

2. Canadian Eskimo Dog

  • The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a strong working breed from the Arctic regions of Canada. You might notice its thick fur, upright ears, and bushy tail, which make it easy to mistake for a Husky.
  • This breed has a long history of pulling sleds and helping people survive in cold climates. Its build is muscular, and it stands a little larger and heavier than the Siberian Husky.
  • Canadian Eskimo Dogs are sometimes called Canadian Inuit Dogs. They are very loyal and tend to bond closely with their families.

3. Utonagan

  • The Utonagan is a dog breed that was created to have a wolf-like look. It is not a wolfdog, but its physical features closely resemble both wolves and huskies. If you want a dog with the wild look of a husky but not the same breed, the Utonagan may interest you.
  • This breed came from mixing the Alaskan Malamute, German Shepherd, and Siberian Husky in the 1980s. The goal was to make a friendly and trainable companion that still has a striking, wolfy appearance. You can see the influence of all three breeds in its face, coat, and build.
  • Utonagans tend to be very friendly and gentle around people. They are known for getting along well with children and are not aggressive toward strangers. This means they do not make good guard dogs, but they are great family companions.
  • Their thick double coat protects them from cold weather, and they need regular brushing to keep their fur healthy. Utonagans are active and enjoy physical activities, so you should give them plenty of exercise.

4. Alaskan Klee Kai

  • The Alaskan Klee Kai looks like a smaller version of the Siberian Husky. This breed has a double coat, pointy ears, and sharp facial markings. It often has blue or brown eyes, just like huskies.
  • You will notice that Klee Kai dogs are much smaller than huskies. Most adults weigh between 10 and 20 pounds. This makes them easier to handle and better suited for apartment living.
  • The Klee Kai was developed in the United States in the 1970s. Breeders wanted to create a dog that had the husky appearance but was compact in size. This breed is alert, smart, and energetic.
  • The Klee Kai usually does best with owners who can give them daily exercise and mental challenges. They can be shy around new people, so early socialization is important. You get a loyal and active companion with this breed.

5. Northern Inuit Dog

  • If you are searching for a dog that looks a lot like a husky, the Northern Inuit Dog is a top choice. This breed was made to have a wolf-like look and often gets mistaken for wild canines.
  • Northern Inuit Dogs have thick double coats, upright ears, and bushy tails, which add to their wolfish appearance. Their fur can be gray, black, or even white, and their faces often show markings similar to Siberian Huskies.
  • You may recognize this breed if you have seen popular TV shows, as these dogs sometimes play wolf roles. They are not just about looks, though. Northern Inuit Dogs are loyal and social, but they need regular exercise and attention.
  • Their size is medium to large, and they are known for being strong yet gentle with their families.

6. Samoyed

  • If you want a dog that looks a lot like a Husky, the Samoyed is a great choice. Samoyeds have a thick white double coat and an alert, friendly expression. Their upright ears and fluffy tails give them a spitz-like look, similar to Huskies.
  • Samoyeds were originally bred for herding and pulling sleds in cold climates. Like Huskies, they are strong, energetic, and love to be around people. They are known for their “Sammy smile,” which makes them appear cheerful and approachable.
  • You may notice both breeds share a playful and active personality. Both the Samoyed and the Husky need regular exercise and enjoy spending time outdoors. These similarities make Samoyeds easy to mistake for Huskies at a glance.
  • Samoyeds have long, dense fur that requires regular grooming to avoid mats and tangles. Their bright, fluffy coats help them stand out, even among other northern dog breeds.

Two fluffy dogs, possibly Samoyeds, stand on a paved path, both looking forward with their tongues out against a blurred sunset background.

7. Native American Indian Dog (NAID)

  • If you want a dog that looks like a Husky but is not one, the Native American Indian Dog, also called NAID, is a good pick. This breed has a wolf-like appearance with a strong build and a thick double coat.
  • NAIDs often have a mix of gray, black, or brown colors. Their upright ears and bushy tails make them stand out. You might notice their eyes are almond-shaped, sometimes with a hint of blue or amber.
  • Some people believe NAIDs are ancient Native American dogs, but modern NAIDs are actually a mix of several breeds such as Huskies, Malamutes, and German Shepherds.
  • NAIDs are known for being intelligent and can learn commands quickly. With proper training, you can expect them to be loyal and responsive. Many families enjoy their friendly nature and their calm behavior around children and other pets.

8. Miniature Husky

  • If you like the look of a Siberian Husky but want a smaller dog, the Miniature Husky might be a good fit. This breed is just like a regular Husky, only smaller in size. You still get the same striking eyes, thick fur, and playful attitude.
  • Miniature Huskies weigh around 15 to 35 pounds. Their height ranges from about 13 to 17 inches. They are bred to keep the same features and personality of the standard Siberian Husky, but in a more manageable package.
  • Because of their size, Miniature Huskies can be a bit easier to handle in smaller homes or apartments. They are active dogs, so they need regular exercise and playtime.

Two Siberian Huskies with black and white coats stand on a paved surface in front of a wooden fence, showcasing the key differences from their smaller counterparts like the Mini Husky or Pomsky.

9. Finnish Spitz

  • If you’re searching for a dog that looks like a husky but is smaller and has a unique charm, consider the Finnish Spitz. This breed stands out for its fox-like face, pointed ears, and fluffy tail that curls over its back.
  • The Finnish Spitz has a straight, dense coat that comes in shades of golden-red. This gives it a striking appearance similar to some huskies, especially when you spot its alert eyes and proud posture.
  • Originally, these dogs were bred for hunting and are known for their keen sense of hearing and sharp bark. Their energetic nature and bold spirit match their looks.
  • Even though they are different from huskies in size and origin, their spitz features—like a curled tail and erect ears—make them easy to mistake for a small, red husky.

10. Canadian Inuit Dog

  • When you see a Canadian Inuit Dog, you might first think it is a Husky. This breed has a thick double coat, erect ears, and bushy tail that can look a lot like a Husky’s features.
  • The Canadian Inuit Dog is also known as the Canadian Eskimo Dog. It is originally from the Arctic, where it was bred to work in harsh, cold conditions. These dogs are strong, sturdy, and have a wolf-like face.
  • You will notice that the Canadian Inuit Dog is usually bigger than a Siberian Husky. Males can look especially large and powerful. Their fur comes in many colors, including black, gray, and white.