Huskies are famous for their striking looks, playful spirit, and unstoppable energy, but they’re not the only dogs with that irresistible mix of charm and adventure.
Many breeds share similar traits, from intelligence and endurance to loyalty and a love for the great outdoors.
Whether you’re drawn to the wolf-like appearance, the friendly temperament, or the athletic build, these dogs capture the same spirit that makes Huskies so beloved.
If you adore everything about Huskies, these breeds might just steal your heart too.
All information is provided for general interest only. Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Alaskan Malamute
Built like a freight train with a heart to match, the Alaskan Malamute towers over most dogs with impressive strength and stamina.
These powerful canines were bred to haul heavy sleds across frozen tundra, making them natural athletes who thrive in cold climates.
Their thick double coat and sturdy frame make them look like oversized huskies, but they’re typically calmer and more affectionate.
Malamutes bond deeply with their families and show remarkable patience around children.
They need plenty of exercise and mental challenges to stay happy, so active households suit them best.
2. Samoyed
That famous Samoyed smile isn’t just adorable; it actually serves a purpose by preventing drool from freezing in arctic temperatures.
Originally bred by nomadic reindeer herders, these cloud-like dogs radiate warmth and friendliness wherever they go.
Their brilliant white coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, but the effort pays off when you see them practically glowing in sunlight.
Samoyeds possess an incredibly social nature and often struggle when left alone for long periods.
They vocalize frequently, using various sounds to communicate their needs and feelings to their families.
3. American Eskimo Dog
Despite the misleading name, this breed has German origins and gained popularity performing tricks in travelling circuses across America.
Their compact size makes them more apartment-friendly than huskies, though they still carry that signature spitz energy and intelligence.
American Eskimo Dogs come in three size varieties: toy, miniature, and standard, giving families options based on their living space.
Their snowy coats and alert expressions mirror the husky’s beauty on a smaller scale.
These clever canines excel at learning new commands and genuinely enjoy showing off their skills to admiring audiences.
4. Finnish Lapphund
Reindeer herding runs through this breed’s veins, giving them an instinctive ability to work independently while staying connected to their human partners.
Finnish Lapphunds adapt remarkably well to family life, showing a calmer temperament than many other northern breeds.
Their luxurious double coats come in various colours, from black and brown to cream and grey combinations.
These dogs maintain a strong startle reflex, making them naturally alert to changes in their environment.
They communicate through an impressive range of vocalizations, from gentle whines to full-throated barks when something catches their attention.
5. Norwegian Elkhound
Viking warriors trusted these fearless hunters to track moose, bears, and other formidable game through Scandinavia’s rugged wilderness.
Their distinctive silver coat and tightly curled tail create a striking profile that commands respect and admiration.
Norwegian Elkhounds possess incredible endurance and can trek for hours without tiring, making them ideal partners for serious hikers.
They form intensely loyal bonds with their families but maintain an independent streak typical of northern hunting breeds.
Their bold personality means they need consistent training from puppyhood to channel their confidence appropriately.
6. Keeshond
Dutch barge captains kept these charming dogs as watchful companions on canal boats, where they earned the nickname Dutch Barge Dog.
Their signature spectacles, dark lines around the eyes, give them an expression of constant curiosity and intelligence.
Keeshonds thrive on human companionship and suffer genuine distress when separated from their loved ones for extended periods.
Their medium size and adaptable nature make them suitable for various living situations, from apartments to sprawling farms.
These sociable dogs greet everyone with enthusiasm, making them wonderful therapy animals but questionable guard dogs.
7. Shiba Inu
Japan’s smallest native breed packs tremendous personality into a compact, agile frame that moves with cat-like precision.
Shiba Inus share the husky’s independent spirit but amplify it with a distinctly feline aloofness that charms their devoted fans.
Their famous Shiba scream, a high-pitched vocalization, emerges when they’re particularly excited or displeased about something.
These fastidious dogs groom themselves regularly and often avoid puddles and mud with deliberate care.
They form strong attachments to their families but typically choose when and how they’ll show affection on their own terms.
8. Akita
Ancient Japanese nobility valued these majestic dogs for hunting wild boar, deer, and even bears in mountainous terrain.
Akitas carry themselves with dignified composure, observing their surroundings with calm intelligence before taking action.
Their substantial size and protective instincts make them formidable guardians who take their family’s safety seriously.
Unlike the typically friendly husky, Akitas tend toward aloofness with strangers and require extensive socialization from puppyhood.
They communicate primarily through body language rather than excessive barking, maintaining a quiet presence until circumstances demand otherwise.
9. Chinook
New Hampshire’s official state dog nearly vanished from existence but dedicated breeders rescued this rare American treasure from the brink.
Arthur Walden created the breed specifically for sled dog racing, combining power, speed, and an incredibly willing temperament.
Chinooks possess remarkable versatility, excelling at sledding, skijoring, carting, and various dog sports with equal enthusiasm.
Their tawny coats and soulful expressions radiate warmth that matches their easygoing, affectionate personalities.
These rare dogs thrive when given jobs to do, channeling their working heritage into productive activities alongside their human families.
10. Utonagan
British breeders created this striking wolf lookalike by carefully mixing Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and German Shepherds during the 1980s.
The name comes from a Chinook word meaning spirit of the wolf, perfectly capturing their wild appearance.
Utonagans inherited the husky’s friendly, social nature rather than any aggressive wolf traits, making them surprisingly approachable family companions.
Their intelligence and trainability exceed many northern breeds, though they still need consistent guidance and boundaries.
These dogs turn heads wherever they go, sparking conversations about wolves while demonstrating thoroughly domesticated, affectionate behaviour.
11. Greenland Dog
Archaeological evidence suggests these resilient dogs accompanied Inuit peoples across frozen seas to Greenland over a thousand years ago.
Greenland Dogs remain remarkably unchanged from their ancient ancestors, retaining primitive instincts and incredible cold-weather adaptability.
Their powerful builds and tireless work ethic made them indispensable for polar expeditions throughout history’s most famous Arctic explorations.
These dogs function best in packs, developing complex social structures that mirror their wolf ancestry.
They require owners who understand primitive breed behaviours and can provide appropriate outlets for their intense energy levels.
12. Tamaskan
Finland’s contribution to wolf-like breeds emerged from careful selection of husky, malamute, and German Shepherd lines during the 1980s and 1990s.
Tamaskans possess remarkable athleticism and excel at activities like agility, obedience, and working dog trials.
Their striking appearance often lands them roles in film and television productions requiring wolf stand-ins.
These intelligent dogs form tight family bonds and show particular patience with children when properly socialized.
They vocalize frequently through howls and various other sounds, maintaining that classic northern breed communication style throughout their lives.
13. Czechoslovakian Wolfdog
A 1950s military experiment crossed German Shepherds with Carpathian wolves, creating this remarkable breed with enhanced stamina and senses.
Czechoslovakian Wolfdogs retain more wolf-like behaviours than most breeds, including pack mentality and reduced barking in favour of other vocalizations.
Their incredible endurance allows them to run for hours without fatigue, making them ideal partners for serious athletes.
These dogs require experienced handlers who understand both working breeds and wolf behaviour patterns.
They form devoted attachments to their families but typically remain reserved or cautious around unfamiliar people throughout their lives.
