The deep blue eye, the grayish-white fur, and the fierce-looking face make the beloved husky one of the most handsome and popular breeds among dogs. Huskies are actually used in sled racing, but nowadays, they have become a popular choice as pet dogs. The best part about owning a husky is their high intelligence, their zero dog odor, and their compatibility with kids. Huskies love playing with kids and are a great choice if you have small children at home.
However, to be honest, huskies are high-maintenance dogs. They need a lot of constant care and attention, without which they are prone to health issues. They shed twice a year, and the amount of fur you will see all over the house will baffle you!! Huskies are very active dogs and do not fit an apartment lifestyle. They like to run and play around in open spaces, so it is best if you have a large yard or other open spaces close by.
All that being said, if you think owning a husky will be too much for you, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered!! Here is a list of 8 dog breeds that look like huskies and are equally intelligent and smart. Read on to find out which one suits you best.
1. Alaskan Malamute
An Alaskan Malamute looks just like a husky. They are intelligent, smart, have high endurance, and are known for their athleticism. They like constant exercise and love to keep their body and mind occupied. However, like the huskies, these dogs also need attention and care. In fact, they shed even more than huskies.
The puppies are cute and fluffy that you can’t let go of them once you hold them. They need a firm owner who is experienced in training, and who they will respect and care for. This breed is gentle and kind towards people.
2. Utonagan Dog
A dog that looks just like a wolf is the Utonagan dog. This breed was developed by Edwina Harrison around the 1980s. The aim was to develop a dog that looked like a wolf, by crossing the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and German Shepherd. The dog looks very similar to a Siberian Husky but is much bigger in size.
The Utonagan Dog is friendly and highly energetic. They are also very intelligent and can be used to train for various tasks. These dogs have dense fur coats and need regular grooming.
3. Alaskan Klee Kai
Often called as, “the small husky,” the Alaskan Klee Kai looks very similar to the husky because of the fur markings and the eyes but is a small-sized dog. Developed in the early 1970s by Linda Spurlin, these dogs were bred as companion dogs rather than guard dogs. They are very friendly, even with children, and fit well in an apartment lifestyle.
Given the small size, these dogs are highly energetic, playful, and need their daily dose of exercise or any other activity. Their prey instincts do not allow them to mingle well with other dogs.
4. Akita Inu
Akita Inu is another breed that is similar to a husky in size, physical appearance, and intelligence. These breeds are friendly dogs but need training from an early age if you want to control the dog better. They can easily adapt to living in apartments if you make sure to take them out for regular exercise.
The breed is also friendly with kids, and they need a firm owner who can train them well and show them the skills of a true pack leader. They live for about 10-12 years.
5. Tamaskan dog
A dog that looks like husky but sheds minimally? Tamaskan dog is the one you should choose. This dog is of Finnish origin and is super intelligent and friendly. They adapt well to living in apartments and love to play around with kids and even other dogs.
The Tamaskan dog constantly loves to do some activity or the other. Their level of intelligence allows them to even play mind games. And the best part is, they can live up to 15 years.
6. Samoyed
Here is a dog that looks like a husky, only fluffier, and totally white!! Also known as “Bjelkier” in Europe, the Samoyed was originally bred for hunting, pulling sleds, and herding reindeer by the Samoyede people of northwest Siberia. This breed is very friendly and loves playing with children and can fare well with other pets too. They can easily adapt to living in an apartment, but their shedding is another problem.
They love being around people and enjoy hiking, walking, and jogging. They are protective of their masters and their territory and are great watchdogs.
7. Icelandic Sheepdog
Developed for herding sheep and popularly used by the Vikings in Iceland, the Icelandic sheepdog is a great watchdog and not very friendly towards strangers or other dogs. However, if well-trained, these dogs can be very friendly and great with children too. This breed has many similarities to a husky but sheds a lot.
If you have a big space or yard, then this breed is a great choice, because they don’t do well in apartment living. They are also highly intelligent and very easy to train.
8. Saarloos Wolfdog
This breed is a mix of a wolf and German Shepherd and was developed in the 1900s by Saarloos Leendert. This dog looks similar to the husky because of the coat and color. They are intelligent dogs and energetic. They need proper training from an early age to make them friendly with kids and other pets. They are prone to separation anxiety and need constant attention and care. Their coat is short and easy to maintain.
Conclusion
Huskies are very attractive dogs, but managing them can be problematic if you have a busy lifestyle. However, if you are very keen on owning a husky or a dog that looks just like one, then you can think of the above-mentioned options. While some can be similar to huskies in maintenance, others are much more manageable.