With their playful attitudes and intelligent minds, huskies are some of the most unique working dogs in the world. Highly trainable huskies require plenty of mental stimulation to keep their active natures focused on non-destructive pursuits. The husky is a spitz breed of dog most recognized for pulling sleds in the world’s coldest regions. However, some dog breeds most similar to huskies do not look like them. Check out this list of dog breeds that are similarly intelligent, playful, outgoing, and gentle, like the husky.
1. Newfoundland
Although they share a lot of personality traits with huskies, Newfoundlands are typically considered more gentle.
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Like the iconic husky, which was bred to handle extreme temperatures, the Newfoundland originally rescued people drowning in cold waters. Both breeds also have a friendly demeanor that gets along great with both adults and children.
2. Samoyed
People like the Samoyed breed as guard dogs. However, huskies are too friendly and independent for that task.
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Samoyeds and huskies have similar origins as sled dogs, plus they both are considered spitz breeds, which means they have a pointed, wolf-like appearance. Although Samoyeds are smaller than huskies and recognized by their all-white coats, they share the same intelligence and loyalty. When it comes to dog breeds similar to huskies, the Samoyed shares a love for cold, winter weather.
3. Australian Shepherd
The high energy and intelligence of huskies and Australian shepherds mean that training can take more time.
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Both the Siberian husky and the Australian shepherd were bred for specific tasks, although one was bred for pulling sleds and the other for herding livestock. Australian shepherds and huskies share a friendly, outgoing temperament that makes them faithful companions for families.
4. Finnish Lapphund
Both Siberian huskies and Finnish Lapphunds make great family dogs because they show affection easily to others, including children.
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Finnish Lapphunds and huskies share a similar origin in cold, unforgiving climates. However, whereas the Siberian husky developed as a breed thousands of years ago on the Siberian Peninsula, the Finnish Lapphund’s origins are in the far north of Scandinavia. Both types of dogs can be highly independent and strong-willed but also work well as pack dogs.
5. Border Collie
Both border collies and Siberian huskies were bred for colder climates. Border collies originated in the colder parts of the United Kingdom, and huskies in the Siberian Peninsula.
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Because both border collies and huskies were bred for specific purposes, they both share an active, energetic temperament. This athleticism serves them well when it comes to their herding and sledding tasks but can be frustrating to their owners. Both huskies and border collies are known to be escape artists and will easily run away if not given enough exercise and space.
6. Icelandic Sheepdog
No one would mistake an Icelandic sheepdog for a Siberian husky by looks because the Icelandic Sheepdog is significantly smaller.
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One of the dog breeds similar to huskies has a similar outgoing attitude with lots of energy. Like the Siberian husky, people originally bred the Icelandic sheepdog to thrive in cold weather. However, this breed developed in Iceland as a herding dog. Both breeds share a need for activity and stimulation, meaning they both thrive on attention.
7. Airedale Terrier
The Airedale terrier and the husky need lots of exercise to direct more mischievous and troublesome behaviors, including excessive barking.
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The largest of all terrier breeds, the Airedale terrier shares a lot with the Siberian husky, although they do not look a lot alike. Both breeds of dogs have friendly temperaments and are very willing to please their owners. Although they are loving animals that get along well with children and other pets, they can be stubborn and require dedicated training.
8. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever might be a better choice for an inexperienced owner than the Siberian husky, but the breed requires plenty of mental stimulation, just like huskies do.
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When it comes to Labrador retrievers and Siberian huskies, you will find two breeds that are loyal to a fault and always a fun time to be around. Both breeds of dogs have temperaments that require plenty of space for exercise and have playful demeanors. Although Labradors are highly versatile, they are similar to huskies in adapting best to large homes with space to run and play.
9. Irish Setter
Both Irish setters and Siberian huskies love running and enjoy lots of exercise to manage their high energy.
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Irish setters and huskies get along well with various people and animals. In fact, they both find it easy to welcome others and are not very assertive. Do not count on either of these breeds to make great guard dogs, although they fit into most families well. Another similarity is their independent natures, although Irish setters can form strong familial bonds that will overcome most of their independent tendencies.
10. German Shepherd
Compared to huskies, German shepherds remain wary of strangers, even with lots of socialization.
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German shepherds and Siberian huskies share a lot regarding their highly athletic qualities. Both breeds of dogs require plenty of exercise and fare the best with a dedicated owner who takes the time to take them outside for playtime and walks. These dogs also share an adventurous, outgoing spirit, which means they willingly come on outings and outdoor adventures.
11. German Shorthaired Pointer
Both the German shorthaired pointer and the Siberian husky love the outdoors.
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The boundless energy of the Siberian husky matches the free spirit found in most German shorthaired pointers. While a bit less independent than huskies, German shorthaired pointers share the same active nature as the husky. Both breeds of dogs have plenty of friendliness to go around, but make sure to provide them with ample mental stimulation in the form of exercise and training.
12. Boxer
Everyday exercise is a requirement for active dog breeds like the boxer dog and the Siberian husky.
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If you are looking for a dog breed similar to huskies that share its stubborn yet intelligent nature, look no further than the boxer. Both breeds of dogs are highly trainable but require consistent attention so that the training sticks. They also share a friendly, playful attitude that makes them excellent family dogs when given the proper amount of attention and stimulation.
