10 Breeds That Are Often Mistaken For Another Breed

Every breed has its own special characteristics, whether it comes to the dogs’ personality or looks.

However, sometimes physical description can be a problem when talking a particular breed, as it sounds very similar, if not the same, to another breed.

These 10 breeds are the ones who get wrapped up in a case of mistaken identity the most.

1. Volpino Italiano

You would have thought that a distinctive breed like the Volpino Italiano wouldn’t get mistaken for other breeds, however, that happens more than you would ever guess.

Furthermore, next time you think you saw a Volpino, you better get a second look since the probability is that you’ve mistaken it for another breed, presumably the Japanese Spitz, the Indian Spitz, the American Eskimo Dog, or even a Pomeranian.

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The Spitz breeds look incredibly alike the Volpino, while the Pomeranian makes a far less common confusion, as long as its fur isn’t white. If anything, you can always get a nice cuddle out f any of these breeds.

2. The Schipperke

Although they’re different in size, Schipperkes are mostly mistaken for the Alaskan Klee Kai.

The Schipperke weighs anything from 7 to 18 lb, while its brother from another mother “comes” in three sizes, which can weigh from 7 to 17 lb.

So what makes these two oddly distinctive breeds look so alike?

The case very well may be founded on the dogs’ faces – these two breeds have very similar facial features.

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They may look slightly odd, but both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Schipperke are adorable and really active, which makes them perfect for people who like to spend time outside and go for casual runs.

3. The Icelandic Sheepdog

The Icelandic Sheepdog is an amazing breed for many reasons: it’s a great watch dog, it’s amazing with kids, it’s loyal, and of course absolutely stunning.

So why do people always confuse it with the Japanese Shiba Inu?

We’re not saying that the Shiba Inu isn’t great and all, but it would be nice of the Icelandic Sheepdog could get some respect when talking a walk with its owner for being what it is.

But we have to admit, these two breeds do look very similar, even though they vary in size and weight, and that’s probably the safest way to tell them apart.

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The Sheepdog weighs anything from 20 to 30 lb, while its Japanese doppelganger weighs less, varying from 15 to 25 lb.

4. The Kintamani Dog

Small and adorable – that’s the best way to describe the Kintamani Dog and the Swedish Vallhund, the breed that resembles the Kintamani so much people can’t tell them apart.

Although the most common color scheme the Kintamani sports is white, while the Vallhund opts for an array of warm grey and cream tones, it’s still not enough to distinguish them apart.

Their snouts and pretty alike, as well as their whole faces, but the things that make them alike the most are their pointy ears and a curvy tail.

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One could say that those reasons aren’t good enough for this case of mistaken identity, as the Kintamani is a bigger breed than the Vallhund, but you can’t blame people for their ignorance. That’s what we’re here for.

5. The Canaan Dog

It’s odd to think that a pretty distinguished breed like the Canaan would skip on being mistaken for another breed, but it’s pretty easy to understand why when you see how the Finnish Spitz looks like.

Although they vary in color, these two breeds look oddly alike in their unusualness. Both breeds have an elongated, elegant neck, a curvy tail, and they’re also around the same size and weight.

Also, as all breeds now come in almost all shades, the whole thing can be a bit confusing.

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The only thing that matters is that both the Finnish Spitz and the Canaan Dog are incredible breeds, very loyal, and amazingly active. They make excellent pets.

6. The Chinese Foo Dog

If you think that the Chinese Foo Dog is too adorable to handle, wait until you check out it’s doppelganger from Finland.

The Finnish Lapphund resembles the Chinese Foo Dog so much even their owners have a hard time figuring out which breed is which sometimes.

They’re short, stubby, and fluffy, and both breeds sport the adorable short snout with huge puppy eyes even in old age.

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One of the best ways to tell them apart is by checking out their weight – The Foo Dog can way anything from 30 to 50 lb, while the Lapphund usually ways around 44 – 47 lb.

7. The Norrbottenspet

Is you have a hard time pronouncing this dog’s name, wait until you see the Kishu Inu and you will have a hard time distinguishing the whole breed altogether.

The Norrbottenspet and the Kishu Inus are similarly built, while they vary in weight – the Kishu Inu “comes” in anything from 30 to 50 lb, while the Norrbottenspet weighs around 25 to 35 lb.

Both breeds have pointy ears, a slightly bent tail, and they’re really active and athletic.

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They also sport the same facial features many Asian breeds have, while the color of their fur belongs in the same warm toned family.

8. The Karelian Bear Dog

You would have thought that Siberian dogs had enough trouble as it is for being similar among themselves, but that obviously wasn’t complicated enough.

If you don’t understand what we’re talking about, just take a look at the Karelian Bear Dog!

This amazing breeds looks like it could very easily be a Siberian dog, or more precisely, the West Siberian Laika.

These two breeds look so much alike you would never guess that the Bear Dog doesn’t belong in the winter-loving family.

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Both breeds are similarly built, they sport the same curved tail and pointy ears, while their snouts are also alike – they’re long, elegant and absolutely adorable!

9. The Lapponian Herder

This is not a Husky, folks. Yes, things do get a bit complicated in the huge world of dog breeds, and nothing can match the similarity between the Alaskan Husky and the Lapponian Herder.

One would think that fan-favorite Huskies would resemble Siberian breeds the most, however, that’s not the case here.

This fairly unknown breed that’s getting its overdue recognition just now is a lovable dog, which sports the same color scheme as the famed winter-loving breed.

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However, they do “come” in more colors, varying from black to golden-brown, and black-and-white. Both breeds are an amazing choice for active people who don’t mind the cold.

10. The Alaskan Malamute

The Alaskan Malamute very well might be a variety of an Akita, if you would judge only by its looks.

It’s a surprise that the American Akita isn’t most similar to other Akita breeds, but that’s just how things go in the huge dog family.

The Alaskan Malamute, which is not a very familiar breed to most people, is a wonderful companion and pet, much like it’s Akita doppelganger.

Both breeds have a similar body built, and their faces almost can’t be distinguished one from another.

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However, the Akita’s tail is alight bent, while the Malamute sports a more proud, upright tail position.