These dog breeds that look alike will make you do a double take
Dog Breeds Everyone Always Gets Confused
Updated on Jul. 10, 2025
Bernese mountain dog vs. Greater Swiss mountain dog
These two hunksters have a lot in common. To start, they both have a tricolor coat with a white blaze on the face and rust-colored dots above the eyes. Both of these large dog breeds hail from Switzerland and are loyal and lovable. But can you believe the Greater Swiss actually weighs more than the Bernese, which already tops the scales at 100-plus pounds? The Greater Swiss is brawny and muscular, with males clocking in at as much as 140 pounds. Meanwhile, the Bernese is more fluffy than stuffy and maxes out at 115 pounds. Another point to consider is that the Bernese sheds considerably more.
Schnauzer vs. Scottish terrier
Check out the distinguished ‘staches and hairy eyebrows on these two cute dog breeds! Both dogs have that aristocratic look going for them, but the Scottish terrier has a dignified, human-like character that is “all business,” except when its hunting instincts kick in. Scotties have a compact body and are shorter and heavier than the taller and leaner schnauzer. Meanwhile, the schnauzer tends to be the life of the party and is alert, active and a trusted family watchdog.
Cardigan Welsh corgi vs. Pembroke Welsh corgi
We’ll give it to you straight: While these corgis are nearly identical, they are actually two different breeds. Look closely, and you’ll see that the Cardigan corgi has a tail that sits low on the body and the Pembroke has a docked tail. The Cardigan has been around much longer than the more popular Pembroke breed. Both are undeniably cute, loyal and smart, yet the Pembroke is more popular, likely due to Queen Elizabeth’s love for Pembroke corgis.
Pomeranian vs. Keeshond
Are these sweet little pups that look like teddy bears a set of twinsies? Nope. The Pomeranian and the Keeshond are both from the Spitz family, a type of breed built for cold weather with thick coats and curled-up bushy fur they use to keep their nose warm when they sleep. Pom-poms, as fans call them, are spunky, independent and bold. They love their family, they’re aloof with strangers and they are a bit cocky at the dog park. Keeshonds, are less independent—they’re more touchy-feely and get along with other pets. Maybe that’s why they have the distinct honor of being the National Dog of Holland.
Beagle vs. American foxhound
These hunting dog breeds with a timeless youthful puppy dog face could impersonate each other and no one would be the wiser. They’re both compelled to track an intriguing scent and bray loudly when they find the source. Independent, yet sweet-tempered with people and easygoing with their own pack, they make great family pets. The main difference between the two is their size: Beagles are noticeably shorter and lighter at an average of 15 inches, 35 pounds. The American foxhound stands at 25 inches and weighs in at around 65 pounds.
Samoyed vs. American Eskimo dog
Most famous for their fluffy white coat, bright, expressive eyes and adorable “smiling” face, the American Eskimo and Samoyed look like they came from the same litter. Eskies come in three delightful sizes, ranging from a petite 9 inches to a larger 19 inches. Samoyeds are larger all around, at about 24 inches tall and 65 pounds in weight. Eskies shine at herding tasks with their quick and nimble speed, while the brawny Samoyed loves to pull sleds.
Puli vs. Komondor
You might call these dogs adorable cords, shaggy sweeties or mushy mops. The coats of both the Puli (pronounced Poo-lee) and Komondor require lots of attention, but Puli parents will have less dog to deal with, as it is a little nugget of 17 inches in height and 35 pounds, compared with the Komondor, which stands at about 27 inches and is 100 pounds or more. Pulis earned the reputation for being the “acrobat of the dog world” for being agile and nimble on their feet. Komondors are quick on their feet too, but they generally prefer to sit on the sidelines protecting their family.
Boston terrier vs. French bulldog
The best-dressed award might go to the swanky, tuxedo-wearing Boston terrier, but the French bulldog isn’t without its own bow-wow factor with its irresistible gremlin-like face. Besides their similar size, markings and short hair, they are even harder to tell apart because they both make the most adorable little snorts, grunts and snores when they sleep. By the way, Frenchies aren’t from France; lace workers from England went to work in France and took their Frenchies with them. Parisian women swooned over the dogs and named them bouledogue francais. Bosties, however, originated in their namesake city in Massachusetts.
Alaskan malamute vs. Siberian husky
Don’t you just want to put your cheeks against these big furry heads for a muzzle snuggle? Both breeds are built for cold weather. The heftier Alaskan malamute resided with the Mahlemut people on Alaska’s northwest coast. In World War II, malamutes used their strength to haul supplies and act as search and rescue dogs. Equally impressive, the Siberian husky, developed by the nomadic Chukchi people of northeast Asia, is one of the most ancient breeds. In 1925, a Siberian husky named Balto led his sled dog team and raced 340 miles in six days to deliver serum to diphtheria-stricken Nome.
Basenji vs. Ibizan hound
They may share a physical resemblance, but the Basenji and Ibiza hound are very different in character. Basenji aren’t like most dogs in that they possess catlike mannerisms; they are fastidious groomers, inquisitive, independent and a very quiet dog breed. That makes them ideal for people who love both cats and dogs. The Ibizan hound’s early days were on the rocky coast of the Balearic Islands, where it employed its world-class sprinting and leaping skills to hunt rabbits for their own food and for the islanders. It makes an outgoing, well-mannered and family-orientated member of a human crew.
Vizsla vs. Rhodesian ridgeback
The similarities are striking with the Vizsla and Rhodesian ridgeback. Both breeds are strong muscular hounds with gorgeous red wheaten coats and velvety soft ears. There’s a distinguishing feature on the Rhodesian ridgeback, though, that sets these two lookalikes apart—hint: it’s part of the name—and that is the ridge of hair running in the opposite direction along the Rhodesian’s back. Both breeds were bred for hunting. The Rhodesian, dubbed the lion dog, hails from Africa, and the Vizsla is a scent chaser and pointer from Hungary. These days, the Vizsla uses its nose for the TSA and for search-and-rescue missions.
Azawakh vs. Greyhound
These pups look like they could use a few more hearty meals. Even though you can see their ribs, the Azawakh and greyhound are naturally lean, with thin coats that show off their bones and musculature. Both of these long-nosed dogs are considered sighthounds, meaning they chase game by sight instead of smell; they’re wicked fast and excel at lure chasing. And while they might not look like the touchy-feely type, both breeds are sweet and affectionate. The greyhound has been on the American Kennel Club registry since 1885. The Azawakh is a newcomer, recognized by the AKC in 2019.
Lhasa Apso vs. Shih Tzu
“Your dog is having a better hair day than you” might be the caption for a photo of a Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu. Dainty and sweet, these adorable lapdogs are originally from Tibet. The Lhasa Apso origins go way back to 800 A.D. Tibetan Buddhists believe in reincarnation—specifically, that the sacred and pampered Lhasa Apso is the stage that comes right before a human. The Shih Tzu is thought to be a mix of the Lhaso Apso and the Pekingese.
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Sources:
- VCA Animal Hospital: Keeshond
- VCA Animal Hospital: Pomeranian
- American Kennel Club: Miniature Schnauzer
- American Kennel Club: Scottish Terrier
- VCA Animal Hospital: Samoyed
- American Kennel Club: American Eskimo Dog
- VCA Animal Hospital: Greyhound
- American Kennel Club: “7 ​Things You Didn’t Know About The Vizsla”
- VCA Animal Hospital: Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Petfinder: Basenji
- VCA Animal Hospital: Alaskan Malamute
- VCA Animal Hospital: French Bulldog
- American Kennel Club: Puli Club of America
- American Kennel Club: Shih Tzu
- The Telegraph: “Tibetans upset at China’s move to rid Lhasa of its revered dogs”
