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There's no denying that all dogs were created equal—equally awesome, that is. It doesn't matter if they're purebred or not, large or small, with big muzzles or short ones—all of them are just as cute as the next one. But speaking of breeds, have you ever confused two breeds due to their similar looks? With look-alike coats, their markings, and body build, it’s no surprise that some of these dog twins can even confuse the dog aficionados out there. For this reason, Bored Panda has made you a cute little list of the dog breeds that usually get confused. Scroll down below to see the list, read about the differences between these similar breeds, and as always, vote for the ones you liked the most!

#1

Alaskan Malamute & Husky

Alaskan Malamute & Husky

An Alaskan Malamute is usually 23 to 25 inches tall and weighs 75-100 pounds or more, while the Siberian's height varies from 20 to 23.5 inches. In addition to this, the Siberian typically weighs less—60 to 70 pounds. Also, when it comes to Malamutes, in contrast to Siberians, they can never have blue eyes. As far as their body goes, the Malamute's head is larger and rounder, while their tail usually waves upward while the Siberian’s hangs down.

nordicmalamutes , ig_huskyheaven Report

#2

Akita Inu & Shiba Inu

Akita Inu & Shiba Inu

The first thing that becomes apparent when looking at these two breeds is their size—the Akita grows to be much larger than the Shiba Inu. As far as their weight is concerned, Akitas can weigh between 70 to 130 pounds while the Shiba Inu typically weighs up to 23 pounds. In addition to this, Akitas are prone to drooling, whereas a Shiba Inu wouldn't do it.

akita_of_fuennooka , musa_shiba_329 Report

#3

Belgian Malinois & German Shepherd Dog

Belgian Malinois & German Shepherd Dog

Not only are the Belgian Malinois and German shepherd dogs similar in size with similar fur coloring, but they both often do military and police work. However, the Belgian was developed in Belgium (obviously) for herding and has been adapted for service work recently, whereas the German shepherd has been bred to be a utility dog from the very beginning. As far as their looks go, the Malinois are more slender, smaller, lighter, and have shorter hair in comparison to the German shepherds.

malinois_universe , germanshepherrds Report

#4

Golden Retriever & Labrador Retriever

Golden Retriever & Labrador Retriever

Both of these breeds have quite similar temperaments—they are known to be sociable, affectionate, friendly, and obedient dogs. However, canine behavior experts point out that goldens are usually a bit more sensitive in comparison to Labs. However, as you all know, all dogs are individuals and no breed does guarantee any specific personality traits. As for the looks, golden retrievers have longer fur and fluffy tails, while Labradors are short-haired and have a more muscular build.

goldens_universal , labr_help_kemerovo Report

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Katrina B.
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"the Labrador retriever needs more entertaining compared to the golden retriever, and more intense exercise as well" oh lordy, no. There is such a huge variety in exercise and stimulation requirements of both breeds. I've know some very crazy hyper labs and some chill Goldens and vice versa.

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#5

Puli & Komondor

Puli & Komondor

You can probably come up with a lot of names for these two types of dog breeds. With their unique and high-maintenance coats, both the Puli and Komondor stand out from any given crowd. However, when it comes to their looks, the Puli is usually way lighter and smaller, standing 17 inches tall and weighing 35 pounds, whereas the Komondor stands about 27 inches and can weigh 100 pounds or even more.

Wikimedia Commons , wikipedia Report

#6

Whippet & Italian Greyhound

Whippet & Italian Greyhound

Both of these adorable creatures resemble miniature greyhounds with their slender bodies and pointy heads, and they likely share a common ancestor, too. The Italian greyhound originated back in the Middle Ages and it is yet unknown whether the dogs were used for hunting, or kept as family friends. The whippet, though, was developed purely for hunting in the open fields. In 18th-century England, these dogs were known as "the poor man's greyhound." While very similar, the two breeds differ in their size. The whippet usually stands at 18 to 22 inches tall, while the Italian greyhound grows to be only 13 to 15 inches tall.

whippet_doggo_luna , iggiesoftheworld Report

#7

Collie & Scottish Shepherd Sheltie

Collie & Scottish Shepherd Sheltie

While both obviously adorable, collies and Shelties differ in size—Shelties are much smaller than collies. In addition to this, collies' muzzles are longer. Unfortunately, both are prone to some genetic issues, including eye problems and seizures.
Both of these breeds are great with children, and are overall friendly and sociable. However, collies can tend to be more quiet and reserved than Shelties.

collie_jessicka , maryaaag Report

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#8

Bernese Mountain Dog & Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

Bernese Mountain Dog & Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

The two breeds sure have a lot in common—like a tri-color coat with a white blaze on their face, Swiss origins, and equally loyal nature. However, the Greater Swiss weighs more (sometimes males can weigh as much as 140 pounds) and is more muscular. In comparison, the Bernese mountain dog is more fluffy than muscular (thus sheds considerably more) and usually weighs up to 115 pounds.

pepper.theberner , harpertheswissy Report

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COcO BAMa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

calm down no ones an idiot for doing something like this some pwoplw will think the more bigger one is a man and thinner smaller is a girl ..god people dont know everything i dont think your iq is 160

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#9

Beagle & American Foxhound

Beagle & American Foxhound

Both of these cuties make great family pets, are sweet-tempered and easy-going. However, as with the majority of breeds, their main difference is size. Beagles are typically much shorter and lighter, standing 15 inches tall and weighing 35 pounds, whereas the American foxhound is usually 25 inches tall and weighs around 65 pounds.

beagle_ali_y_simon , benjithefoxhound Report

#10

Chihuahua & Russian Toy Terrier

Chihuahua & Russian Toy Terrier

While both are seemingly very similar, Chihuahuas and Russian Toys have some differences, too. Firstly—their country of origin, as Chihuahuas originated in Mexico, whereas the origins of the Russian Toy dog are probably self-explanatory. They come in similar size and their weight is similar, as well. However, the head of the Chihuahua is usually more round, whereas its Russian counterpart has a longer muzzle, and usually a leaner body.

pauli.nskii , cielo_estelado Report

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#11

Lhasa Apso & Shih Tzu

Lhasa Apso & Shih Tzu

Both of these long-haired beauties come from Asia and have a shared bloodline. And it’s no wonder they’re usually get confused, since Lhasa Apsos are a parent breed to Shih Tzus. However, when it comes to their physique, the Lhasa Apso stands a bit larger at 10-11 inches and weighs 12 to 18 pounds, whereas a Shih Tzu can reach a height of 9-10.5 inches and weigh from 9 to 16 pounds.

lhasaapsoworld , shihtzuclubs Report

#12

Vizsla & Rhodesian Ridgeback

Vizsla & Rhodesian Ridgeback

These striking beauties both are muscular and come with gorgeous red-tinted coats. However, the Rhodesian ridgeback got his name for a reason—the thing that differentiates it from the Vizsla is the ridge of hair running the opposite direction along the back of the Rhodesian ridgeback. Both of the breeds were bred for hunting, though: the Rhodesian (dubbed the lion dog) originates from Africa, while the Vizsla originates from Hungary. Today, Vizslas are used in TSA and for search and rescue missions.

donna_primadonna_ , rhodesianridgeback.lovers Report

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Karin Gibson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The vizsla does not have a ridge if fur standing up on their back and tend to be a leaner dog

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#13

French Bulldog & Boston Terrier

French Bulldog & Boston Terrier

In comparison to Boston terriers, Frenchies are usually built with a larger bone structure and are generally more muscular, whereas Boston terriers have longer legs and come with tuxedo-style markings. In addition to this, Frenchies have a square-shaped head and erect bat-like ears, while the ears of the Boston terrier are pointed and their heads are round.

sirhenry_frenchbulldog , ednameetsworld Report

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#14

Saint Bernard & Moscow Watchdog

Saint Bernard & Moscow Watchdog

While the St. Bernard originated from Switzerland, and the Moscow watchdog—from Russia, they do have something in common besides their looks, and that is their ancestors. Apparently, the Moscow watchdog descends from crosses between the St. Bernard and Caucasian shepherd dog. While the two breeds are similar in their height, St. Bernards may weigh around 20kg (44 pounds) more than Moscow watchdogs. In addition to this, while St. Bernards may require more maintenance, they're used for search and rescue, while their Russian counterparts are not.

walterstbernard , ilai_uus Report

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Marlowe Fitzpatrik
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can't possibly use the standard St Bernard for S&R! They're way too heavy and have usually bone-problems in young age already. They only live to about 8 years and weigh so much you need three people at the vets to get them up a table when unconscious, not to mentiion that the medicine is a lot more expensive for those huge dogs. Not even talking about the food. Save you money and adopt a smaller dog that will live with you longer! And don't go out of your way to buy a Russian guard dog! - You really don't want a russian Guard dog protecting what it thinks is theirs, believe me. Except if you don't really like social interaction.

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#15

Cane Corso & Boxer

Cane Corso & Boxer

Typically, Cane Corsos can be differentiated from boxers by their ears, as they are usually cropped. However, if they are not, chances of confusing the two are far greater. However, the main difference between the two is that Cane Corsos are usually a bit larger than boxers, weighing somewhere from 88 to 111 pounds, whereas boxers weigh up to 71 pounds.

_cane_corso_italiano , sturges.story Report

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Autumn
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cane Corsos are more muscular and droopier. Also boxer have a more upturned (?) muzzle

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