Most people have confidently identified a breed of dog only to find they are entirely wrong and it's a look-alike breed instead!
If it's happened to you, you are far from alone. With similar markings and size, it's pretty easy to get certain breeds mixed up because they look so alike.
Dog breed look-alikes
Here are ten dog breeds that often get mistaken for each other and how you can tell them apart.
1. Chihuahua and Russian Toy Terrier
You can see why people get these two dog breeds mixed up. But if you take another look, you'll notice that a Chihuahua's head is rounder while a Russian Toy Terrier tends to have a longer snout and a slimmer body.
2. Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever
The Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever look quite similar, but Goldens tends to have fluffier tails and longer fur. Labradors, however, are short-haired dogs with more muscular bodies. Both breeds are popular for being affectionate, friendly, sociable and obedient dogs. But Goldens can sometimes be more sensitive than Labs, although it of course, depends on the individual dog.
3. Whippet and Italian Greyhound
Both of these breeds look just like mini greyhounds with their pointy heads and long and lean bodies. But while getting them mixed up is understandable, they are different sizes. The Italian Greyhound is the smaller dog, growing to just a modest 13 to 15 inches tall, while the Whippet stands taller at 18 to 22 inches.
4. French Bulldog and Boston Terrier
At first glance, you may think the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog could be twins, but when you compare the dogs, you'll soon see the differences. Frenchies tend to be more muscular with a bigger bone structure than Boston Terriers. They, in turn, have longer legs and sport tuxedo-like markings. Boston Terriers also have rounder heads and pointier ears while a Frenchie's head is more square-shaped and their ears are more bat-like.
5. Cane Corso and Boxer
If you want to be able to tell the difference between the Cane Corso and the Boxer, take note of their size as Cane Corsos are generally larger than Boxers. You can also check their ears. Corsos usually have cropped ears, but if theirs haven't been cropped, then their ears are basically the same shape. Boxers are brachycephalic though, so their flatter snouts are a dead give-away!
Which dog breeds do you get mixed up?
See also: What's your favourite breed of dog? Here’s a list of the UK’s favourites!
