How to Draw a Dog

To draw a dog as a beginner, create a bssic sketch of the dog’s face with pencil, then use an indenting tool to highlight those features of the dog face, add colors to the dog’s eye, and some base layer shedding then blend it. You can also add some details to the dog’s ear and head with pencil.

Drawing a dog can be difficult if not approached properly, that is why I have combined all the steps in this tutorial.

Whether you are a beginner or just starting to learn how to draw, this tutorial is for you.

You can watch the below video Tutorial or you can follow the steps below

Video TuTorial

How to Draw a Dog Step by Step

Step 1: Dog’s Face Drawing Steps

First of all, Use a graphite pencil to create a basic sketch [ outline] of the dog’s face including the details and main facial features of the dog.

And Remember to keep the outline nice and light, in case if there is any mistake you can easily erase it.

Step 2: Cover HighLighted Areas

Now Cover all the dog highlighted areas using the indenting tool. The indenting tool will actually pop up the highlighted area by creating the depth on the paper.

I don’t have any indenting tool, so I’m using here this construction nail in the replacement of the indent tool. and I hope this works pretty well for you too.

Indenting using construction nail

 So This technique is amazing to achieve a realistic look on your dog’s face drawing.

Step 3: Add Shades or Color

Using the reference image I’m going to pick the colors and fill the Pupil of the Dog’s Eye, the color codes are [449 451 447 495]. For further details and a better look, add more texture under the eye using a circular motion.

Step 4: Adding Base Layer

To add more shedding, I am going to use the blending stump tool. This extra layer will enhance the overall look of the drawing and make it look more realistic rather than just a simple pencil drawing.

Step 5: Adding Details to the Dog Ears

Along with blending, it is time to add more details to the dog’s ears, and around his head. It is very easy to achieve using a pencil, You don’t need to think, just follow the reference image and add detail.

Reference material and picture of dog face can be found at the bottom.


After following all the above 5 steps, you only need to add more detail, this process may take some time, but in the end, it will improve your skill for detailing.

Please note, it is not necessary to be perfect on your first attempt while drawing this dog drawing, apply the second time the next day, if your first attempt wasn’t up to the mark.

Did you know?

  1. There are around 400 million dogs in the world at the moment.
  2. The average life of a dog is between 10 to 15 years.
  3. A dog can easily digest a variety of foods, such as vegetables and grains.

Dog’s Drawing Face Reference picture:

Reference Material for Dog Drawing:

  • Black Pencil
  • Wooden Tool/ Construction Nail
  • Pencil Eraser by staedtler
  • Blending Stump
  • Derwent Pencil
  • Derwen White Pencil
  • Fabercastel Pencil Colours:
    • 449
    • 451
    • 447
    • 495


0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *