How To Draw a Dog (Free Printable + Video)

Make some paws-itively good art!

A blue background has a white piece of paper on it that says How to Draw a Dog. Six steps are shown for drawing the dog. A pencil is also shown.
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If you have pet lovers in your classroom who like to draw, then you’re barking up the right tree! Our free printable has step-by-step instructions for teaching kids how to draw a dog. Make it a fun Friday group activity or keep it on hand for your fast finishers.  

If you’re ready to create some beautiful art of man’s best friend, check out our easy-to-follow steps below. There’s a video tutorial and images with step-by-step instructions. Plus, be sure to download the free printable instructions so kids can easily follow along.

How To Draw a Dog Video

There are six easy steps for teaching kids how to draw a dog. They are easy for kids of all ages and abilities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Once you have your paper laid out and your Sharpie in hand, you can begin by drawing two upside-down triangles spaced about an inch apart. Next, connect them with a single line.

A white background has two dog ears drawn as upside down triangles with a black line connection them in this first step of how to draw a dog.
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Step 2

Next, we’re going to draw the outline of the dog’s body. Draw two lines extending from each ear and pointing inward to create the dog’s neck. Then draw two longer lines extending from those. The line on the left should go almost straight down, while the line on the right should slant outward. Finally, connect the two longer lines with a slightly curved line. Be sure to include a little bump for the dog’s foot on the left side.

A simple outline of a dog is shown in this second step of how to draw a dog. The only detail is the two dog ears that are drawn as upside down triangles.
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Step 3

Now we’re going to add an oh-so adorable doggy face. Draw two black dots for eyes spaced out about half an inch apart. Next, draw a circle just above the dog’s neck, but below the eyes. Inside the circle, draw a small black oval with two hooks extending down from that for the dog’s mouth. Finally add a few little dots as whiskers.

A rough outline of a dog is shown. There are two upside down triangles for dog ears, two black dots for eyes, and a mouth and nose.
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Step 4

Now we’re going to add three straight lines from the bottom curved line going about three-quarters of the way up the dog’s body. These will make up the dog’s front legs. Next we’re going to add a half circle to the right of those lines to serve as the dog’s back leg. Once you have your legs drawn, add little markings to make the paws. Next, add a curved tail at the back of the dog. Finally, draw a few movement lines to show that your little dog is happy and wagging his tail.

A black outline of a dog is shown. Details include upside down triangles for ears, black dots for eyes, a mouth and nose, two front legs, a back leg, and a tail.
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Step 5

Now it’s time to draw a collar. Draw two horizontal lines connecting the dog’s neck and shade it in. Finally, add a little dog tag in a shape of your choosing.

A black line drawing of a dog is shown. It has two upside down triangles for ears, two black dots for eyes, a mouth and nose, two front legs, a back leg, a tail, and a collar with a dog tag.
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Step 6

Now to add a little detail around your doggie. Draw some grass to the left and right of your dog by making some jagged lines. Then add a little bone in front of him.

A black line drawing of a dog is shown. It has two upside down triangles for ears, black dots for eyes, a nose and mouth, a collar and a dog tag, three legs, and a tail. A dog bone and some grass are also shown.
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Get your free How To Draw a Dog printable with step-by-step instructions

A blue background has a white piece of paper on it. A set of markers are seen in the background. The drawing becomes animated showing the dog being drawn in steps.
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Are you ready to save and print your free dog drawing printable? All you need to do is fill out the form at the top of this page.

Do you have more ideas for animal drawing activities? Come and share them in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.

Plus, check out more of our favorite Directed Drawing Activities for Kids.