Tutorial

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Best for Preschematic stage · Ages 4–6

How to Draw a Dog Face Step by Step – Free Printable PDF

Learning how to draw a cute dog face step by step is a fun and easy activity for kids and beginners. This step by step dog face drawing tutorial is perfect for kids and beginners who want to create a fun cartoon dog. You do not need any special skills. Just grab a pencil, some paper, and follow each step carefully.

In this lesson, we will start with simple shapes and easy lines. By the end, you will have a cute dog drawing that you can colour however you like.

This easy dog face drawing tutorial is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to draw animal faces step by step.

Grab a pencil and paper and follow each step. The cyan lines show you exactly what to draw at each stage.

By Charlene · graphic designer and self-taught illustrator · Published 15 March 2026 · Updated 20 May 2026

Drawing Tips

1 Always start with light pencil lines so you can erase and adjust easily

2 Take your time — there is no rush and slow lines are neater than fast ones

3 The fluffy cheek edges are meant to look a little wobbly — do not worry about making them perfect

4 Once you are happy with your outline, go over it with a darker line or a black marker

5 Colour your dog in any colours you like — try golden, brown, black and white, or even a spotty pattern

Preview of free Dogs drawing printable worksheet

Free printable worksheet — print at home or in the classroom

Download Free Dog Drawing Printable (PDF)

How to Draw a Dog Face Step by Step – Free Printable PDF

Step 1

Draw the nose

Start with a small rounded triangle shape in the middle for the nose.

Tip: Starting in the middle gives you room to build the whole face around it. If you start too high, you'll run out of space for the ears.

Step 2

Add the eyes

Draw two oval eyes above the nose.

Step 3

Draw the fluffy muzzle

Draw a big fluffy shape around the nose and mouth area.

Step 4

Add the left cheek fur

Draw a short zigzag line on the left side for fluffy cheek fur.

Step 5

Add the right cheek fur

Draw a matching zigzag line on the right side.

Step 6

Draw the left ear

Draw a long curved ear coming down from the left side of the head.

Watch for: Ears too short turn this into a different kind of dog (terrier). For the classic cartoon look, the ears should be about as long as the head is tall.

Step 7

Draw the right ear

Repeat the same long curved shape on the right side for the other ear.

Step 8

Connect the top of the head

Draw a curved line across the top to join the ears and finish the head shape.

Step 9

Add the mouth

Draw a short line down from the nose, then add a small tongue shape underneath.

Step 10

Add ear details

Draw a few short curved lines inside each ear for fur texture.

Step 11

Add face fur details

Draw a small tuft on top of the head and curved fur lines on the muzzle.

Step 12

Finish the tongue

Add a small line on the tongue to give it more detail.

Step 13

Colour your dog

Trace over your final lines and colour in your dog however you like.

Amazing work — you have drawn a cute dog face! Your finished dog has fluffy cheeks, floppy ears, a big nose, and a happy tongue.

Keep practising and try drawing more animals!

Try your own dog breed

The basic shapes work for almost any dog breed. Try making the ears pointy and standing up for a husky, or shorter and folded over for a Labrador. Change the muzzle length — short and squashed for a pug, long and thin for a greyhound. Same starting steps, totally different dog.

Fun Facts About Dogs

Dogs can dream just like humans, and they often dream about chasing things.

A dog's nose print is completely unique, just like a fingerprint.

Dogs use their tails like a language — fast wagging usually means they are super happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this dog drawing easy for beginners?

Yes. This dog drawing tutorial is made especially for beginners and young artists. We use simple shapes and easy steps so you can follow along and have fun while learning.

What age is this tutorial for?

It is suitable for children aged 5 and up, but beginners of any age can follow along.

Can I customise my dog drawing?

Yes. You can change the ears, make the dog fluffy, or turn it into a tiny puppy to create your own unique dog.

Can I print this dog drawing tutorial?

Yes — there is a free printable PDF version of this tutorial available to download on this page. It is perfect for printing at home, in the classroom, or for art club sessions.

What should I draw after the dog face?

Try the cat face or bunny face tutorials next — they use the same step-by-step approach with the cyan-line guides.