This is a simple, kawaii-style puppy that any beginner can draw using an easy How to Draw approach. The design leans cute on purpose big head, low eyes, tiny nose so kids and first-timers get a quick win. Follow the steps, then personalise with spots, a collar tag, or a waggy tail curl.
Puppy Drawing Supplies
Puppy Proportions (At a Glance)
Big head: ~⅔ of the character’s height
Low eyes: set lower than halfway down the head
Tiny nose + small mouth: keeps the face cute
Short body + stubby paws: reads “puppy,” not adult dog
If your puppy looks older, lower the eyes and make the nose smaller.
How to Draw a Puppy Step by Step
1. Light circle for the head
Sketch a light circle slightly above the page center. Keep pressure soft so you can erase cleanly later.
2. Add two floppy ear ovals
Draw one oval on each side of the head circle. Tip them slightly so they feel loose and floppy.
3. Small oval body under the head
Add a small horizontal oval under the head. This keeps the body compact and cute.
4. Place two large eyes (low on the face)
Add two big circles for eyes, set lower than the head’s halfway line. Leave small white highlights when you ink or colour.
5. Tiny triangle nose + curved mouth
Place a mini triangle nose between the eyes, a bit lower. Draw two short curves for a smile, one curve on each side.
6. Add front paws (two rounded shapes)
Draw two rounded ovals at the base of the body oval so the puppy looks seated.
7. Tail curve (small “S”)
Add a small S-curve on one side for a friendly tail. Keep it compact so the silhouette stays tidy.
8. Outline with pen
Ink the lines you want to keep. Smooth any wobbles, and round off sharp corners so the style stays soft.
9. Erase guidelines
Once the ink is dry, erase all pencil construction lines.
10. Add blush ovals, collar tag, or spots
Two tiny cheek ovals = instant kawaii. Add a collar (thin arc) and a small circle tag. Spots are an easy way to change the look.
Colour & Shading Tips
Eyes: Keep a white highlight in each eye so they look shiny.
Cheeks: Light pink ovals for blush.
Body: Add a soft belly shadow (light grey or light brown) under the head.
Spots: One big spot around an eye or a few small body spots reads cute without clutter.
Tools: Markers give bright flats; coloured pencils make soft blends. Re-ink edges after colouring if they fade.
Common Mistakes (and Easy Fixes)
Eyes too high → Lower them. Low-set eyes = cuter face.
Ears uneven → Fold the paper lightly down the center to check symmetry and adjust.
Looks more like an adult dog → Shrink the nose and shorten the body.
Stiff tail → Redraw with a small S-curve and taper the tip.
Breed Variations (Fast Switch-Ups)
Corgi: Shorten the legs, widen the body a touch, add big upright ears and a tiny nub tail.
Pug: Rounder head, small folded ears, and gentle wrinkle lines (keep them light).
Shiba Inu: Triangle ears, curled tail, and a chest “bib” shape.
Puppy Drawing Q&A: Quick Answers for Kids & Beginners
How do I make any dog look “cute”?
Three moves: big head, low eyes, tiny nose. Then keep limbs short and round the shapes.
Which eye styles read friendly vs. sleepy?
Friendly: large round eyes with clear highlights. Sleepy: add a soft upper eyelid curve and make eyes slightly narrower.
How do I draw fur without over-detailing?
Suggest, don’t outline every strand. Use short, light strokes at the cheek edges, top of the head, and tail tip. Leave most interior lines clean.
Printable Cute Puppy Colouring Page (A4, black-and-white)
Perfect for class stations, early finishers, quiet time, or extra practice. Print and colour or trace the lines to build drawing confidence. Download Cute Puppy colouring page
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How to Draw a Dog (poses and expressions)
How to Draw a Cat (kawaii style)
Cartoon Faces for Kids (eyes, mouths, emotion)
