Use the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to draw a German Shepherd. Follow along with the video, or use the images in this article. By the end of this tutorial, even beginners will have a completed drawing of this beautiful dog!

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To draw this dog step by step, follow along with the video tutorial below and pause the video after each step to go at your own pace. You may find it easier to follow the step-by-step images below the video. You may want to open the video in a new tab and use both drawing methods. Take your time and create art at your own pace.

Materials You'll Need Before starting, gather these basic drawing supplies from Dick Blick. If you choose to purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Pencils (an HB lead pencil is best for light sketches)	Kneaded Eraser	Drawing Paper

Step 1: Draw Initial Body and Head Guides

Begin by sketching guidelines for your German Shepherd using light, easily erasable strokes.

Proportional Circles

• Upper Body Guide: Start by drawing a circle as a guide for the top part of the body. An easy way to draw a circle is to first make a couple of small marks to indicate the height, then small marks on the sides for the width, and connect them with curved lines. You can also trace a coin or bottle cap.
• Lower Body Guide: On the bottom left side, draw a slightly smaller circle for the lower half of the body. Avoid placing them too far apart so the torso remains proportional.

Head and Muzzle Placement

• Head Guide: At the top, draw a smaller circle roughly two-thirds the size of the first circle. Keep it at a natural height so the neck is not overly elongated.
• Construction Guidelines: Inside the head, add a curved horizontal construction line and a curved vertical line on the top left side to help place facial features later.
• Muzzle and Ear Guides: On the bottom left side of the head, sketch a small circle for the muzzle. On top of the head, draw two large triangular shapes for the ears.

Step 2: Add Limbs and Connect the Form

Establish the posture and full body shape before moving into the final details.

Leg and Body Connections

• Front Legs: Under the first circle, sketch a long vertical line that bends slightly for a joint, finishing with a short line at the bottom for the foot. Add a similar line to the right for the second front leg.
• Neck and Torso: Connect the head to the body with sloping lines to create the neck. Use curved lines to link the two main body circles together for the torso shape.
• Rear Form: On the bottom left side, add a couple of short lines that form a small triangle to complete the body guidelines.

Step 3: Define Facial Features

With your guidelines complete, switch to final lines to establish the German Shepherd's distinct expression.

Eyes, Nose, and Mouth

• The Eyes: Sketch two small circles on top of the horizontal guide line on either side of the vertical line. Once positioned correctly, darken them. Make the outer side of the right eye pointier, and make the left eye slightly thinner due to the angle of the head. Add crease lines and brows, then place small dots inside for the pupils.
• The Nose: Sketch a small oval inside the muzzle circle. Darken the final shape, curving the left side inward for a nostril and adding a wavy line on the right side for the other nostril. Connect the top of the nose to the left eye to define the muzzle profile.
• Mouth and Chin: Draw a line below the nose that curves far to the right until it sits beneath the eye. Add short curved lines on the left for the opposite side of the mouth, a line underneath for the gums, and a final curved line extending right for the chin.

Step 4: Shape the Ears, Head, and Furry Textures

Flesh out the distinctive ears and realistic fur details along the head and neck.

Head and Fur Structure

• The Ears: Darken the right triangular guide, making it wider at the bottom than the initial shape. Add internal structural lines and short, angled strokes at the base for a furry look. Replicate this process for the left ear, adding a slight curve at the bottom.
• Head and Neck Contour: Follow the path of the initial head circle, dipping the left side toward the eye. Use a series of short, angled strokes on the right side to create a flattened, furry texture. Extend short strokes down for the right side of the neck, and add curved lines below the muzzle to suggest loose skin.

Step 5: Render the Legs and Lower Body

Follow the skeletal guides to build out the front and hind legs, paws, and claws.

Leg Development

• First Front Leg: Outline the shape around the central vertical guide line, keeping the leg thin. Darken the contours using short strokes along the left edge for fur. Curve the bottom for the foot, insert lines for the toes, and place small triangular shapes for the nails.
• Second Front Leg: Sketch around the right guideline similarly, hiding the upper portion behind the body. Shape the foot curving to the right, separate the toes, and add small triangular nails.
• Hind Leg and Foot: Draw a short curved line along the bottom for the hind foot, complete with toe divisions. Sketch a long curved line above it for the folded leg, using short strokes for a thick coat texture.

Step 6: Finish Outline and Tail

Tie the whole silhouette together by refining the main torso boundaries and adding a tail.

Completing the Silhouette

• Body Outline: Darken the outer edges of your original torso guides. Add a series of curved lines along the top and below the head to represent natural fur creases. Be sure not to overlap the front leg while finishing the belly outline.
• Chest and Tail: Add a couple of short lines above the legs to define the chest. On the bottom left, draw a curved line for the tail, adding a sloping interior line for its tip.

Step 7: Erase Guidelines and Add Final Shading

Clean up the sketch and apply realistic values to mimic the striking coat pattern of a German Shepherd.

The Finishing Touches

• Clean Up: Carefully erase your initial construction lines, making sure to redraw any final details that were accidentally removed.
• Coat Markings: Use a dark value to block out the characteristic dark pattern on the head and back. Start lightly, using pencil strokes that mimic the natural growth direction of the fur, and gradually build up your pressure for deeper values.
• Shading and Contrast: Tint the inside of the eyes with a medium value, emphasize major contours by darkening the final lines, and apply a light cast shadow along the ground beneath the dog to anchor your drawing.

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