How to Draw a Shiba Inu (Easy Step by Step)
A Shiba Inu is a fun one to draw because it is built from simple shapes: an oval head, pointy triangle ears, a rounded body, and one big curl for the tail. Start with the wide head, add the body and ears, and finish with the face and fluffy chest.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 9 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a Shiba Inu step by step
How to Draw a Shiba Inu · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The head
Draw a big wide oval for the head. Make it a little wider than it is tall, like an egg lying on its side.
Step 3: Nose and body side
Near the bottom of the head, draw a short upside-down T for the nose and mouth, and a tiny dash by the right edge for a cheek. Then draw one long curved line from the right side of the head down to the bottom, ending in a small curl.
Step 4: Pointy ears
On top of the head, draw two pointy triangle ears with slightly curved sides, one on each side. Then add a smaller curved line inside each ear.
Step 5: Legs, paws and body
Draw a curved line down the left side of the body to match the right side. Then draw two short straight lines in the middle for the front legs, and a flat oval at the bottom of each leg for a paw.
Step 6: The curly tail
On the right side of the body, draw a round curl like a backward C. Start near the middle of the back, curve it out and around, and bring it back to the body.
Step 7: Muzzle and first eye
Draw a small oval around the nose and mouth for the muzzle. Then, on the right side of the face, draw one small dot for an eye with a short dash above it for an eyebrow.
Step 8: Other eye and cheek
On the left side of the face, draw a small dot for the second eye with a short dash above it. Then add a tiny curved line on the left cheek.
Step 9: Fluffy chest fur
Under the chin, draw a small wiggly zigzag line across the chest for fluffy fur.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your Shiba Inu? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a chameleon or how to draw a platypus next.
Tips for drawing a Shiba Inu
- Draw the head oval first and make it wide. A wide head is what makes a Shiba look cute and round.
- Make the two ears about the same size. Start each one on the head line so they sit snugly on top.
- Draw the tail curl slowly as a big backward C that starts at the side of the body and comes back to it.
- Keep the eyes small and far apart, and put the muzzle low on the face.
Free Shiba Inu coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this Shiba Inu coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your Shiba Inu drawing
Shiba Inu are often orange-tan with a white chest, white paws, and a cream face. For a creative twist, try a rainbow Shiba with a different color for each paw.
Shiba Inu fun fact for kids
The Shiba Inu is a dog breed from Japan, where it was used for hunting in the mountains. It is one of the oldest dog breeds in Japan.
Questions about drawing a Shiba Inu
What shapes do I need to draw a Shiba Inu?
You need a wide oval for the head, two triangles for the ears, two curved lines for the body, flat ovals for the paws, a small oval for the muzzle, and a round curl for the tail.
How do I make my Shiba Inu look cuter?
Draw the eyes small and wide apart and the muzzle small and low on the face. Adding the fluffy zigzag on the chest makes the dog look soft.
Why does a Shiba Inu have a curly tail?
Shiba Inu have a tail that curls up over their back. It is one of the easiest ways to tell them from other dogs.
