How to Draw a Dalmatian (Easy Step by Step)
A dalmatian is fun to draw because the spots do most of the work. This one is built from a big circle for the head, a tall rounded body, two floppy ears and a little curved tail. Once the simple shapes are down, you get to dot on spots wherever you like.
- Easy
- 15 minutes
- 10 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a dalmatian step by step
How to Draw a Dalmatian · 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: Bottom of the head
Start at the upper left of your head guide circle and draw a curved line down and around the bottom. Stop on the right side, and leave the top open for now.
Step 3: The body
Start just under the head on each side and draw two long lines that curve down. Close the bottom with two little bumps for the front paws, with a small dip in the middle between them.
Step 4: Top of head and ears
Draw a curved line over the top of the head that joins the two floppy ears. Make each ear a rounded leaf shape that hangs down beside the cheek.
Step 5: The tail
On the right side of the body, draw a short curved line that swings out and up like a little hook. Then draw a second line beneath it that follows the first and joins the body.
Step 6: Muzzle and nose
In the middle of the face, draw a small oval for the muzzle. Then add a rounded triangle nose inside it near the top, with a tiny line dropping down from it.
Step 7: Smiling mouth
Inside the muzzle, under the nose, draw a short wavy line like a little w with the ends curling up into a happy smile.
Step 8: Face spots
Fill in a few round black spots on the face. Make them different sizes, with some up on the forehead and one on each side of the muzzle.
Step 9: Ear spots
Add one round spot on the edge of each ear. They sit right on the outline, so they look tucked in.
Step 10: Body spots
Dot big and small round spots on the tummy. Space them out so they do not touch, and make a few bigger than the rest.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your dalmatian? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a German shepherd or how to draw a Pomeranian next.
Tips for drawing a dalmatian
- Sketch the head circle lightly first. Everything else lines up with it, so the body lines should start right under its sides.
- The ears are the trickiest part. Think of each one as a rounded leaf hanging down beside the head, and try to make both ears about the same size.
- Draw the spots last and make them different sizes. Spread them out so they do not line up in rows, which makes them look natural.
Free dalmatian coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this dalmatian 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 dalmatian drawing
Keep the spots black and leave the fur white, or try liver brown spots for a different kind of dalmatian. You could also color the nose and mouth dark gray.
Dalmatian fun fact for kids
Dalmatian puppies are born white. Their black or liver-brown spots start to show up when they are a couple of weeks old.
Questions about drawing a dalmatian
What shapes do I need to draw a dalmatian?
You need a big circle for the head, a small oval for the muzzle, and a tall rounded shape for the body. The ears are leaf shapes and the tail is a short curved hook.
How do I make my dalmatian look cuter?
Draw the head big compared to the body and keep the muzzle small and round. A curved smile and a few spots on the face also make it look friendly.
How do I draw dalmatian spots?
Draw them as filled circles in lots of different sizes, and spread them out so they do not line up in rows. Real dalmatian spots are never exactly the same size, so there is no wrong way.
