How to Draw a Golden Retriever
In this drawing lesson, we’re getting into how you can draw a golden retriever that captures all the love and joy these doggies bring. This step-by-step guide is perfect for beginners looking for clear and easy instructions. You'll learn how simple shapes can turn your blank page beautifully into a furry dog.
We'll focus on all the important parts of the dog, from the expressive forehead and floppy ears down through the textured fur and tail. With an emphasis on outlining shapes first, you’ll build your confidence as we gradually add color and a wee bit of dimension. Get ready for a practical approach that’s engaging and fun!
As we wrap it up, I’ll show you how special touches, like using pink for the tongue and cream for those delicate shaded parts, you know...make your golden retriever drawing stand out.
Estimated Time: 50 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Blank Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
Lesson: How to Draw a Golden Retriever
Ready for a fun and rewarding drawing challenge? In this lesson, we’re going one step at a time on how you can capture the charm of a golden retriever. You'll learn how different colors like black for shading and yellowish for the body come together beautifully. We'll break it down by focusing on key parts of the dog, from its expressive eyes and wagging tail, down the furry body. Stick around as we guide you through outlining shapes and adding those delightful details, including that playful tongue sticking out! Let’s get started!
Outline the Forehead
First, draw a curved line to outline the golden retriever’s forehead.
Form the Muzzle
Next, form the shape of its muzzle. Then, add the triangular outline of its nose.
Attach the Tongue
Attach the dog’s tongue sticking out from its mouth.
Outline the Eyes
Draw two small circles for the dog’s eyes.
Add the Ears
Add its long ears attached to the sides of its head.
Form the Body
Form the elongated shape of the golden retriever’s body by drawing two curving lines.
Attach the Front Legs
Attach the dog’s upright front legs and form the shape of its rounded paws. Make sure to erase extra lines.
Draw the Hind Leg
Draw the visible hind leg by creating two curved lines attached to the base of its body.
Form the Hind Paws
Form the dog’s hind paws slightly larger than its front paws.
Add Texture to the Fur
Emphasize the thickness of the golden retriever’s fur by creating short, pointy lines all over its body.
Attach the Tail
Attach its long, fluffy tail to the end of its body.
Shade the Eyes and Nose
Shade the dog’s eyes and nose with black.
Color the Tongue
Color the tongue with pink.
Fill in the Body
Fill in the body with yellow.
Add Shading to the Body
Use a cream color to add some shading to the golden retriever’s muzzle, paws and tail.
Artist & Educator