24 Dog Fur Texture Drawings

If you’re an artist, you know how rewarding it can be to capture the unique personality of a dog in your drawings. But when it comes to drawing fur textures, things can get a little … hairy!

And to help you not screw up, here are some bear fur drawing examples to get you started.

Dog Fur Texture Drawings

Things To Keep in Mind While Drawing Dog Fur

1. Understand Your Subject

Before putting pencil to paper, take time to study your doggy subject. No two dogs are alike, and their fur can vary dramatically in length, texture, and pattern. Observe the following details:

Length: Is the fur short and sleek, medium and fluffy, or long and flowing?
Texture: Is it soft, wiry, coarse, or curly?
Direction: Notice how the fur grows and flows. Fur typically grows outward from the body but changes direction around joints and facial features.
Color and Patterns: Look at the dog’s markings. Are there subtle gradations of color or bold patches?

Spend a little time observing real dogs or reference photos to understand how these factors work together to create a unique coat. The more you observe, the better your drawings will be.

2. Choose the Right Tools

While you can technically draw fur with any pencil or pen, using the right tools can make a huge difference. Here’s a breakdown of what might work best for you:

Pencils: Graphite pencils (from HB to 8B) are great for creating realistic textures. If you want to add more contrast, try charcoal pencils.
Colored Pencils: For color-rich drawings, invest in quality colored pencils with a soft core for smooth blending.
Erasers: A kneaded eraser is invaluable for lifting highlights, and an electric eraser can help you refine fine details.
Blending Tools: Blending stumps or tissue paper can smooth out your shading for a polished look.
Fine Liners or Pens: These are great for crisp outlines and intricate details.

Experiment with different tools to discover what feels natural and suits your style.

3. Start with the Basics

When drawing fur, it’s tempting to dive into the details right away. Resist the urge! Begin with a light sketch of the dog’s overall shape and anatomy. This will serve as the foundation for your fur drawing.

Outline the Shape: Use light pencil strokes to map out the dog’s silhouette and key features, like the nose, eyes, and ears.
Mark Fur Directions: Add arrows or light strokes to indicate the direction of the fur. This will help you stay consistent as you work.
Block in Shadows: Identify areas where shadows will fall. This will give your drawing depth and dimension right from the start.

Remember, you’re building a foundation, so keep your strokes light and easy to erase.

4. Layer, Layer, Layer

Dog fur has depth, and the best way to capture that is by layering your strokes. Think of your drawing as a painting—you wouldn’t expect one coat of paint to do the job, right?

Start Light: Begin with light, broad strokes to establish the base layer of fur. Use a pencil with a harder lead (e.g., H or 2H) for this step.
Add Midtones: Gradually build up darker tones to create texture. Switch to softer pencils (e.g., 2B or 4B) for these layers.
Refine Details: Use fine, controlled strokes to add individual hairs. Focus on areas where the fur catches the light or has a noticeable texture.
Highlights: Use your eraser to lift pigment and create highlights. This is especially important for glossy coats or areas where light hits directly.

Take your time and let each layer build naturally. Patience is key!

5. Vary Your Strokes

Not all fur is created equal, and the way you draw your strokes will determine the type of texture you achieve.

Short Fur: Use small, tight strokes that follow the contours of the body. Keep your strokes smooth and uniform.
Long Fur: Opt for longer, flowing strokes that overlap slightly. Vary the pressure to create a natural look.
Curly Fur: Draw short, looping strokes to mimic the twists and turns of curly coats. Don’t make them too uniform—natural curls are often irregular.
Wiry Fur: Use quick, sharp strokes to give the appearance of coarse hair. Add a few stray hairs for authenticity.

Practice each stroke on scrap paper before applying it to your main drawing.

6. Pay Attention to Lighting

Lighting can make or break your drawing. It dictates where highlights and shadows fall, giving your fur texture and depth. Consider these tips:

Determine the Light Source: Decide where the light is coming from. This will guide your shading and highlighting.
Add Shadows: Deepen shadows in areas where the fur overlaps, such as under the ears or along the jawline.
Highlight Strategically: Use your eraser to add highlights where the light hits the fur most directly, such as the top of the head or the bridge of the nose.
Blend Gradually: Use blending tools to smooth transitions between light and dark areas. This creates a more realistic effect.

Take a moment to step back from your drawing and assess how the lighting affects the overall look.

7. Capture the Details

Details bring your drawing to life. After all, the small touches are what make a dog’s fur unique. Pay attention to:

Whiskers and Stray Hairs: Use a fine liner or sharp pencil to add these finishing touches.
Fur Patterns: Focus on the subtle transitions between colors and textures. Blend carefully to avoid harsh lines unless they’re part of the dog’s markings.
Gloss and Shine: For smooth, shiny fur, use a white gel pen or fine eraser to create tiny highlights. For a more matte finish, keep the highlights subtle.

Don’t rush through this stage—the details are worth the effort.

8. Keep It Realistic (or Don’t!)

Depending on your style, you may aim for photorealism or prefer a more stylized approach. Either way, consistency is key:

For Realism: Focus on accuracy and subtlety. Avoid overdoing the details—too many individual hairs can make your drawing look cluttered.
For Stylization: Emphasize the overall flow and texture rather than individual strands. Use bold strokes and creative shading to convey fur without overcomplicating things.

Your style is your artistic fingerprint. Embrace it!

9. Practice Makes Perfect

Drawing dog fur takes time to master, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t turn out perfectly. The more you practice, the better you’ll become.

Experiment: Try drawing different breeds with a variety of fur textures. This will broaden your skills.
Study Tutorials: Watch videos or follow step-by-step guides to learn new techniques.
Ask for Feedback: Share your work with fellow artists or online communities. Constructive criticism can help you grow.

Remember, every drawing—even the ones you’re not happy with—is a step toward improvement.

10. Have Fun!

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Drawing dog fur can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Each stroke brings you closer to capturing the essence of a beloved pet. Celebrate your progress and have fun with your art.