Yonderoo - Learn How to Draw

The dachshund, with its instantly recognizable long body, short legs, and soulful eyes, has captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Sometimes referred to as "wiener dogs" or "sausage dogs," dachshunds are known for their playful personalities and unique appearance. Drawing a dachshund allows artists to focus on exaggerated proportions and expressive features, making them a delightful and whimsical subject for any sketchbook or art project. Whether you're a pet owner wanting a personalized portrait, an animal enthusiast, or simply looking to improve your drawing skills, learning how to draw a dachshund is both rewarding and fun.

This tutorial is designed for artists of all skill levels, from complete beginners to those with more experience who want to refine their animal drawing techniques. You'll learn how to break down the dachshund's distinctive body shape into simple geometric forms, add lively details like their floppy ears and curious expressions, and use shading to give your drawing dimension and life. If you've ever wondered how to draw a dachshund with accuracy and charm, this step-by-step guide will walk you through each stage, providing helpful tips along the way. So gather your favorite drawing tools, let your creativity flow, and get ready to capture the lovable essence of this iconic breed. With a little patience and practice, you'll be amazed at what you can create!

Materials Required

Before we begin, make sure you have the following materials ready:

Paper: Choose a high-quality drawing paper that can handle various drawing materials.
Drawing Pencils: A set of graphite pencils ranging from 2H to 6B will give you different shades and textures.
Eraser: A kneaded eraser or a vinyl eraser will help you correct any mistakes or lighten your pencil marks.
Pencil Sharpener: Keep your pencils sharp for precise lines and details.
Fine-tip Pens: Optional but useful for outlining and adding final details.

Now that we have our materials ready, let's dive into the steps of drawing a dachshund!

Step 1: Basic Shapes

Start by drawing a large oval shape for the body of the dachshund. This oval should be slightly elongated horizontally to represent their unique body structure. Next, add a smaller oval shape for the head, connecting it to the body with a curved line. Finally, sketch a small oval at the rear end of the body for the tail.

Step 2: Legs and Paws

Draw four small vertical rectangles on the underside of the dachshund's body to represent its legs. Remember that dachshunds have short legs, so keep the rectangles relatively short and stubby. At the bottom of each rectangle, add small oval shapes for the paws.

Step 3: Ears and Face

Now, let's focus on the dachshund's face. Draw two long, curved lines on either side of the head to represent the ears. Dachshunds have long, droopy ears, so make sure to capture that characteristic. Next, draw two circles for the eyes, placing them slightly above the middle of the head. Add a small triangle shape for the nose and a curved line for the mouth.

Step 4: Body and Tail Details

To give our dachshund more definition, let's add some details to its body and tail. Add a slightly curved line from the front of the body to the hind legs to indicate the underside of the dachshund's body. Next, draw a curved line along the top of the body to represent the back. Connect this line to the tail, adding some wavy lines to show the fur. Finally, sketch a small oval shape at the tip of the tail to complete this step.

Step 5: Eyes and Facial Features

Now, let's focus on the dachshund's eyes and facial features. Start by adding a small oval shape inside each eye for the pupil. Then, draw a curved line above each eye to represent the eyebrows. To make the eyes pop, add a few short, curved lines above the eyelids to represent the fur. Finally, add some short, curved lines on either side of the nose to show the dachshund's whiskers.

Step 6: Fur Details and Texture

To make our dachshund drawing more realistic, we need to add some texture to its fur. Using short, curved lines, draw the fur along the dachshund's body, concentrating on the areas where the fur would naturally be longer or fluffier. Pay attention to the direction of the lines and follow the contours of the body to create a sense of volume.

Step 7: Refine and Add Final Details

Now that we have the basic structure and fur texture in place, it's time to refine our drawing and add some final details. Use an eraser to lighten any unnecessary pencil marks and make the lines cleaner. Add more definition to the eyes by darkening the area around the pupils and adding highlights. You can also use a fine-tip pen to outline the main shapes and add any necessary details, such as wrinkles on the face or tufts of fur.

Congratulations! You have successfully drawn a dachshund. With practice, you can experiment with different poses, expressions, and even color your drawing to make it truly stand out.

Tip: When sketching a dachshund, start by lightly blocking in the body with an elongated oval and short cylinders for the legs—this helps maintain their signature stretched look and stubby proportions. Pay special attention to the curve of the back and underline, as dachshunds often have a gentle slope from shoulders to hindquarters. Use a soft pencil (like a 2B) for your initial lines so you can easily adjust the proportions before committing to darker, more defined outlines. To capture their playful personality, exaggerate the tilt of the head and the droop of the ears, and don't forget to add a touch of light in the eyes for extra liveliness.

Conclusion

[Drawing a dachshund may seem challenging at first, but by breaking it down into easy-to-follow steps, you can create a charming and accurate representation of this lovable breed. Remember to be patient with your progress and enjoy the journey of improving your artistic skills. So grab your drawing materials and give it a try! Happy drawing! If you love dogs, try our tutorials on some other breeds, like the german shepherd or goldendoodle](https://yonderoo.com/how-to-draw-a-goldendoodle/).

Fun Facts About Dachshunds

The dachshund was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers.
Dachshunds come in three coat types—smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired.
Despite their small size, dachshunds are known for their bold and courageous personalities.
Their long bodies and short legs are a result of selective breeding for burrowing and digging.
Dachshunds are sometimes called "wiener dogs" or "sausage dogs" due to their unique shape.
They are prone to back problems, especially intervertebral disc disease.
Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States.
The breed comes in two sizes: standard and miniature.
Famous individuals like Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso have owned dachshunds.

Suggestions for Scenes and Settings for Dachshund Drawings

A playful dachshund digging in a flower garden, nose covered in dirt and flowers scattered around.
A dachshund wearing a cozy sweater, curled up in a sunbeam on a soft rug.
A group of dachshunds racing at a "wiener dog derby," with little numbered bandanas.
A dachshund exploring a park, nose to the ground, with falling autumn leaves swirling around.
A dachshund peeking out from under a blanket fort, surrounded by toys.
A proud dachshund on a leash at a city sidewalk café, watching people pass by.
A dachshund in a chef's hat helping in the kitchen, standing on a stool by the counter.
A dachshund gazing out a window at birds, with soft light illuminating its long body.
A dachshund wearing a raincoat and tiny boots, splashing through puddles on a rainy day.
An adventurous dachshund with a tiny backpack, ready to go on a hike in the woods.

How to Draw a Dachshund

Materials You'll Need