How To Draw A Pug: Step-by-Step Guide

Kim Anderson

-Nov 9, 2025

Are you looking to capture the adorable charm of a pug on paper? You're in the right place! This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to draw a pug dog, from basic shapes to adding those characteristic wrinkles. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this tutorial provides clear, easy-to-follow instructions. Let's get started and bring a pug to life on your page!

1. Gathering Your Supplies: What You'll Need

Before we begin, let's gather your art supplies. Keeping things simple is key, especially for beginners. Here's what you'll need:

Pencil: A standard HB or No. 2 pencil works perfectly.
Eraser: A good quality eraser is essential for correcting mistakes.
Paper: Any drawing paper will do, but a smooth surface is easier to work with.
Optional: A blending stump or a cotton swab for shading and a pencil sharpener.

2. Basic Shapes: Laying the Foundation

The first step in drawing any subject is to break it down into simple geometric shapes. For a pug, we'll start with these:

The Head: Begin with a large circle. This will form the basic shape of the pug's head. Remember to keep it light so you can erase later.
The Body: Draw a smaller oval or rectangle below the head to represent the body. Make sure it's proportional to the head.
Connecting Lines: Draw a light line connecting the head and body. This helps establish the posture and position of your pug.

3. Outlining the Head and Facial Features

Now, let's refine the head shape and add facial features:

Refining the Head: Pugs have a distinctive, rounded face. Slightly flatten the bottom of the circle for the chin.
The Snout: Pugs have short snouts. Draw a small, flattened oval within the lower part of the head circle for the snout.
Eyes: Place two small circles above the snout, towards the top of the head. Pugs have big, expressive eyes. The space between the eyes should be roughly the width of one eye. Remember to keep the circles very light.
Ears: Add two small, folded triangles on top of the head for the ears. The ears should be positioned slightly behind the eyes.

4. Detailing the Facial Features and Expression

Now, let's bring your pug to life with detailed facial features: — Giants Vs. Cowboys: How To Watch The Live Game

Eyes: Inside the eye circles, draw smaller circles or ovals for the pupils. Add a small highlight to each pupil to give the eyes sparkle. Darken the outline of the eyes.
Nose: Pugs have a large, black, button-like nose. Draw a heart-shaped or round shape at the end of the snout.
Mouth: Add a small curved line below the nose for the mouth. Pugs often have a slight smile.
Wrinkles: This is where the pug's charm truly comes out! Add curved lines and folds around the eyes, the snout, and the forehead to represent wrinkles. Pugs have lots of wrinkles!

5. Drawing the Body, Legs, and Tail

Let's move onto the body:

Legs: Draw four short, sturdy legs. Pugs have thick legs. Remember that the legs should be in proportion with the body and head.
Body Refinement: Connect the legs to the body. Smooth out the body lines, rounding out the chest and belly. Pugs are generally stout.
Tail: Add a curled tail. Pugs have a tightly curled tail that often sits on their back.

6. Refining and Adding Details: Bringing Your Pug to Life

Now, let's add those extra details:

Fur: Add short, slightly curved lines all over the body to suggest fur. Focus on the areas around the legs and face.
Ears: Fill in the ears with a darker shade or use cross-hatching to add texture.
Wrinkles: Darken the wrinkles and folds around the face, snout, and forehead. Consider adding a few wrinkles on the neck.
Optional Details: You can add details such as a collar or a tag.

7. Adding Shading and Dimension

Shading can give your pug depth and make it more realistic:

Identify Light Source: Decide where your light source is coming from (e.g., from the top left). This will determine where your shadows will fall.
Shading: Use your pencil to lightly shade areas that are away from the light source. Focus on the underside of the head, body, and legs.
Blending: Use a blending stump or cotton swab to soften the edges of the shading. This will make the transitions smoother.
Highlights: Leave small areas unshaded to represent highlights, such as on the eyes and nose.

8. Erasing and Final Touches

Once you are satisfied with the shading, do the following:

Erase Construction Lines: Carefully erase any remaining construction lines from the initial shapes.
Darken Outlines: Go over the outlines of your pug with your pencil to darken and define them. Be confident with your lines.
Adjust Details: Make any final adjustments to the details, such as the wrinkles, fur, or expression. Add any finishing touches.

9. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced artists make mistakes! Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them when drawing pugs: — Palm Beach County Amber Alert Guide: What You Need To Know

Proportions: Ensure the head is not too large or small compared to the body. Reference photos can help.
Wrinkles: Don't overdo the wrinkles. Too many wrinkles can make the pug look old. Start with fewer and add more as needed.
Eye Placement: Make sure the eyes are spaced correctly and that they are not too close together or too far apart.
Shading: Don't make the shading too dark or too light. Find the balance that creates depth without overwhelming the drawing.

10. Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Drawing Further

Once you've mastered the basics, consider these advanced techniques: — América Vs. Chivas: The Ultimate Rivalry Showdown

Adding Texture: Use different pencil grades to vary the texture of the fur.
Coloring: Experiment with colored pencils, markers, or paints to bring your pug to life with color.
Background: Add a simple background to set the scene and enhance your drawing.
Different Poses: Try drawing your pug in different poses, such as sitting, standing, or playing.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Drawing Pugs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about drawing pugs:

How do I make my pug look more realistic?
- Focus on details such as wrinkles, fur texture, and realistic shading. Use reference photos to study the pug's features closely.
What is the best type of pencil to use?
- An HB or No. 2 pencil is a good starting point, but you can experiment with different grades (e.g., 2B for darker shading).
How do I draw the wrinkles correctly?
- Observe reference photos and pay attention to the direction and shape of the wrinkles. Start with light lines and build up.
Can I use other mediums besides pencils?
- Yes, you can use colored pencils, markers, crayons, or even digital drawing tools.
How can I improve my drawing skills?
- Practice regularly, study anatomy, use reference photos, and don't be afraid to experiment.
Where can I find reference photos of pugs?
- You can find numerous photos online on websites like Google Images, Pinterest, and Unsplash.
What's the best way to get the right proportions?
- Start by lightly sketching the basic shapes and using the "sight-size" method. Measure and compare the different elements (head, body, legs) to get the right proportions.

Conclusion: Your Pug Drawing Adventure

Congratulations! You've learned how to draw a pug. By following these steps, you've taken your first steps toward drawing a pug. Remember, practice is key. The more you draw, the better you'll become. Keep experimenting, have fun, and enjoy the process of bringing these adorable dogs to life on paper. Now, go forth and create your own pug masterpiece!