How to Draw a Shih Tzu: Easy 10-Step Guide for Kids

Capture the charm of a Shih Tzu with this beginner-friendly drawing tutorial. Designed for children ages 5 and up, this guide uses basic shapes to build a professional-looking cartoon dog. Grab your pencil, eraser, and paper to start your artistic journey today.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Muzzle and Eyes

Close-up pencil sketch of a Shih Tzu's muzzle, nose, and expressive round eyes on a white background.

Outline the furry sides of the muzzle using soft, curved lines. Add a rounded triangular nose and two circular eyes. Teacher's Tip: Draw the eyes about the size of a pea, and leave a small white dot inside the pupil to give your dog a lively, sparkling expression.

Step 2: Defining the Furry Face

Drawing showing the addition of the Shih Tzu's jawline and a small tongue sticking out.

Use overlapping curved lines to contour the face, jaw, and brow. Add a small 'U' shape for the tongue. Teacher's Tip: Use short, quick strokes to mimic the look of soft, shaggy fur around the cheeks.

Step 3: Adding the Hairbow

Step-by-step illustration showing the addition of a hairbow on top of the dog's head.

Sketch the top of the head and add a 'C' shaped bow. Teacher's Tip: Shih Tzus are famous for their topknots! Draw the bow slightly off-center to give your character personality.

Step 4: Drawing the Ponytail and Ears

Illustration showing the addition of a ponytail and the first floppy ear.

Draw the tuft of hair on the head using jagged lines, then sketch the first ear. Teacher's Tip: Make the ear look floppy by drawing it hanging down rather than standing straight up.

Step 5: Completing the Ears

Drawing showing the completion of both floppy ears on the Shih Tzu.

Finish the first ear and add the second one on the opposite side. Teacher's Tip: Ensure both ears have a similar 'furry' texture to keep the drawing consistent.

Step 6: Outlining the Chest

Drawing showing the addition of a shaggy chest area using jagged lines.

Use jagged, short lines to create the chest area. Teacher's Tip: Imagine the fur is long and flowing; use 'V' shapes to create a realistic, shaggy texture.

Step 7: Sketching the Front Leg

Illustration showing the addition of the first front leg and paw.

Draw the first foreleg with overlapping lines to show the paw. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry about making the toes perfect; the fur will cover most of the detail.

Step 8: Adding the Remaining Legs

Drawing showing the addition of the second front leg and the start of the rear legs.

Draw the second foreleg and start the rear legs. Teacher's Tip: Keep the legs short and stout to match the Shih Tzu's natural build.

Step 9: Completing the Tail and Back

Drawing showing the addition of a curly, fluffy tail and the dog's back outline.

Sketch a curly, spiral-shaped tail and close the back line. Teacher's Tip: Shih Tzu tails are often held high and curled over their backs—make it look fluffy!

Step 10: Adding Color

Final colored illustration of a cute, fluffy Shih Tzu with a bow.

Bring your Shih Tzu to life with color! Use light browns, greys, or blacks for the fur. Teacher's Tip: Use light, feathery strokes with your colored pencil to create a soft fur texture.