How to draw a Teddy Bear dog for a beautician.

Sure, here's a helpful guide on how to draw a teddy bear dog, specifically a Shih Tzu, in American English, with some useful tips thrown in.

Understanding the Teddy Bear Dog

Before you pick up your drawing tools, it's important to understand the features that make a Shih Tzu, or any teddy bear dog, look the way it does. These dogs are known for their fluffy, rounded appearance, with a face that resembles a cute, cuddly teddy bear. They have large, round eyes, a short snout, and a coat that's often curly and full.

Gathering Your Materials

To start your drawing, you'll need a few basic materials. Gather a sketchpad, a set of pencils with varying lead hardness, an eraser, and a sharpener. Having a good quality eraser is particularly important because it will help you make adjustments without damaging the paper.

Sketching the Basic Shape

Begin by sketching the basic shape of the dog. Draw a large circle for the head and a smaller circle below it for the body. These circles will serve as the foundation for your drawing. Add two smaller circles on the sides of the head for the ears. Remember, these shapes don't have to be perfect; they're just guidelines.

Adding Details to the Face

Now it's time to focus on the face. Start by drawing two large, almond-shaped eyes within the head circle. Make sure they're spaced evenly apart. Below the eyes, sketch a smaller, curved line for the nose. Add a smiling mouth below the nose, and don't forget to include a few whiskers extending from the nose.

Defining the Fur

Teddy bear dogs have a distinctive coat, so it's important to capture the texture of the fur. Use short, strokes to indicate the direction of the hair. Pay attention to the areas where the fur is thicker, like around the face and the chest. These areas should have more density in your strokes.

Shading and Adding Depth

Once you're happy with the outline and the fur texture, it's time to add shading. Use a softer pencil, like a 2B or 4B, to shade in the areas where the light wouldn't reach. This includes the areas under the ears, around the neck, and under the body. Remember to shade lightly at first, then build up the darkness as needed.

Refining the Features