Dog OC Ideas

Press New dog for a coat, a build, ears and a tail, one mark, a temper and a day job.

Dog OC Ideas: 30 dogs

A liver and tan dog, tan underneath. Build: large for a terrier, in a hard curly jacket. It has button ears and a bobtail. One mark: eyelids edged in black, like stage makeup. Hears out a whole conversation with its chin on a knee. Stands watch on a houseboat roof.

Padlock: keep a part. Arrows: change only that part.

Coatliver and tan dog, tan underneath
Buildlarge for a terrier, in a hard curly jacket
Ears and tailbutton ears and a bobtail
One markeyelids edged in black, like stage makeup
Temperhears out a whole conversation with its chin on a knee
All daystands watch on a houseboat roof

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Dog of the day

A liver and tan dog, tan underneath. Build: large for a terrier, in a hard curly jacket. It has button ears and a bobtail. One mark: eyelids edged in black, like stage makeup. Hears out a whole conversation with its chin on a knee. Stands watch on a houseboat roof.
A tawny dog, yellow-brown like dry grass. Build: sighthound-thin, with a long light head. It has button ears, one a little higher, and a saber tail. One mark: a sigh timed for the end of somebody's sentence. Sits at each street curb, unprompted, and looks up. Watches the orchard and barks at crows.
A dark dog with just the toes dipped in white. Build: a compact drover's dog, broad in the hindquarters. It has long hound ears and a wheel tail. One mark: eyebrows that move one at a time. Checks on each sleeper once before bed. Rides in a motorcycle sidecar.
A red merle dog with white feet and a white chest. Build: long-bodied sausage of a hound on four short legs. It has semiprick ears and a bobtail. One mark: a dewclaw that clicks on hard floors. Skids around corners on purpose. Carries its own pack on long trail walks.
A red sable dog, a little black tipping on orange. Build: small merry hound, sturdy as a footstool. It has one bat ear, one drop ear and a sickle tail. One mark: a hiccup after every meal eaten too fast. Buries a toy in the couch and forgets which cushion. Trots beside the letter carrier for one street.
A gray sable dog, dark tips over silver. Build: scruffy and stub-legged, with a broom of a mustache. It has bat ears and a saber tail. One mark: a talkative mutter when asked a question. Backs away from balloons, slowly and with dignity. Carries its own pack on long trail walks.
A mostly white dog, colored only at the ears and tail base. Build: smooth and well sprung in the ribs, an all-day runner. It has long hound ears and a corkscrew tail. One mark: a snore that can be heard from the next room. Never begs, only happens to be near at dinner. Travels with a puppet show and guards the trunk.
A tricolor dog with the black and the tan in separate patches. Build: medium, quick and sturdy like a herding dog. It has prick ears and a saber tail carried low. One mark: a wrinkle between the eyes that deepens at the word bath. Says hello to every dog, bench and lamppost. Sees the sled team off every morning and howls the start.
A tricolor dog with the black and the tan in separate patches. Build: fine-boned, with a waist a hand could circle. It has button ears that prick up for one word, and a wheel tail. One mark: a bounce on all four feet at once when excited. Sits before being asked, hoping it helps. Brings the cows in for milking twice a day.
A tuxedo dog, black with a white shirt front and spats. Build: big shepherd frame under a thick wavy coat. It has long hound ears and a wheel tail. One mark: a lip that hitches up on the left during sleep. Skids around corners on purpose. Keeps a lighthouse keeper company.
A red-speckled dog, white flecked with red-brown. Build: wire-haired mutt, tidy only when wet. It has one ear that stands only when it runs, and a saber tail. One mark: a chewed corner on every bed it has owned. Sneezes on purpose to start a game. Trots beside the letter carrier for one street.
A tawny dog, yellow-brown like dry grass. Build: wire-haired mutt, tidy only when wet. It has prick ears and a bobtail. One mark: a blanket it drags from room to room by one corner. Distrusts hats, umbrellas and statues. Brings the cows in for milking twice a day.
A sparsely brindled fawn dog, a few stripes only. Build: square and thick-furred like a spitz. It has bat ears and a wheel tail. One mark: a whine pitched exactly like a kettle starting. Takes a long look at the rain before going out. Walks the fence line each morning, looking for gaps.
An apricot dog, a soft golden shade. Build: leggy as a foal, with a bend in the back. It has rose ears and a corkscrew tail. One mark: a clack of the teeth when it catches something. Wags at strangers from the far side of the street. Carries its own pack on long trail walks.
A red and white dog, the red in big blocks. Build: smooth-coated shepherd type, long in stride. It has prick ears and a wheel tail curled over the back. One mark: shed hair left on every dark thing it has passed. Sleeps facing the door. Fetches the newspaper from the lawn.
A black dog going grizzled with age. Build: short crooked forelegs under a long heavy body. It has drop ears and a squirrel tail. One mark: a way of backing down steps without turning around. Waits by the gate until everyone is in. Runs beside a horse on the trail.
A sable and white dog. Build: lean farm-dog frame with tight round feet. It has rose ears and a bobtail. One mark: back feet that land ahead of the shoulders at full speed. Sits before being asked, hoping it helps. Rides in a motorcycle sidecar.
A wheaten dog, the color of ripe grain. Build: round as a bear cub, shedding in handfuls. It has prick ears and a saber tail carried low. One mark: a wrinkle between the eyes that deepens at the word bath. Ignores pigeons entirely, on principle. Stands watch on a houseboat roof.
A wheaten dog, the color of ripe grain. Build: pocket-sized sprinter with a deep keel of a chest. It has one prick ear, one semiprick ear and a wheel tail. One mark: a sprint that ends in a long skid on any rug. Doubles back every minute to hurry the walkers. Holds down the left end of the couch.
A liver tricolor dog, tan bordering the white. Build: all leg and deep chest, built for a sprint. It has rose ears and a squirrel tail. One mark: a chin that drips for a full minute after drinking. Checks on each sleeper once before bed. Sleeps in the hay and supervises the kittens.
A gray sable dog, dark tips over silver. Build: big square nose, deep flews and a loose throat. It has rose ears and a squirrel tail. One mark: a stare it holds until someone gives in. Walks at exactly the pace of the slowest person. Rides in a truck cab from coast to coast.
A red tuxedo dog, white at the chest, chin and feet. Build: long-legged, with silky feathering behind the legs. It has one button ear, one rose ear and a squirrel tail. One mark: a wrinkle between the eyes that deepens at the word bath. Plays keep-away with anything it should not have. Keeps a grandmother's feet warm.
A honey-colored dog. Build: short crooked forelegs under a long heavy body. It has button ears and a squirrel tail. One mark: back feet that land ahead of the shoulders at full speed. Brings one shoe, never the pair. Rides the tractor from the first field to the last.
A liver dog, a deep even brown. Build: compact and fluffy, as wide as a cushion. It has drop ears and a bobtail. One mark: a front paw laid on any knee within reach. Volunteers for every car ride. Supervises a garage from under the workbench.
A densely ticked dog that looks blue-gray overall. Build: medium, square and weatherproof. It has rose ears and a bobtail. One mark: a hiccup after every meal eaten too fast. Meets anyone new from behind a pair of legs. Watches the orchard and barks at crows.
A silver-gray dog. Build: long-legged, with silky feathering behind the legs. It has button ears that prick up for one word, and a wheel tail. One mark: whiskers that grow in a swirl on one cheek. Tips its water bowl to see what happens. Keeps a grandmother's feet warm.
A harlequin dog, white with ripped splotches of black. Build: huge and heavy-boned like a mastiff. It has drop ears and a corkscrew tail. One mark: a reflective collar that flashes in headlights. Sleeps facing the door. Rides the tractor from the first field to the last.
A black dog going grizzled with age. Build: tiny and satin-coated, a toy terrier. It has semiprick ears and a bobtail. One mark: a high step over every doorsill, as if it were taller. Skids around corners on purpose. Watches the crossing with the crossing guard.
A mahogany-brown dog, dark all over. Build: big shepherd frame under a thick wavy coat. It has semiprick ears and a sickle tail. One mark: a clack of the teeth when it catches something. Learns a trick in a day and adds a flourish. Paddles out to greet each returning trawler.
A sandy dog, a light dull yellow. Build: lean farm-dog frame with tight round feet. It has prick ears and a saber tail carried low. One mark: a working harness with a handle on the back. Sniffs a treat three times before taking it. Sleeps in the hay and supervises the kittens.

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Coat: all 60 coats

One color 20

apricot dog, a soft golden shade A light yellow-gold with a little pink in it, darker along the spine.
black dog going grizzled with age Flick short pale strokes into the black. A few are enough.
black dog with a brownish cast from the weather Glaze a little rust over the back and shoulders and keep the legs pure black.
blue dog, which means a cool metallic gray An even gray with blue in it, and a pale sheen along the back like brushed steel.
chocolate-brown dog, one color all over Leave a narrow band of lighter brown along the back as the shine.
cinnamon-red dog Keep the whole coat mid-toned and let the eyes be the darkest thing.
cream dog, a shade off white Shade with pale yellow and never with gray, so it does not read as white.
fawn dog with a dark mask A light tan coat, with the muzzle darkening toward the nose.
golden dog, a rich reddish yellow Warm yellow with orange in the shadows and a paler line along the top.
honey-colored dog A clear warm yellow-brown. Leave small white highlights, as on something glossy.
lilac dog, a dusty brownish gray Mix gray with a little brown and a touch of pink until it looks dusty.
liver dog, a deep even brown One dark brown all over. Save the darkest tone for the shadow under the body.
mahogany-brown dog, dark all over Mahogany is one of the names for a dark brown coat. Keep the shadows nearly black.
red dog, the color of a clay pot Red on a dog means reddish shades of orange, brown and tan, never crimson.
sandy dog, a light dull yellow The color of dry sand. It nearly disappears against a beach or a dirt road.
silver-gray dog A light gray. Leave plenty of paper showing on the top of the head and the back.
tawny dog, yellow-brown like dry grass Draw it in a summer field and let the outline do the work.
wheaten dog, the color of ripe grain A dull pale gold. Mix a little gray into the yellow.
white dog with dark eye rims and a dark nose Leave the coat as bare paper and draw the eyes and nose crisp and dark.
yellow dog, pale as straw A soft yellow close to cream, with gray shadows and no orange.

Patterns 20

black and brindle dog, striped where tan would be Black on top, with tiger stripes on the legs and underside instead of plain tan.
black and tan dog with tan eyebrows Two tan dots above the eyes, with tan underneath and black everywhere else.
blue and tan dog, gray above and tan below Cool gray over warm tan. Let the two colors meet in a sharp line.
blue merle dog, gray marbled with black patches Blot a mid gray first, then drop in torn black shapes of several sizes.
brindle dog, black stripes on a cream ground Paint the cream first. Add the stripes in broken strokes with gaps.
brindle dog, blue-gray stripes on yellow Soft-edged gray stripes, closer together over the ribs.
brindle dog, dark tiger stripes on red Thin uneven stripes that run down from the spine and break up toward the belly.
brindle dog, liver stripes on gold Brown on gold reads quietly. Keep the stripes narrow.
dapple dog, marbled like a merle Dapple is what merle is called in dachshunds. Keep the patches small and scattered.
densely ticked dog that looks blue-gray overall Black flecks on white, packed so close that the coat reads as gray from a step back.
gray sable dog, dark tips over silver Pale gray underneath with darker flicks on top, heaviest along the spine.
harlequin dog, white with ripped splotches of black Ragged patches with rough edges and nothing round. Leave more white than black.
liver and tan dog, tan underneath Dark brown above and tan below, with a clean edge between the two.
liver-ticked dog, white flecked all over with brown Stipple small brown flecks over white until it reads as a third color.
merle dog with a darker saddle Marble the sides, then lay one large solid shape over the middle of the back.
red merle dog, marbled in liver brown A pale warm ground with ragged brown patches and a few small spots.
red sable dog, a little black tipping on orange Mostly orange. Dust the shoulders and the back with a few dark strokes.
sable dog, black-tipped hairs over gold A warm coat with a dark veil over it. Stroke black lightly along the back.
saddled dog, a dark blanket over a tan body One dark shape over the center of the back, like a rug thrown across it.
sparsely brindled fawn dog, a few stripes only Five or six faint stripes on the flank and none on the legs.

With white 20

blue and white dog, the gray in soft islands Cool gray shapes on white. Shade the white with the same gray, very pale.
blue merle tricolor dog Marbled gray on top, white underneath, and tan at the edge between them.
brown brindle and white dog Stripe the colored parts only and leave the white areas plain.
chestnut and white dog Rich reddish-brown patches on a clean white ground.
dark dog with just the toes dipped in white The smallest amount of white spotting: four neat white toe tips.
extreme piebald dog, white with a few colored specks Nearly all white. Add three or four small flecks and stop.
Irish-spotted dog: white chest, collar, belly and boots Also called a flashy pattern. Make the white the same on both sides, with a full ring around the neck.
lemon and white dog Very pale yellow patches that barely show against the white. Outline them lightly.
liver tricolor dog, tan bordering the white Brown where a classic tricolor is black, with the same tan trim.
mostly white dog, colored only at the ears and tail base Two patches of color, one at each end of the dog.
piebald dog, white with islands of color Large patches with smooth edges. Put one over an eye and one at the hip.
red and white dog, the red in big blocks Warm red-brown blocks on white, with a ragged edge to each block.
red merle dog with white feet and a white chest Marbled brown above, with plain white where the feet and the bib are.
red tuxedo dog, white at the chest, chin and feet The tuxedo layout in red-brown: a white bib, a white chin and four white feet.
red-speckled dog, white flecked with red-brown Fine red-brown flecks on white, packed so close that the coat looks reddish gray from a step back.
sable and white dog Gold patches with dark-tipped hairs, set against white legs and a white chest.
spotted dog, coin-sized spots on white Round spots about the size of a coin, scattered over a white ground.
tricolor dog with the black and the tan in separate patches Patches of black and patches of tan on a white ground, with white showing between them.
tricolor dog: black above, white below, tan between Three clear zones, with a narrow tan border where the black meets the white.
tuxedo dog, black with a white shirt front and spats White on the chin, the chest and the feet, and solid black everywhere else.

How this list was compiled

Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Every color and pattern name, and what the notes say each looks like, was checked on 2026-10-02 against the English Wikipedia article Dog coat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_coat), with Brindle and Merle (dog coat) read the same day. The list holds only what that article describes; a coat name it does not give was left out. One note names a breed, because the word dapple belongs to it. The notes on how to draw each coat are our own advice. Licence: own work

Build: all 72 builds

Sighthound build 12

all leg and deep chest, built for a sprint Let the chest reach down to the elbow and keep the waist no thicker than the neck.
arch-backed and lean, a sighthound outline One long S-curve from the neck to the hip, with the belly tucked up high.
deep-chested, with thighs like a sprinter's Make the hindquarters the widest part of the dog from the side.
fine-boned, with a waist a hand could circle Pinch the body in sharply behind the ribs.
leggy as a foal, with a bend in the back Draw the legs longer than the body is deep and the knees a little knobbly.
long sighthound legs under a shaggy mutt's body Hide the outline of the body in fur, and leave the lower legs clean and thin.
long-legged, with silky feathering behind the legs Hang a fringe of fine lines down the back of each leg.
pocket-sized sprinter with a deep keel of a chest A small dog with the same curves as a big racer. Keep every line taut.
rangy under a rough wire coat, built to run Break the outline into short stiff strokes and keep the frame underneath narrow.
sighthound-thin, with a long light head Draw the head as a narrow wedge, and show the hip bones as two small points.
smooth-coated and slim as a whip One clean outline with no fur texture at all, and a highlight along the thigh.
tall and narrow, able to fold up very small Sketch it curled in a tight circle with the nose under a hind leg.

Spitz build 12

big sled-dog frame, heavy in the shoulder Put the weight forward, with the front legs set wide and straight.
compact and fluffy, as wide as a cushion Lose the legs in fur, so that only the feet show.
double-coated, with a lion's ruff at the shoulders Draw the ruff as a second, wider outline around the neck and chest.
fox-faced, with a pointed muzzle and a plush coat The muzzle is a small sharp triangle on a round, soft head.
medium, square and weatherproof Stiff outer hairs lie over a soft layer. Show both at the edge of the outline.
round as a bear cub, shedding in handfuls Leave a few loose tufts drifting off the coat.
small spitz build, mostly coat A ball of fur with a face. Keep the eyes and the nose close together.
square and thick-furred like a spitz Height and length about equal. Start from a square and round off its corners.
sturdy and square, with a skirt of fur at the hips Longer strokes hang from the back of the thighs like a fringe.
thick-coated down to the hairy toes Round the feet off like mittens and add a few strokes sticking out below.
wedge-headed and plush, with a smiling mouth Turn the corners of the mouth up and leave the lips slightly open.
wrapped in a stand-off coat that doubles its size Draw the dog small first, then a soft outline a finger's width outside it.

Terrier build 12

barrel-bodied on four short pegs A cylinder with a leg at each corner and almost no neck.
bearded and short in the leg, in a harsh jacket The beard squares off the muzzle. Draw it as a brush of downward strokes.
bristly, peering out from under thatched brows Two tufts jut forward over the eyes. Show only a glint underneath.
large for a terrier, in a hard curly jacket Tight curls on the body, clipped shorter on the head.
long-legged terrier build under a crisp wire coat Straight forelegs like two posts, with the coat drawn in tight zigzags.
patchily rough, smooth on the back and whiskery in front Change the line from clean to scratchy as it reaches the face.
scruffy and stub-legged, with a broom of a mustache The mustache is wider than the head. Splay it out to both sides.
small and hard-muscled, bouncing on straight forelegs Draw it with all four feet just off the ground.
smooth-coated and neat, a terrier in miniature A clean tight outline, with a flat back and a small deep chest.
tiny and satin-coated, a toy terrier Thin legs and a domed head. The whole dog would fit inside a boot.
wire-haired mutt, tidy only when wet Every hair points its own way. Use many short strokes and no outline.
wiry, squarely built and small: a true terrier shape A box on four straight legs. Every line is short and brisk.

Mastiff build 12

a giant in a shaggy coat, with a flock guardian's frame A big pale heap of fur with a calm face. Add sheep behind it for scale.
a tall giant, lean for its size, on long heavy legs Shoulder at hip height on a person. Keep the lines long and simple.
an enormous puppy frame: big knees and bigger feet The paws are too large for the legs, and the skin is a size too roomy.
big-headed and thick-necked, a doorway filler Frame it in a door and leave no gap on either side.
broad-skulled, with a short wide muzzle and jowls The head is nearly a cube. Hang the lips below the jaw line.
huge and heavy-boned like a mastiff Draw the legs as thick as young trees, straight down from a wide chest.
loose-skinned, wrinkled at the brow and neck Three soft folds across the forehead and a roll of skin under the throat.
short-coated and massive, with feet like saucers Round, splayed feet, each as wide as the leg above it is tall.
slab-sided and unhurried, as heavy as a grown person Stand it square and still, with the head at the height of a table.
smaller mastiff type: stocky, wide-chested and bow-fronted Curve the front legs outward a little under a broad chest.
solid as a boulder, with a short dense coat A single heavy outline, shaded with broad flat strokes.
square-jawed, with loose lips that swing at a trot Draw the lips swung to one side, a beat behind the head.

Herding dog build 12

a compact drover's dog, broad in the hindquarters Square from the side, and wide when seen from the back.
a herder on half-height legs, close to the heels A full-sized body on half-sized legs, with the chest close to the grass.
athletic and weatherproof, all stamina Draw it mid-trot with an easy, level top line.
big shepherd frame under a thick wavy coat Follow the body with loose S-shaped strokes.
lean farm-dog frame with tight round feet Draw the toes bunched close together, like a clenched fist.
light and crouching, always half a step from a run Belly near the ground, shoulder blades up and eyes fixed ahead.
medium and tireless, with thick pads on every paw Show one paw turned up, with four dark ovals and a large one behind them.
medium, quick and sturdy like a herding dog Low head, level back and bent hind legs, ready to go either way.
rough-coated farm herder with a mane and feathered legs Long strokes at the neck and behind the legs, and short ones on the face.
shaggy from nose to heel, eyes somewhere under it A haystack with a nose. Suggest where the eyes are with one dark stroke.
smooth-coated shepherd type, long in stride Reach the front leg far forward and stretch the back leg far behind.
wearing a corded coat that hangs in ropes to the ground Draw the coat as rows of long twisted cords that swing when the dog moves.

Scent hound build 12

a nose-down wanderer, solid and short-coated Draw the nose on the ground and the whole body following it in a line.
big square nose, deep flews and a loose throat Hang the lips well below the jaw. They swing when it turns its head.
heavy-headed, with wrinkles that slide forward at a sniff With the nose down, the loose brow skin folds over the eyes.
leggy tree-hound type, lean but deep in the lung Long straight legs and a chest that drops below the elbow.
long-bodied sausage of a hound on four short legs Twice as long as it is tall, with a level back.
long-nosed and sturdy like a scent hound A long square muzzle with wide nostrils, carried low.
pack-hound build: medium, level-backed, made to trot all day An even, balanced outline with nothing exaggerated.
rough-coated hound with a beard and shaggy brows A wiry outline, with the face half hidden behind whiskers.
short crooked forelegs under a long heavy body The front feet turn out a little and the chest nearly brushes the ground.
small merry hound, sturdy as a footstool Short strong legs and a deep body. Nothing about it is delicate.
smooth and well sprung in the ribs, an all-day runner A round, roomy ribcage and a firm, straight back.
tall, bony trail hound in a short hard coat Show the ribs as three faint curves behind the elbow.

How this list was compiled

Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. The builds are our own descriptions and name no breed. What each type of dog is like was checked on 2026-10-02 against English Wikipedia: Sighthound (a flexible back, long legs, a deep chest, a lean body and a light, lean head), Spitz (a pointed muzzle, a double coat, square proportions, thick fur), Terrier (typically small and wiry, short-legged or long-legged, smooth or rough coated), Mastiff (large and powerful, a short coat, large feet, a bulky skull and a broad, short muzzle), Herding dog (strong, with a lot of stamina, tight toes and thick pads), Scent hound (large nasal cavities, endurance, nose to the ground), and Dog coat for wiry and corded coats, feathering and the beard, mustache and eyebrows called furnishings. Ears and tails are left to their own list. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Ears and tail: all 60 ear and tail sets

Ears that stand 15

bat ears and a bobtail Big rounded ears at the front and a neat nothing at the back.
bat ears and a corkscrew tail Ears broad at the base and rounded at the tip, like two spoons standing up.
bat ears and a saber tail The ears are wider than the head is deep. Hang the tail in one soft curve.
bat ears and a sickle tail held high Echo the round tops of the ears in the round arc of the tail.
bat ears and a wheel tail Three curves in one outline: ear, ear and tail.
prick ears and a bobtail Finish the back in a short stub or in nothing at all.
prick ears and a saber tail carried low A tail with one slight curve, hanging like a sword at its side.
prick ears and a sickle tail Two upright points, and a tail that goes out and up in a half circle.
prick ears and a squirrel tail The tail rises high and leans toward the head, with its tip curving further forward.
prick ears and a wheel tail curled over the back Draw the tail as a broad loop whose tip touches the back.
semiprick ears and a bobtail Tipped ears at the front, and a short stub or nothing at all at the back.
semiprick ears and a saber tail Upright ears whose tips are just starting to tip forward.
semiprick ears and a sickle tail Fold over only the last quarter of each ear.
semiprick ears and a wheel tail Give the folded tips a small shadow underneath.
wide-set prick ears and a corkscrew tail A short tail with a twist in it, sitting tight against the rump.

Ears that fold 15

button ears and a bobtail The flaps point at the eyes. Leave the rump round and plain.
button ears and a corkscrew tail A short twisted tail, seen from behind as a small spiral.
button ears and a saber tail Draw the fold line across each ear, about halfway up.
button ears and a sickle tail Each ear tip folds forward toward the skull and makes a letter V.
button ears and a squirrel tail A tail curling up toward the head balances the forward fold of the ears.
button ears and a wheel tail Small neat ears and one large loop of tail.
button ears, one a little higher, and a saber tail Set the two folds at slightly different heights.
rose ears and a bobtail Keep the head smooth, with the ears lying close along the skull.
rose ears and a corkscrew tail Tuck the ears back against the neck and the tail against the rump.
rose ears and a long saber tail Small ears that fold backward, away from the face.
rose ears and a sickle tail From the front, each rose ear looks like a petal curling away.
rose ears and a sickle tail carried to one side Tip the half circle of the tail a little off center, toward one hip.
rose ears and a squirrel tail Give the folded edge of each ear one thin line of shadow.
rose ears and a wheel tail Fold the ears back flat, and let the tail make the only large curve.
rose ears that lift at a sound, and a saber tail Sketch one ear half raised, with its fold opening out.

Ears that hang 15

drop ears and a bobtail Round the ear tips and stop the back end short.
drop ears and a corkscrew tail Heavy flaps at one end and a small tight twist at the other.
drop ears and a saber tail The ears fold at the top and lie flat against the cheeks.
drop ears and a sickle tail Soft triangles at the sides of the head, and a tail that arcs up behind.
drop ears and a squirrel tail The ears swing forward when the head dips. The tail stays high.
drop ears and a wheel tail Let the ears hang straight down, so that the curled tail is the lively part.
drop ears set high and a saber tail Start each ear level with the top of the skull.
long hound ears and a bobtail Make the ears the longest lines in the drawing.
long hound ears and a corkscrew tail Two long hanging lines beside the face, and a short twisted tail tight against the rump.
long hound ears and a high squirrel tail When it runs, the ears fly back and the tail tips forward.
long hound ears and a saber tail Long, floppy and droopy. Draw each ear with one soft fold.
long hound ears and a sickle tail With the head down, let the ear tips brush the ground.
long hound ears and a tail held upright Many scent hounds carry the tail straight up while following a scent.
long hound ears and a wheel tail Two long hanging shapes at the front and a circle at the back.
low-set drop ears and a short saber tail Start each ear level with the eye, and end the tail at the hock joint.

One of each 15

button ears that prick up for one word, and a wheel tail Show the fold line half open, like a tent flap being lifted.
drop ears that fly out sideways at a trot, and a bobtail From the front, the ears make a level line like a pair of wings.
ears that stand outdoors and fold indoors, and a sickle tail Draw the dog twice on one page, once with each set.
one bat ear, one button ear and a corkscrew tail A round upright ear beside a folded one, like a raised eyebrow.
one bat ear, one drop ear and a sickle tail The standing ear is the larger shape. Let the other hang close.
one button ear, one drop ear and a wheel tail One ear breaks halfway up and the other at the root.
one button ear, one rose ear and a squirrel tail One folds forward and one folds back, like a pair of small flags.
one ear that stands only when it runs, and a saber tail In a running pose, blow one ear upright and leave the other flat.
one prick ear, one button ear and a sickle tail One point stands and one folds. Keep both ears the same size.
one prick ear, one drop ear and a saber tail Tilt the head toward the upright ear to play up the difference.
one prick ear, one long hound ear and a bobtail The oddest pair: a short point and a long soft strap.
one prick ear, one rose ear and a bobtail One ear faces forward and the other is folded back.
one prick ear, one semiprick ear and a wheel tail Only the very tip of one ear gives way.
one rose ear, one drop ear and a saber tail Both hang, but one shows its inside and the other its back.
one semiprick ear, one drop ear and a saber tail One ear tips forward at the top and one lies flat from the base.

How this list was compiled

Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. The ear and tail names, and what each looks like, were checked on 2026-10-02 against the English Wikipedia article Canine terminology (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canine_terminology): bat, button, drop, prick, rose, semiprick and hound ears, and bob, corkscrew, saber, sickle, squirrel and wheel tails. Feathering, the fringe of longer hair on ears and tail, is from the article Dog coat, and the upright tail of a hound on a scent from Scent hound. Cropped ears and docked tails are left out. The pairings are ours and the notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

One mark: all 60 marks

Face 15

a chin that drips for a full minute after drinking Three drops in the air and a dark trail across the floor.
a gaze that slides away after any mischief Turn the head toward the viewer and the eyes off to the side.
a lip that hitches up on the left during sleep Show a sliver of teeth on one side of a sleeping face.
a muzzle a shade paler than it was last year Stipple lighter flecks from the nose back to the eyes.
a pink spot on the nose, shaped like a comma A small pale curl on the dark nose leather, off to one side.
a stare it holds until someone gives in Level head, still eyes, and the whites showing a little underneath.
a tongue tip that shows when it concentrates A small pink curve between closed lips, dead center.
a wrinkle between the eyes that deepens at the word bath Two short upright creases above the nose.
an underbite that shows two lower teeth Two small white pegs resting outside the upper lip.
eyebrows that move one at a time Raise one brow ridge and flatten the other.
eyelids edged in black, like stage makeup Run one firm line around each eye and thicken it at the outer corner.
freckled lips that show when it pants A row of small dark dots along the pink edge of the lower lip.
nostrils that work like a pump at any open door Flare the nostrils wide and add two short lines for moving air.
one eye that winks shut just before a sneeze One eye a closed curve and the other wide, with the nose wrinkled.
whiskers that grow in a swirl on one cheek Dot the whisker roots in a spiral and not in rows.

Feet and movement 15

a bounce on all four feet at once when excited Legs straight, back level, and a clear gap of air under the paws.
a dewclaw that clicks on hard floors A small claw on the inside of the front leg, above the foot.
a front paw laid on any knee within reach Rest the paw flat and heavy, with the toes spread.
a habit of crossing its wrists when at rest One wrist laid neatly over the other.
a high step over every doorsill, as if it were taller One foreleg lifted far above a flat strip of wood.
a hind leg that drums when its ribs are scratched Blur one back foot into three positions.
a hop on three legs at the start of every run One hind leg tucked up for a single stride.
a pause on each stair, both forefeet together Both front feet on one stair before the next move.
a prance on the forelegs when dinner is near Lift the front feet high in turn, with the back feet planted.
a sit that slides slowly into a lie-down Front legs creeping forward, elbows nearly on the floor.
a sprint that ends in a long skid on any rug The rug bunched up in waves in front of four braced legs.
a way of backing down steps without turning around Seen from below: the rump first, and a worried look over the shoulder.
back feet that kick up grass after every stop Tufts of turf flying backward in a low arc.
back feet that land ahead of the shoulders at full speed At full stretch, draw the back feet landing ahead of the front ones.
one front foot that toes in at a walk Angle a single paw print inward along a line of straight ones.

Coat, collar and belongings 15

a ball it will not put down, gone soft with age The ball is dull and a little flat, held far back in the jaws.
a blanket it drags from room to room by one corner One corner in the teeth, and the rest trailing behind like a cape.
a chewed corner on every bed it has owned A cushion with one corner gone and a little stuffing showing.
a collar bell, fitted after one famous escape A round bell under the chin. Add two short curved lines for the sound.
a collar tag that jingles a moment ahead of it Two small discs on a ring, drawn mid-swing.
a collar with a telephone number inked on by hand Uneven digits along the band. Leave them too small to read.
a damp patch on the chest from the water bowl Darken a bib-shaped area and clump the hair into points.
a food bowl it carries to whoever is nearest A metal dish held by the rim, and a hopeful look over the top of it.
a groove in the neck fur where the collar sits A neat groove around the neck, a little lighter than the coat.
a reflective collar that flashes in headlights In a night scene, leave the collar as the brightest stripe in the picture.
a working harness with a handle on the back Wide straps across the chest and a stiff loop standing up between the shoulders.
grass stains on one shoulder from rolling A smear of green on the side it always goes down on.
sand that sifts out of its coat for hours A dotted trail on the floor behind it.
shed hair left on every dark thing it has passed A drift of short strokes on a sofa arm or a pant leg.
three old license tags, all still on the ring A bunch of different shapes: a circle, a shield and a bone.

Voice 15

a bark that sets off every dog on the street Small sound marks coming over fences on both sides.
a chuffing laugh during a game Mouth open in a wide grin, with short puffs of breath drawn as dashes.
a clack of the teeth when it catches something Jaws snapped shut on empty air, and a small star where they meet.
a hiccup after every meal eaten too fast A small jolt: ears and jowls lifted for an instant over an empty bowl.
a long complaint when the car stops anywhere but the park Nose against a car window and the mouth open in a howl.
a sigh timed for the end of somebody's sentence Cheeks puffed, eyes rolled up, and the chin on the floor.
a single deep woof that rattles the windows Mouth barely open, chest pushed out, and one large round sound mark.
a snore that can be heard from the next room Flat on its back with the lips fallen open and the letter Z in three sizes.
a song it sings to one tune and no other Sit it beside a radio with the nose pointing at the ceiling.
a special bark for the doorbell, two notes higher Front feet off the floor, facing a door, with the mouth wide.
a squeak in its yawn Jaws open to their widest, tongue curled, and one tiny sound mark.
a talkative mutter when asked a question Mouth half open and head on one side, with a row of small sound marks.
a whine pitched exactly like a kettle starting Lips closed, eyes wide, and a thin rising line beside the head.
a whisper of a woof, for indoors Cheeks puff and the lips barely part.
a yodel it saves for homecomings Head tipped back, lips in a round O, and a wavering line for the sound.

How this list was compiled

Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list, and worded to fit any coat, any ears and any tail. That the dewclaw sits on the inside of a dog's front leg was checked on 2026-10-02 against the English Wikipedia article Dewclaw. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

Temper: all 60 tempers

Eager 15

believes every visitor came to see it Front and center in a doorway, chest out, blocking the view of the hall.
brings one shoe, never the pair A shoe held by the heel, and a second shoe left behind in the background.
carries something home from every walk A pine cone, a glove or a flattened cup, held high like a prize.
doubles back every minute to hurry the walkers Draw it twice on one path, far off and near, facing the walkers.
follows one person from room to room, sighing Flopped across a threshold, with the eyes on a chair.
greets everyone with a toy in its mouth The whole back end swings, and the toy muffles the bark.
keeps one eye on whoever holds the leash Lying flat, with one eye open and following a pair of feet.
leans its whole weight on any friendly leg Draw the dog at a slant and the person bracing against it.
learns a trick in a day and adds a flourish A sit with one paw raised that nobody asked for.
posts itself on the doormat an hour before homecoming Seen from behind, sitting very upright on the mat.
says hello to every dog, bench and lamppost Nose stretched toward a lamppost, with the leash pulled tight.
sits before being asked, hoping it helps A very straight sit, with the eyes fixed on a hand.
tries to steer guests toward the kitchen Circling behind a group of legs, with the head low.
volunteers for every car ride Already sitting in the passenger seat, looking straight ahead.
wags at strangers from the far side of the street A blurred back end and a hopeful lean against the leash.

Careful 15

backs away from balloons, slowly and with dignity Three steps in reverse, with the head held high.
barks at the vacuum cleaner most of all Feet braced wide at a safe distance, facing the machine.
checks behind the couch before settling A rump and two back legs sticking out from a narrow gap.
detours around every garden hose lying on the lawn A curved track of prints bending wide around a coiled hose.
distrusts hats, umbrellas and statues Circling a statue with a stiff walk and its neck stretched out.
fears the stairs but not thunder One paw on the first step and the rest of the dog stretched out behind.
gives one warning woof, then checks whether it worked Head turned to glance back at its person in the middle of the bark.
meets anyone new from behind a pair of legs One eye and half a nose showing beside a knee.
sleeps facing the door Curled up, with the nose pointing at the gap under a door.
slinks under the table at the word bath Belly on the floor, sliding backward between chair legs.
sniffs a treat three times before taking it The neck is at full stretch and the feet stay well back.
studies a newcomer for a week, then decides for life Chin on its paws in a corner, with the eyes turned up to watch.
takes a long look at the rain before going out Head out of the doorway, body in, and one paw lifted.
waits out fireworks in the bathtub Two eyes and the top of a head above a white rim.
will not walk over a grate or a manhole cover All four feet planted at the edge and the leash going slack.

Clownish 15

barks at its own echo A tunnel mouth or a valley, and a dog with its head cocked, waiting.
buries a toy in the couch and forgets which cushion Cushions on the floor and a nose pushed into the gap.
chases the water from the hose and bites it Jaws wide in a spray, and all four feet off the lawn.
climbs onto any lap, invited or not A dog settled across a seated person's knees, both of them looking content.
hides a biscuit and then guards the wrong spot Sitting alert in one corner, with a bump under the rug in another.
howls along with sirens and the violin Muzzle straight up, eyes shut, wholly serious.
joins any ball game as the ball's new owner Trotting off the field with the ball, with players in pursuit.
plays keep-away with anything it should not have A glance back over one shoulder, just out of arm's reach.
runs laps of the yard after every bath Hindquarters tucked under, back rounded, and a wet trail in a loop.
skids around corners on purpose Legs splayed out and the body leaning into the turn.
sneezes on purpose to start a game Elbows on the ground, rump in the air, and the nose scrunched up.
steals socks and trades them back for a biscuit A sock hanging from one side of the mouth and an innocent sit.
tips its water bowl to see what happens One paw on the rim and a wave of water going over it.
tries to bring a whole branch indoors, crosswise The branch stuck across the frame and the dog still pushing.
unstuffs every toy to find the squeak White fluff all around and a flat toy held under one paw.

Steady 15

accepts brushing and visitors alike with the same calm Standing still while a small child brushes it against the grain.
checks on each sleeper once before bed A nose around a bedroom door, lit from the hall.
fetches whatever is thrown, once, then lies down The stick placed neatly at a pair of feet, and the dog flat beside it.
hears out a whole conversation with its chin on a knee The eyes move from speaker to speaker and the head stays put.
ignores pigeons entirely, on principle Looking pointedly at the horizon while a pigeon walks past.
keeps watch from the top step all afternoon Lying like a sphinx, with the front paws over the edge.
leads the last block home, sure of every turn Out in front on a slack leash, turning the corner first.
lets puppies climb all over it and only sighs A large calm shape with three small ones on top of it.
lies beside the stroller and does not move A dog-shaped curve around one wheel.
naps through thunder but hears the fridge open One eye opening toward a bright rectangle of light.
never begs, only happens to be near at dinner Sitting a polite yard from the table, studying the ceiling.
sits at each street curb, unprompted, and looks up Sitting square at the edge of the sidewalk, looking left.
takes food so gently that fingers stay dry Lips drawn back to lift a biscuit with the front teeth only.
waits by the gate until everyone is in Standing in the gap, counting people through with small nods.
walks at exactly the pace of the slowest person A slack leash and a head turned back to check.

How this list was compiled

Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list, and written to fit any dog and any day's work. Read beside the temper lists of the cat and wolf pages so that none says the same thing. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

All day: all 60 jobs

Farm and field 15

brings the cows in for milking twice a day Cows in single file on a track, and the dog trotting behind the last one.
finds lost lambs after a storm Standing over a small white shape in long wet grass, looking back for help.
follows the plow for the smell of new earth Dark turned furrows, and a nose pressed right into one.
guards the hen house door at night A dark shape across a small doorway in a patch of moonlight.
keeps the ducks out of the vegetable rows A line of ducks walking off, and a dog sitting at the end of a row of beans.
lives with the flock and watches for foxes A dog lying among the sheep, the only head that is turned outward.
moves the sheep from the hill to the fold at dusk A wide curve of sheep, with the dog low and small at the back of it.
patrols the feed room for mice every evening Nose down along a wall of sacks, with the whole body pointing.
rides the tractor from the first field to the last Perched beside the driver, with fur and lips blown back.
runs beside a horse on the trail Match the dog's stride to the horse's and keep the dog level with the stirrup.
sees the sled team off every morning and howls the start Six dogs in harness pulling away, and one at the gate with its head thrown back.
sleeps in the hay and supervises the kittens A nest hollowed in a bale, with kittens using the dog as a hill.
walks beside the apple cart to the road stall A two-wheeled cart, a pile of apples, and a dog keeping pace at the wheel.
walks the fence line each morning, looking for gaps A long diagonal fence, with the dog sniffing at one post.
watches the orchard and barks at crows A dog under a tree looking up, and black shapes lifting off the branches.

Town and shop 15

greets customers at a hardware store Lying in the aisle between bins of nails, so that everyone steps over.
inspects every table at a sidewalk cafe A nose appearing at the edge of a tablecloth.
keeps a newsstand owner company from five in the morning Under the counter on a folded blanket, among bundles tied with string.
lies across the firehouse doorway Stretched out in front of a big red door, with boots stepping over it.
listens to children read aloud at the library Flat on a rug with a child leaning against its side, book open.
meets the school bus every afternoon Sitting at a corner as the bus doors fold open.
rides in the cargo box of a delivery trike Front paws on the rim of the box and the tongue out to one side.
rides the elevator of an apartment block alone Sitting facing the doors, watching the numbers change.
sits for portraits at an art class On a low stand, bored, with a ring of easels around it.
sleeps in a bookshop window Curled on a display table among the books, in a square of sun.
supervises a garage from under the workbench Two eyes and a nose in the shadow, beside a pair of boots.
trots beside the letter carrier for one street Trotting a pace ahead and stopping at every gate.
waits outside the bakery for the end-of-day roll A patient sit under a striped awning, with the nose working.
watches the crossing with the crossing guard Sitting at the heel of a figure who holds a round sign.
works the door at a barber shop By the striped pole, standing up for each customer and sitting down again.

Road and water 15

carries its own pack on long trail walks Two saddlebags, one each side, and a level back.
fetches sticks from the lake for anyone who throws Coming out of the water with a stick, and a spray of drops from the shake.
finds lost hikers on the mountain Nose in the snow, a long line to a handler, and a slope of rocks.
keeps a lighthouse keeper company A small dog on a gallery rail far above the sea.
keeps the beach clear of gulls A long run at a flock that is already lifting off.
meets the same train every evening Alone on a platform bench under a clock.
paddles out to greet each returning trawler Only the head and a V of ripples, with a boat ahead.
patrols a campground at breakfast time Moving between tents toward a thread of smoke.
rides at the bow of a fishing boat Front feet on the gunwale, leaning into the spray.
rides in a motorcycle sidecar A low rounded pod beside the bike, with a head above its small windshield.
rides in a truck cab from coast to coast Head out of a high window, with a side mirror full of road.
stands watch on a houseboat roof A flat roof with a deck chair, a flowerpot and a dog at the edge.
travels with a puppet show and guards the trunk Lying on a painted trunk behind a small striped stage.
walks a paper route at dawn A rolled paper in the mouth and long shadows across a lawn.
works a ferry, greeting each car Walking down a line of bumpers on a wet steel deck.

Home and yard 15

attends every backyard barbecue as a guest Sitting upright between two lawn chairs, facing the grill.
brings the leash at exactly five o'clock The leash dropped on a foot, and a stare.
cleans up under the high chair A nose at floor level, and a small hand letting a crust fall.
fetches the newspaper from the lawn A folded paper carried level, a little damp at one end.
guards the porch steps and one wicker rocker Lying under the rockers, where they cannot quite reach.
holds down the left end of the couch Head on the armrest and legs straight out, taking up two cushions.
inspects every grocery bag Head and shoulders inside a paper bag on the kitchen floor.
keeps a grandmother's feet warm Lying across a pair of slippers under a knitting basket.
patrols the fence at mail time Running a worn dirt track along the inside of the fence.
shares a bed with an elderly cat A cat in the middle of the cushion and the dog curled around its edge.
stares down the squirrels at the seed feeder Sitting at the foot of a pole, staring upward.
supervises all gardening from the flower bed Lying in the one place where the seedlings were to go.
wakes the house at six, weekends included Front paws on the edge of a bed and a nose an inch from a sleeping face.
walks three children to school and comes back alone A dog trotting home down the middle of an empty sidewalk.
watches the street from the front window A curtain pushed aside by a head, and nose prints on the glass.

How this list was compiled

Original list written for Draw This Next, October 2026. Made up for this list: work an ordinary dog on four legs could have. That herding dogs move livestock, that flock guardian dogs live with the animals they protect, that sled dogs pull in harness, that terriers were bred to hunt vermin and that search dogs find missing people was checked on 2026-10-02 against the English Wikipedia articles Herding dog, Livestock guardian dog, Sled dog, Terrier and Search and rescue dog. The notes are our own drawing advice. Licence: own work

How it works

Each result is an original dog character on four legs: a real coat color or pattern, a build, ears and a tail under their proper names, one mark, a temper and what it does all day.

Read the full guide

Real coats, invented dog

The coat list under the tool says what each name looks like. Brindle is dark tiger stripes on a red, yellow or cream ground. Merle is a marbled coat with darker patches. Sable is black-tipped hair over a lighter color, and a tuxedo dog has a white chest, chin and feet.

Ears and tail in one part

A rose ear is small and folds back, a button ear folds forward into a V, and a bat ear stands broad and round. A sickle tail curves out and up in a half circle. The build part never mentions either.

A fawn dog has a dark mask, so deepen the muzzle toward the nose.
A white dog keeps dark eye rims and a dark nose. Draw those crisp and leave the coat as paper.
Red on a dog means orange, brown and tan shades, never crimson.

Questions and answers

What are some good dog OC ideas?

Pair one thing real dogs have with one thing only yours has: a liver-ticked coat, say, and a yodel it saves for homecomings. Each press here deals real coat, ear and tail terms beside an invented mark, temper and job.

Does it give my dog OC a breed?

No breed is dealt. The build is described by type of dog: sighthound, spitz, terrier, mastiff, herding dog or scent hound. Ears and tail come from a separate part, so a result need not match any breed.

Are the coat colors and patterns real?

Yes. Every color and pattern on the list is described in Wikipedia's article on the dog coat, from liver, wheaten and blue to brindle, merle, sable, harlequin and tricolor. A coat name the article does not give was left out.

What do prick ears and a wheel tail look like?

Prick ears stand up and are pointed. A wheel tail curves broadly up and over the back. The list under the tool gives a drawing note for every pairing of ears and tail.

Is the dog from a film or a show?

No. It is an ordinary dog on four legs, with no clothes and no powers. Every mark, temper and day job was written for this page, and no name is dealt.

Coat: all 60 coats

One color 20

Patterns 20

With white 20

Build: all 72 builds

Sighthound build 12

Spitz build 12

Terrier build 12

Mastiff build 12

Herding dog build 12

Scent hound build 12

Ears and tail: all 60 ear and tail sets

Ears that stand 15

Ears that fold 15

Ears that hang 15

One of each 15

One mark: all 60 marks

Face 15

Feet and movement 15

Coat, collar and belongings 15

Voice 15

Temper: all 60 tempers

Eager 15

Careful 15

Clownish 15

Steady 15

All day: all 60 jobs

Farm and field 15

Town and shop 15

Road and water 15

Home and yard 15

How it works

Real coats, invented dog

Ears and tail in one part

Questions and answers

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