Guide lines and proportions, a boxy head, then body structure, fur outlines, the black and white coat with its long fur texture, shading, a ground shadow and final details. Twelve steps.
What you need
A pencil, an eraser and a sheet of paper are enough. Draw lightly at first, then trace the lines you want to keep when your border collie is finished.
Step 1 of 12
Draw the Border Collie guide lines
Block in the head, chest and hips with simple forms. Add center lines, leg joints and a level ground guide.
Your drawing after step 1
Step 2 of 12
Refine the Border Collie's proportions
Turn the guides into a balanced standing pose. Build a deep chest, athletic waist and agile legs with a gently sloping back. Keep these construction lines light.
Your drawing after step 2
Step 3 of 12
Construct the head and muzzle
Build the skull and muzzle with rounded or box-shaped forms. Shape the slight wedge of the head, tapered muzzle and semi-erect ears with soft tips. Add guides for the eyes, nose and mouth.
Your drawing after step 3
Step 4 of 12
Draw the detailed face
Render the eyes, nose, mouth and ears, then refine the facial contours that make the Border Collie recognizable.
Your drawing after step 4
Step 5 of 12
Develop the body structure
Define the chest, rib cage, pelvis, legs and tail over the guide shapes. Preserve the breed's characteristic stance.
Your drawing after step 5
Step 6 of 12
Refine the anatomy and silhouette
Replace construction lines with natural contours, clarify the joints and paws, and check the dog's overall balance.
Your drawing after step 6
Step 7 of 12
Add the main fur outlines
Use directional strokes around the silhouette and major fur groups. Use medium-length wavy strokes and preserve the white blaze, chest and leg markings between darker patches.
Your drawing after step 7
Step 8 of 12
Refine the facial details
Deepen the eyes, nose and mouth, add whiskers where visible and vary line weight around the ears and muzzle.
Your drawing after step 8
Step 9 of 12
Build the coat texture
Layer pencil strokes across the body in the direction the hair grows, changing their length and density to describe the coat.
Your drawing after step 9
Step 10 of 12
Add shading and depth
Darken the underside, spaces between the legs and overlapping fur. Keep lighter values on surfaces facing the light.
Your drawing after step 10
Step 11 of 12
Draw the ground and cast shadow
Add grass or earth beneath the paws and a soft cast shadow that fades outward to anchor the dog naturally.
Your drawing after step 11
Step 12 of 12
Finish the Border Collie drawing
Clean unused guides, sharpen key contours, balance highlights and shadows, and add a light outdoor background.
Your drawing after step 12
That's it! You have drawn a border collie.
Trace your favorite lines a little darker, erase any unwanted pencil marks and add color if you would like.
