How to Draw a Cheetah Print

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Learn how to draw a cute sitting cheetah cub with round ears, bright eyes, and a playful spotted coat. This easy drawing tutorial helps beginners practice animal proportions, simple paws, and the irregular marks of a cheetah print.

Preview of Cheetah Print drawing
Preview of Cheetah Print drawing

What You Will Need

  • Drawing paper
  • Pencil and eraser
  • Black marker or colored pencils

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Time needed:

19 minutes.

Step-by-Step Drawing Guide

Step 1: Draw the Cheetah Head

how to draw a cheetah print - Cheetah print Step 1 showing a wide furry head with round ears

Draw a wide rounded head with two large curved ears and a few small fur points along the top and cheeks. Add a short jagged line inside each ear for fluffy inner fur.

Pro Tip: Leave a small gap at the bottom of the head for the body connection.

Step 2: Add the Body and Paws

how to draw a cheetah print - Cheetah print Step 2 showing a rounded sitting body and two paws

Extend the right side into a rounded sitting body and bent back leg. Draw one front leg near the center and add short toe curves across both visible paws.

Pro Tip: Make the rear paw wider than the front paw to show the seated pose.

Step 3: Draw the Other Front Leg

how to draw a cheetah print - Cheetah print Step 3 showing both front legs and a seated back leg

Add a long curved line down from the left side of the head to form the second front leg. Finish it with a rounded paw and two short toe marks.

Pro Tip: Keep both front paws near the same baseline so the cub looks stable.

Step 4: Add the Face

how to draw a cheetah print - Cheetah print Step 4 showing large eyes and a rounded smiling muzzle

Draw two large round eyes with inner curves and small highlights. Add a long rounded muzzle patch, an oval nose, and two short curves for the mouth.

Pro Tip: Center the nose between the eyes before outlining the muzzle patch.

Step 5: Draw the Spotted Print

how to draw a cheetah print - Cheetah print Step 5 showing irregular spots across the head and body

Scatter small broken circles and curved spots across the forehead, cheeks, shoulder, and back. Add a few short body contour lines near the chest and belly.

Pro Tip: Vary the spot sizes and leave some shapes open to create a natural print.

Step 6: Finish the Tail

how to draw a cheetah print - Cheetah print Step 6 showing a raised curved tail covered with spots

Draw a thick tail curving upward behind the body and bending over at the tip. Cover it with several more small open spots to continue the cheetah print.

Pro Tip: Use two smooth parallel curves so the tail stays an even thickness.

Step 7: Color in your drawing!

how to draw a cheetah print - Step 7: Color in your drawing!

Fun Facts

  • Cheetahs have solid black spots rather than the rosette-shaped markings of many leopards.
  • Each cheetah has its own individual spot pattern.
  • Dark tear lines on a cheetah’s face may help reduce glare from the sun.

Pin it now, Draw later!

how to draw a cheetah print pinterest pin

Erase hidden guides, darken the outline, and color the coat golden yellow with dark brown or black spots. Your cheetah print drawing is complete, so try adding grass, a warm sky, or more varied spots across the legs.

Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide

Printable Cheetah Print Drawing Guide

FREE Download Printable Cheetah Print Drawing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the spots look natural?

Mix dots, open circles, and short curved marks instead of repeating one identical shape.

Why does the cub look like it is standing?

Emphasize the large bent back leg and keep the rear paw beside the body.

Can I fill every spot with black?

Yes, solid spots create a more realistic cheetah pattern while open marks keep it cartoon-like.

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