There’s something really special about bringing our dogs to life through the use of yarn. In this post, I’ve rounded up an adorable collection of crochet dog patterns featuring different breeds.
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Our dog Taz is 15 going on 16 and has had medical issues in the past few months. I’d love to have a tangible tribute to honour his memory – he’s brought us so much love and laughter over those years and is a huge part of our family. I had already crocheted him a dog sweater so it didn’t take long for me to figure out that combining my love of crochet with my love for Taz would be the perfect way to do this! A crochet dog!
UPDATE: sadly we said goodbye to Taz at the end of August just days before his 17th birthday. We miss him every day but we are forever grateful for that extra time, everything he taught us, and of course the love.
My husband bought me Edward’s Menagerie of Dogs by Kerry Lord which has a lot of different breeds but nothing really ‘spoke’ to me, the closest match to Taz being Rosie the Dachshund (he’s a cross of 4 breeds – Dachshund being one of them). On my quest to find a match I came across some gorgeous patterns (and had fun along the way). I’m sharing those patterns with you today.
- Why you’ll Want to Crochet a Dog
- Techniques and Stitches you Need to Know
- Materials and Supplies
- Top Tips for Crocheting an Amigurumi Dog
- Troubleshooting Common Amigurumi Issues
- Crochet Dog Patterns
- 1. Dalmatian Dog Crochet Pattern
- 2. Labrador Puppy Crochet Pattern
- 3. Husky Puppy Pattern
- 4. Beagle Crochet Pattern
- 5. Dachshund Dog Crochet Pattern
- 6. Amigurumi Dog Poodle
- 7. Toy Poodle Amigurumi Pattern
- 8. Crochet Cocker Spaniel
- 9. Doodle Dog Crochet Pattern
- 10. Boxer Crochet Dog
- 11. English Bulldog Crochet Pattern
- 12. Boston Terrier Dog
- 13. Сavalier King Charles Spaniel
- 14. Free Crochet Dog Patterns (4 designs)
Why you’ll Want to Crochet a Dog
Techniques and Stitches you Need to Know
You’ll need to know some basic stitches and amigurumi techniques to crochet the dogs in this collection such as:
- magic ring
- single crochet
- half double crochet
- double crochet
- treble crochet
- puff stitch (poodle)
- crochet in spiral rounds
- increase (2 single crochets in one stitch)
- invisible decrease (2 stitches together working in front loops only)
- invisible decrease made with half double crochet
A lot of the patterns have links to video tutorials to help you with techniques specific to the design of the dog.
Materials and Supplies
As well as yarn and crochet hooks, these are common supplies and materials you’ll need:
- safety eyes (size dependent on pattern)
- safety nose
- stuffing (fiberfill)
- embroidery thread
- stitch markers
- pins
- scissors
- needle
Top Tips for Crocheting an Amigurumi Dog
Here are my tips to help you towards your finished project.
- Following a Pattern: Read the pattern through before starting. Follow the instructions carefully, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the pattern designer or online communities if you need help.
- Keep Tension Consistent: Maintaining consistent tension is the absolute key to achieving a uniform appearance in your amigurumi. Be mindful of how tightly you crochet, especially when working in the round, to avoid any lumps or gaps in your stitches.
- Use Safety Eyes and Nose: Safety eyes and noses provide a secure attachment for your dog’s facial features. If you’re worried about plastic eyes and noses (for instance you’re gifting to a child), I’ve found that embroidering eyes and noses is just as good.
- Stuff Firmly but Not Overly: Use polyester fiberfill to stuff your amigurumi dog. Make sure it is firm enough to hold its shape but not so tightly packed that it becomes stiff or loses its cuddliness. Add small amounts of stuffing at a time and distribute it evenly throughout the body. I found that waiting a few hours for the stuffing to settle before sewing closed helps – it could be that you need more and will save you unpicking your stitches.
- Experiment with Colours and Details: Have fun customizing your amigurumi dog by playing with different colours, patterns, and embellishments. You can add details such as spots, patches, or a collar to give your dog personality and character.
Troubleshooting Common Amigurumi Issues
In this section I’m sharing issues you may encounter while crocheting your dog, along with solutions.
I hope you find this section helpful.
| Issue | Solution |
| Uneven Tension | Focus on maintaining consistent tension throughout your work. Practice can help improve tension control. Even if the pattern you’re following uses a smaller hook size than recommended with the yarn, use a smaller hook to create more uniform stitches. |
| Gaps or Holes | This is one of the most common issues I see with any crochet pattern. Double-check stitch counts and follow pattern instructions carefully. Count your stitches regularly to ensure accuracy. Tighten your tension or adjust hook size if needed. |
| Misshapen Body Parts | Crochet evenly around each round or row. Increase or decrease stitches in the same way each time. |
| Stuffing Showing Through | Adjust tension to create tighter stitches. Use a smaller hook if necessary. Stuff amigurumi firmly without overstuffing to maintain shape without showing stuffing. My suggestion is to stuff your shape and then leave to settle for a while. |
| Difficulty with Shaping | Follow pattern instructions closely and pay attention to shaping techniques provided. Experiment with different shaping methods to achieve desired shapes. |
| Problems with Attachments | Use pins or stitch markers to position parts accurately before sewing. Securely and evenly sew parts to the body to prevent them from coming loose over time. |
| Pattern Confusion | Seek help from online communities, forums, or tutorials. Search for alternative explanations or video tutorials to clarify confusing parts of the pattern. |
| Finishing Touches | Take time to embroider facial features symmetrically and securely. Add accessories carefully, ensuring they are securely attached to the amigurumi dog. |
Crochet Dog Patterns
I’ve chosen these dog patterns not just because of how they look but also taking into account information from the reviews (for example how easy the pattern is to follow; how responsive the designer is). I recommend you always read the reviews or comments on any patterns. It will help you to decide if the image is AI generated and a fake pattern (look out for extra fingers, limbs out of place, perfection).
You’ll find crochet patterns listed below for different breeds of dog. Clicking on the numbered link will take you to the pattern.
Most of the patterns are written using US crochet terms.
For my UK crocheters, the table below is a conversion of basic crochet stitches from US to UK.
| US Crochet Terms | UK Crochet Terms |
|---|---|
| single crochet (sc) | double crochet (dc) |
| half double crochet (hdc) | half treble crochet (htr) |
| double crochet (dc) | treble crochet (tr) |
| treble (tr) | double treble (dtr) |
| double treble (dtr) | triple treble (trtr) |
Friendly reminder: If selling or giving away toys please follow all the laws, rules and regulation of the country where you intend to sell/give away.
The following patterns are paid.
1. Dalmatian Dog Crochet Pattern
When I set out looking for crochet dogs, I had no idea just how lifelike they could be. This dalmatian pattern shows exactly what I mean! How fab is this Dalmation!
Not recommended for beginners, the pattern does include video tutorials for:
- How to make nose from oven baked clay
- How to make custom eyes using glass cabochons
- How to sculpt face
- How to make lifelike eyes
- How to paint the dog
The body of the dog is crocheted as one piece (no sewing!). You will need to sew the head on the body only.
This 13-page dog pattern is easy to follow and has a lot of pictures.
- Measurements: 13’’/34cm tall in sitting position
I think it’s truly a work of art.
2. Labrador Puppy Crochet Pattern
This labrador toy puppy is adorable! I love those paws!
The 8 pages in this crochet pattern include detailed instructions and variety of pictures explaining how to make this toy. It is super easy to follow.
Worked in 100% DK yarn, you’ll also need a 2mm crochet hook, fiberfill, needle and scissors, black embroidery thread, pins/stitch markers and 6mm safety eyes.
Height of the finished toy is about 11 cm (4.3 inch) if using indicated yarn and hook.
3. Husky Puppy Pattern
This cute husky crochet pattern is written for intermediate crocheters.
It includes detailed step-by-step instructions, along with clear photos and helpful tips on videos. The nose and the head are one piece, the body and the paws are one piece. No fiddly legs to crochet, stuff and sew on!
I love the plush/velvet yarn in this project. I can just imagine how soft and squidgy this crochet dog is – perfect to hold close and snuggle up with.
Finished size of this husky puppy is 35 cm (14”)
4. Beagle Crochet Pattern
This Beagle is the closest match I’ve found for Taz. The shape of the body and face look great. The ears can be shaped to lay at the side of the head, or curved forward to look like floppy ears, although I’m planning to make the ears shorter. What do you think? (Taz is a cross between Beagle, Dachshund, King Charles Spaniel and Jack Russel.)
This pattern is easy to follow and contains detailed, step by step instructions, and close up photos as well making it suitable for beginners.
All of the pieces are made separately (great if you do want to adapt any part).
Finished size is 9.5 inches tall, and 12 inches long from the tail to the tip of the nose.
The more I look at the photos of the finished dog, the more I fall in love with it! I can’t wait to get started.
5. Dachshund Dog Crochet Pattern
How cute is this one! We have friends who own a Dachshund and would love this design!
The designer says you can use any size weight yarn with corresponding hook making it a great pattern for using up your yarn stash.
Pattern includes 12 pages of a detailed instruction for how to create the solid colour dog (and dog sweater), plus 7 pages of an additional pattern for bicolour dog.
Well written and easy to follow, there’s plenty of pictures showing all processes of creating this toy.
Finished measurement is 5.5″ (14 cm) height and 7.5″ (19cm) wide.
6. Amigurumi Dog Poodle
When I was a toddler our family dog was a poodle and although I don’t have memories of following her around all the time, I do recall how her fur felt. The stitch in this pattern is a good recreation!
This is another versatile pattern where you can use any weight yarn with recommended hook to create different sized/coloured/textured poodles.
The designer has rated the skill level Advanced Beginner/ Intermediate.
Well written and easy to follow, this could be the Poodle puppy you’re looking for.
7. Toy Poodle Amigurumi Pattern
I’ve chosen this pattern as an option to the Poodle pattern above. If you think you might get frustrated working puff stitches for the ‘wiry curly’ fur all over, this pattern with just the head and tail might suit you better.
The designer rates this at an intermediate level however, one of the recent reviews says “one of the harder patterns I had to follow as a beginner but it still turned out super cute.” If you’re a beginner and ready for a challenge to move on your skills, try this one. The 13-page pattern has many pictures to help you.
The cute Poodle measures (16 cm/ 6.3 inch tall) and in the photo above was made with Katia (Merino 100 %) yarn and a 2.5mm 4/0 size hook. If you use thicker yarn and a bigger hook your Poodle will turn out bigger.
8. Crochet Cocker Spaniel
This is a fast and fun crochet pattern for an amigurumi dog that is written for intermediate crocheters. There are 44 pictures to guide you with detailed and thorough explanations for every step.
The pattern is easy but being familiar with amigurumi will help. You’ll need knowledge about the loop stitch.
I think the chenille yarn will make this Cocker Spaniel so soft and huggable, perfect for gifting!
9. Doodle Dog Crochet Pattern
I had to look twice when I saw this crochet dog … so lifelike! This Doodle looks like the real thing.
The pattern is easy to follow on 9 pages and has a lot of pictures. Video tutorials are included for:
- How to crochet fur yarn and see every stitch
- How to make nose from oven baked clay
- How to make custom eyes using glass cabochons
- How to make lifelike eyes
- How to paint the face
- Template of printable eyes
Rated at an intermediate level, you might be pleased to know there is no sewing involved in making this dog!
If you don’t own one already, the designer recommends as an option a dog slicker brush. The fur looks ok without brushing but after brushing you’ll notice a real difference.
If you use the same materials as recommended, your Doodle will measure 18″/45cm tall.
10. Boxer Crochet Dog
My hairdresser used to own a Boxer and this pattern really reminds me of Baz. He’s been gone for a few years now but we still talk about him. If you’re wanting to crochet a Boxer, this is the most lifelike I’ve found (I’ve added this one on my list to make).
The 13-page pattern is easy to follow and has a lot of pictures and some video tutorials for harder moments. I wanted to point out that the reviews say parts are tricky but the designer is quick to respond and is helpful. So if you get stuck, don’t be afraid to reach out to Amber Craft Store.
The dog measures 13’’/34cm tall in a sitting position.
11. English Bulldog Crochet Pattern
This cutie comes in at 12cm tall. Those folds below the eyes and above the nose is just adorable! A perfect miniature of the real dog.
Although the pattern provides step-by-step instructions with photos and is easy to follow, you do need to be at an intermediate/advanced level.
12. Boston Terrier Dog
We have friends who own a Boston Terrier called Buckley. And he looks exactly like this amigurumi dog!
The pattern is for intermediate/advanced crocheters.
The reviews say this is a great pattern that is easy to follow and super cute.
Your Boston Terrier’s finished measurements is approx. 20cm. tall and 20 cm. long.
13. Сavalier King Charles Spaniel
With this pattern you’ll get four crochet dog design options – that’s 4 PDFs with 23 pages of detailed step-by-step instructions for making this toy.
The intermediate pattern includes:
- 100+ colourful close-up photos
- 32 links to videos with visual explanations
Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will measure 7.9in/20 cm if you use the recommended Himalya Dolphin yarn and materials.
The patterns below are free.
14. Free Crochet Dog Patterns (4 designs)
You’ll be able to crochet these 4 different dogs with this free pattern:
- Daisy the Dog
- Cody the Cattle Dog
- Henry the Hound
- Lulu the Labrador
Very versatile, you can mix and match the pattern pieces to match your dog. There are four options for different types of dog ears, as well as some options for the colour markings on the dogs’ bodies.
Video links will show you how to:
- Crochet the tongue
- Attach the bottom lip and tongue
- Indent the eyes
- Embroider the dog’s nose
- Tack down the ears for the terrier and the labrador
The crochet dogs stand 13.5″ tall when crocheted with a 3.5mm hook & worsted-weight yarn
If you subscribe to receive the designer’s newsletter, you’ll be able to access the PDF free. Fab option!
Happy crocheting!
