Before you go and get your own dog tattoo, let us help guide you in choosing the perfect piece of ink. Below we’ll show you the cutest, sweetest, and most adorable dog tattoos of 2024. You’ll surely be inspired with the perfect idea of which tattoo style to get, as well as where to get tattooed on your body.
With that said, let’s begin.
Geometric Black and Gray Dog Forearm Tattoo
Geometric tattoos are enjoyed by many as they not only create a sense of balance and symmetry but can also incorporate almost any design into them, such as the one above. Wispy lines add flow to the design while also drawing your eyes to the centerpiece, the precious pup portrait. The placement is ideal, as forearms are easy to work with, and you can add as much detail to them as you wish because there is so much space.
IG: tiago__dot
Small Black and Gray Realism Dog Portrait Tattoo
We appreciate how the artist perfectly captured this Boarder Collie looking lovingly at his owner. The texture in his soft, fluffy fur is so well executed that we feel like we can almost reach out and stroke it. The artist left a lot of open skin, which gives the impression of white fur, without packing a ton of white ink into the piece.The position of the dog is subtle, and we can assume the client chose this spot as this tattoo is just for them!
IG: thommesen_ink
Illustrative Black and Gray Small Dog Tattoo
Sometimes you want something simple that fully embodies your idea. The artist did a wonderful job customizing this illustrative pooch tattoo by using both bold and fine sketchy lines and minimal shading to capture the client’s vision.Placing this piece on the side of the leg was a brilliant choice as it’s a nice flat area to tattoo, and the client will be able to show off their new ink easily.
IG: panumart_tattoo
Sketch Dog Tattoo With Splash of Color
As you can see, the forearm is a great spot to place larger tattoos. The artist uses whip shading and lines to emphasize the various shadows that make up the dog’s face while also using negative spacing, splashes of color, and ink splotches to bring this piece together.
We really enjoy the artist’s take on a furry friend’s portrait.
IG: clodin_93
Micro-Realistic Wizard Dog Tattoo
For all you Harry Potter fans, this rendition of a Gryffindor pup is a lovely addition to anyone’s ink collection.The soft shading in the face contrasts with the black in the cloak, making the cute poodle’s face stick out.Based in Melbourne, Australia, the Korean artist really made this one look like a sticker on the client’s upper arm, we adore it!
IG: hoze__tattoo
Soft Watercolor Shiba Inu Portrait Tattoo
The artist hit the nail on the head with this soft watercolor portrait tattoo of the Japanese Shiba Inu breed. Using bright colors accentuates the sketchy style, while the whip shading adds the final touches to make this piece pop.The forearm is the perfect placement for the shape and size of this tattoo, and we have a feeling the client is going to be showing this off to everyone.
IG: clodin_93
Single-Needle Pet Portrait Tattoos on Lower Leg
This cute single-needle pet portrait tattoo by San Francisco artist Jia captures these furry friends’ expressions perfectly.The soft shading makes this piece look like it was copied and pasted onto the client’s skin.
We love how the flowers are placed in such a way that they encompass the tattoo, and the positioning above the ankle suits the shape and size of this beautiful piece.
IG: paw.tattoo
Minimalist Dog in the Stars
This tattoo has been beautifully simplified, and yet still keeps the essence of the dog happily running through the stars. Only black ink has been used, and only a small amount of dotwork shading on the back legs and the little spots. The design fits the placement on the arm perfectly, as it does not warp or wrap around.
IG: studiomilaa
Adorable Color Realism Puppy Tattoo
You can tell that the client really loves their pup by the precious crown adorning his head. The highlights in the eyes and crown truly bring this tattoo to life.As with most realistic tattoos, the lack of solid lines and wispy color blending and shading stay true to the style of the tattoo.Choosing the back of the lower arm was ideal for the shape and proportions of this charming piece.
IG: 369.inkstudio
Happy Shiba Inu Micro Tattoo
This is a beautiful, delicate micro-realistic portrait of a very happy Shiba dog. The artist used great contrast with the darker eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as the light, fluffy fur. The forearm is perfect for this design as it is flat, and there is a lot of empty space around it, which makes it stand out in itself.
IG: tattooist_eheon
Cheerful French Bulldog Ankle Tattoo
This artist is known for their pleasing micro-realistic pet portraits. The attention to detail in such a small tattoo is amazing. Not only did the artist perfectly capture the texture of the fur with subtle shading, but the white highlights in the nose and mouth add that wet look you’d expect to see in real life.Putting this tattoo on the ankle was a great choice, as there is enough space around it to add more.
IG: antinktattoo
Dotwork Schnauzer Tattoo on Woman’s Arm
The positioning of this tattoo on the upper arm reaching down to create a half sleeve is just fantastic. As a dotwork piece, the use of pepper shading to create the various gradients adds texture to this tattoo and contrasts well with the solid black used in the nose, heart, and eyes. Those white highlights in the eyes give it that little extra spark, while the branches and leaves around the portrait frame this piece wonderfully.
IG: hipner.magdalena
