Some dogs avoid puddles like they’re lava.
And then there are dogs like this.

Dachshund in the Mud is a tribute to that classic little dog determination—the kind that says, “Yes, I am covered in mud… and yes, I’m still taking this bone with me.” 🦴💦

There’s something hilarious and weirdly heroic about it. The bone isn’t just a bone anymore—it's a prize. A trophy. A mission. And this Dachshund is dragging it through the mud like they’re delivering it to a royal vault.

This artwork is one of those moments where the scene tells the whole story without needing a single word. Mud flying, paws pushing forward, and that stubborn little sausage dog energy that refuses to quit.

The Story Behind the Piece

This drawing was inspired by one of my favorite kinds of dog moments:
That split-second scene where a dog makes a totally ridiculous choice… and commits to it with their whole soul.

A Dachshund dragging a bone through mud isn’t glamorous.
It’s not elegant.
It’s not even logical.

But it is real.

And that’s what makes it fun to capture.

Dachshunds have this reputation for being small, but bold. Tiny body, big confidence. And in this piece, I wanted that personality to come through—not just in the pose, but in the whole vibe of the scene.

This is not a dainty “pretty dog portrait.”
This is the “I did something chaotic and I regret nothing” dog portrait. 😄

How It Was Made (Mixed Media Process)

I created Dachshund in the Mud using:

• Mechanical pencil for the sketch and structure

• Kneaded eraser for highlights and soft lifting

• Graphite watercolor pencils for shading, texture, and value shifts

• Water to blend and push the muddy atmosphere

• Acrylic pen outline to sharpen the final forms and make everything pop

Graphite watercolor pencils are especially fun for muddy scenes because you can keep things loose and textured, then pull out details and highlights after. The water gives it that natural “blur” and movement, while the acrylic outline locks the character back into focus.

That combo makes the whole piece feel gritty but still clean—like a messy moment captured with intention.

Why I Love Drawing Dogs Like This

I love drawing dogs in action because it feels like you’re capturing personality, not just appearance.

A Dachshund in mud isn’t just a dog in mud…
It’s a statement.

It’s goofy.
It’s chaotic.
It’s determined.
It’s proud.

And if you’ve ever owned a dog like this, you know the exact mood I’m talking about.

That’s the kind of art I enjoy making—moments that feel alive, like you can hear the paws and squish of mud and the triumphant little snort as the bone gets dragged home.

Watch the Drawing Video

If you want to see the process in action, the YouTube Shorts video is here:

🎥 Watch on YouTube

Collect the Print

This piece is available as an Open Edition Art Print in my store:

🖼️ Dachshund in the Mud Print

If you’ve got a Dachshund (or know someone who does), this is the kind of fun wall art that instantly makes people smile—because it feels like a story they’ve lived.

Final Thoughts

Mud isn’t a problem for a determined dog.
It’s just part of the adventure.

Dachshund in the Mud is a celebration of that unstoppable little dog energy—the kind that doesn’t care about being clean, only about winning.

And sometimes, the messiest moments make the best memories. 🐾🦴

Art by Justyn Simon