When creating a sculpture, being able to enjoy it for years to come is a top priority. Armature wire will not rust like other wires or pipe cleaners, which are also commonly used. Twenty-two gauge brass or steel wire is recommended to give your canine sculpture substance and a strong foundation. Applying polyvinyl glue to the armature will aid in adhering the metal to clay or other sculpting substances.
Consider the size of your finished sculpture. The armature wire will be considerably smaller than the finished product, whether it is clay, felt or another sculpting medium. Depending on the breed of canine, the legs, tail and head will vary. For example, if you are sculpting a greyhound, the wire for the legs will be longer. If you are sculpting a corgi, the wire for the legs will be shorter. An Australian shepherd has a short, docked tail, and a German shepherd is known for its long, majestic tail. If you plan to mount the finished sculpture, make the leg wires slightly longer than needed to insert the extra wire into a wooden or sculpted mount.
Many dog breeds are lean and sleek, while others are rotund and jolly. Your armature should reflect the breed's body type. If you are sculpting a dog that has a large barrel or is considered bulky such as the clumber spaniel, wrap aluminum foil around the wire where the stomach will be. If the dog breed has thick legs, such as the Old English sheepdog, consider wrapping aluminum foil around the legs as well. Aluminum foil will allow your sculpture to be lighter and reduces the amount of sculpting material needed. If you are sculpting with clay, adding aluminum foil to the armature will reduce curing time.
Create the head, body and tail armature of the sculpture with one longer piece of wire to set proportion and size without adding bulk. Twist one end of the wire into a loop to make the head, being careful to determine the length of the neck depending on the breed. Cut two additional pieces of wire and wrap around the middle of the armature to create legs. Move the wire legs into the position in which you would like the finished sculpture, and determine whether the tail will be up or down. Adjusting the armature into the finished position will require little adjustment later.