Toys play an essential role in a dog’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The right toy can stimulate their mind, satisfy their instincts, prevent boredom, and provide comfort. However, with so many different breeds and personalities, finding the perfect toy for your dog requires understanding their size, energy level, and play style.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best toys for each type of dog, ensuring your furry friend stays happy, engaged, and entertained.
1. Why Are Toys Important for Dogs?
Dogs need toys for several reasons, including:
✔ Mental Stimulation – Prevents boredom and keeps their mind engaged.
✔ Exercise and Physical Activity – Helps dogs burn excess energy.
✔ Dental Health – Some toys help clean teeth and massage gums.
✔ Comfort and Stress Relief – Soft toys provide emotional security.
✔ Prevention of Destructive Behavior – Redirects chewing away from furniture and shoes.
The key is choosing the right toy for your dog’s breed, size, and personality.
2. Best Toys for Different Types of Dogs
Each dog has unique needs, so let’s look at the best toy options based on play style, size, and energy levels.
2.1 Toys for Chewers
Some dogs love to chew, and without appropriate toys, they may destroy furniture, shoes, or household items. Durable chew toys help redirect this behavior.
✔ Best Chew Toys:
- KONG Extreme – Tough rubber toy that can be stuffed with treats.
- Nylabone Dura Chew – Designed for aggressive chewers.
- Benebone Wishbone – Made from durable nylon with real flavoring.
✔ Best for:
- Bulldogs, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers.
✔ Tip: Always choose size-appropriate chew toys to prevent choking hazards.
2.2 Toys for High-Energy Dogs
High-energy breeds need toys that challenge them physically and mentally.
✔ Best Interactive Toys:
- Tug-of-War Rope Toys – Strengthens jaw muscles and provides bonding time.
- Frisbees (KONG Flyer, Chuckit! Flying Disc) – Great for active dogs that love to chase.
- Automatic Ball Launchers (iFetch, PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher) – Keeps dogs engaged in fetch without tiring the owner.
✔ Best for:
- Border Collies, Huskies, Australian Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Jack Russell Terriers.
✔ Tip: Combine these toys with daily exercise to help your dog stay calm indoors.
2.3 Toys for Puppies
Puppies have small, sensitive teeth and gums, so they need soft, safe, and engaging toys.
✔ Best Puppy Toys:
- Teething Rings (Nylabone Puppy Chew, KONG Puppy Toy) – Helps soothe sore gums.
- Soft Plush Toys with Squeakers – Provides comfort and entertainment.
- Treat-Dispensing Balls – Keeps puppies engaged while they figure out how to get the treats.
✔ Best for:
- All puppies under 1 year old, regardless of breed.
✔ Tip: Avoid hard chew toys that can damage puppy teeth.
2.4 Toys for Senior Dogs
Older dogs may have weaker teeth and lower energy, so they need gentle, engaging toys.
✔ Best Senior Dog Toys:
- Soft Rubber Chew Toys (KONG Senior, West Paw Zogoflex Tux) – Gentle on aging teeth.
- Snuffle Mats – Encourages slow eating and keeps the brain active.
- Scented Plush Toys – Provides comfort and mild stimulation.
✔ Best for:
- Dogs aged 7+ that need gentle play.
✔ Tip: Look for lightweight, easy-to-chew toys that won’t strain their teeth or joints.
2.5 Toys for Small and Toy Breeds
Small dogs need lightweight toys that fit their tiny mouths but are still durable enough for chewing.
✔ Best Small Dog Toys:
- Mini Plush Toys with Squeakers – Perfect for small breeds that enjoy carrying toys.
- Small Rubber Balls (Chuckit! Ultra Ball Small) – Ideal for tiny mouths.
- Soft Rope Toys – Great for play and gentle chewing.
✔ Best for:
- Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Dachshunds, and Yorkshire Terriers.
✔ Tip: Avoid large, heavy toys that may be difficult for small dogs to carry.
2.6 Toys for Large Breeds
Larger dogs need durable, oversized toys that can withstand their strength and play style.
✔ Best Large Dog Toys:
- Goughnuts Indestructible Chew Ring – Tough and designed for strong chewers.
- Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll – A large ball with a rope for interactive play.
- Large KONG Toys – Perfect for stuffing with treats and keeping big dogs engaged.
✔ Best for:
- Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, and Labradors.
✔ Tip: Choose tough, non-toxic materials to prevent breakage and choking hazards.
2.7 Toys for Dogs That Love to Dig
Some breeds are natural diggers and will destroy furniture, carpets, or gardens if not given the right outlet.
✔ Best Digging Toys:
- Sandboxes with Hidden Treats – Encourages digging in an appropriate spot.
- Digging Mats (iDig by iFetch) – Simulates digging behavior safely indoors.
- Burrow Toys (ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek) – Encourages dogs to “dig” out plush toys.
✔ Best for:
- Dachshunds, Terriers, Beagles, and Huskies.
✔ Tip: Redirect destructive digging to safe digging activities with interactive toys.
2.8 Comfort and Anxiety-Relief Toys
Some dogs experience separation anxiety or stress, and comfort toys help them feel secure.
✔ Best Comfort Toys:
- Heartbeat Plush Toys (SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy) – Mimics a real heartbeat for comfort.
- Weighted Blankets – Helps calm anxious dogs.
- Stuffed Animals with Owner’s Scent – Reduces stress when the owner is away.
✔ Best for:
- Rescue dogs, anxious dogs, and puppies adjusting to a new home.
✔ Tip: For separation anxiety, pair comfort toys with calming music or diffusers.
3. How to Keep Your Dog Interested in Toys
Even the best toys can become boring if used too often. Try these tips to keep playtime exciting:
✔ Rotate Toys Weekly – Keep some toys hidden and bring them out later to make them “new” again.
✔ Use Interactive Play – Play with your dog using the toy to make it more engaging.
✔ Combine Toys with Training – Use toys as rewards in obedience training.
✔ Choose Toys Based on Your Dog’s Interests – Observe if they prefer chewing, fetching, or problem-solving.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right toy for your dog depends on their breed, size, and play style. The perfect toy will keep them entertained, mentally engaged, and physically active, while also preventing destructive behavior.
✔ Chewers need durable, tough toys like KONG or Nylabone.
✔ High-energy dogs need fetch toys, tug ropes, and interactive games.
✔ Puppies need soft, teething-friendly toys.
✔ Senior dogs need gentle, lightweight toys.
✔ Anxious dogs benefit from plush comfort toys with soothing effects.
By selecting the right toy, you ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and entertained every day.