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Does your dog love rope toys, constantly dragging them around the house and asking you to play tug with them? Then you’ll be pleased to know that rope toys come with an array of benefits. Not only do they provide an outlet for exercise, but they can also promote dental health, encourage the pet-human bond through play, and help redirect pups who nip, bite, or chew on unwanted items (like your favorite pair of shoes).
We know that picking the right toy for your pup isn’t always easy, though—so we’ve rounded up our favorites, from tough knotted rope toys for bigger pups with strong jaws to flossing rope toys that keep chompers clean.
- Best for Big Dogs: Mammoth 5-Knots Cottonblend Rope Toy
- Best for Small Dogs: Mammoth 2-Knots Cotton Dog Rope Toy
- Best for Dental Health: Booda Fresh N Floss 3-Knot Rope Toy
- Best for Water Play: KONG Aqua Dog Toy
- Best for Super Chewers: KONG Wild Elk Antler Dog Toy
- Best with Plush Toy: ZippyPaws Plush Monkey Rope Dog Toy
- Best with Ball: Chuckit! Rope Fetch Dog Toy
- Best for Super Sniffers: Playology Scented Dri-Tech Rope
- Best for Solo Play: XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy
- Best Collection: Pacific Pups Rescue Assorted Rope Toys
Best for Big Dogs: Mammoth 5-Knots Cottonblend Rope Toy (Verified Review)
This rope toy made our list of best dog toys of the year. In particular, we like that the rope is made with big, beefy knots that come in large sizes (up to five knots and 72 inches long)—ideal for giant breeds like Mastiffs. Our testers also appreciated that the longer length offered plenty of space between human hands and dog chompers. As the longest rope toy on our list, the five-knotted rope can be challenging to toss, though—worth keeping in mind if playing fetch is your primary goal.
Key Features:
- Comes in X-large (36 inches) and XX-large (72 inches)
- Made of 100% cotton
- Available in a variety of bright colors
- Five knots for gripping and chewing
Best for Small Dogs: Mammoth 2-Knots Cotton Dog Rope Toy
This two-knot version of Mammoth’s popular rope toy is perfect for the tiny-to-medium pups in your life, starting at just six inches long. Pet parents with larger dogs, however, will want to be careful with the smaller sizes—while chewing on the rope is good for your dog’s teeth, swallowing it whole is not. The toy is made from 100% undyed cotton, a nice feature for your all-natural dog (or the all-white, modern interior of your Instagram-ready house).
Key Features:
- Sizes include a mini (6 inches) and small (9 inches)
- Made of 100% cotton
- Comes in one natural, undyed color
- Simple two-knot design
Best for Dental Health: Booda Fresh N Floss 3-Knot Rope Toy
Need to up your teeth cleaning game at home? This rope toy is made for dog dental health. Mint-scented floss, fluoride, and baking soda are integrated into the strands to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath while they play. The combo of wax-coated nylon and all-natural cotton in this rope also adds to its durability, helping it to last a long time without fraying.
Key Features:
- Two sizes available: large (22 inches) and X-large (31.5 inches)
- Made of coated nylon and natural cotton rope
- Comes in one color
- Three-knot design for chewing and gripping
Best for Water Play: KONG Aqua Dog Toy
The classic rubber shape at the end of this rope toy will be familiar to many pet parents (and their pups). But instead of stuffed with goodies, this floaty KONG toy is filled with foam and attached to a long rope—perfect for playing in the water. Not intended as a chew toy, this rope is better for fetching than tugging. Pet parents also note that the size runs a bit small and might not be a great fit for huge dogs or power chewers.
Key Features:
- Two sizes: medium (15-35 pounds) and large (30-65 pounds)
- Bright orange color for visibility on the water
- Waterproof, floating design made with synthetic materials
- Designed for playing fetch—not for chewing or tug
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Best for Super Chewers: KONG Wild Elk Antler Dog Toy
Calling all super chewers. This hybrid rope toy has a chunk of elk antler to give determined chewers something sturdier to gnaw on. Naturally shed, the antler helps keep teeth and gums clean, and the shape of the rope—with four chunky knots and a loop at the end—makes it perfect for tugging too. This rope toy should last a long time, but pet parents will want to watch for antler splinters in addition to fraying while their dog plays.
Key Features:
- Comes in one large size
- Made with natural fibers and naturally shed antlers from wild elk
- Integrated design with both rope and antler
- Four-knot design with a rope loop for chewing and tugging
Best with Plush Toy: ZippyPaws RopeTugz Plush Rope Dog Toy – Monkey
Combining a plush toy with a tug-of-war rope, this ZippyPaws Monkey has bungee cord limbs that are made of the same durable rope used by rock climbers. Reviewers like the quality of the toy but say it’s not great for super chewers or smaller pups. Pet parents of medium and larger dogs, however, will like the longer length (28 inches), while their pups will enjoy the round squeaker inside.
Key Features:
- Combines plush squeaky toy with a tug rope
- Made with rope used by rock climbers
- Available in four colors
- Measures 28 x 5 x 5 inches
Best with Ball: Chuckit! Rope Fetch Dog Toy
This two-in-one dog toy by Chuckit! offers a strong, flexible rope and a durable ball that can be bounced, kicked, and tugged. The sturdy handle makes it easy to hold and can be wrapped around the ball, too. Ideal for chasing and tugging, it’s not intended for more serious chewing—so you’ll want to pick a more traditional rope toy if you have a determined chomper on your hands.
Key Features:
- One size: a 5.5-inch ball
- Made of durable synthetic materials
- Integrated ball-and-rope design
- Not designed for aggressive chewers
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Best for Super Sniffers: Playology Scented Dri-Tech Rope
If a standard rope toy isn’t exciting enough for your dog, check out this one with embedded scents of beef, chicken, peanut butter, cheese, sweet potato, bacon, and even holiday gravy. Yes, you read that right: this non-toxic, tear-resistant, slobber-wicking rope smells like some of your dog’s favorite foods.
It’s designed to stimulate your dog’s senses and encourage them to play hard without filling them up on treats. Added bonus—the whole toy can be easily cleaned with hot water.
Key Features:
- Three sizes: small (two-knot; 8 inches), medium (two-knot; 12 inches), large (three-knot; 17 inches)
- A variety of scents include beef, chicken, peanut butter, and cheese
- Two- and three-knot designs for chewing and tugging
- Made of durable synthetic materials
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Best for Solo Play: XiaZ Retractable Interactive Dog Toy (Verified Review)
If your dog’s energy seems endless, then you’ll want a break every now and then. Enter this retractable rope dog toy. Designed to attach to a tree or a sturdy porch beam, the stretchy strap lets your dog get their fill of tugging playtime—without you on the other end of the rope.
It’s durable, water-resistant, and an immediate favorite of Pepper, an Australian Cattle Dog mix and Rover pup who tested it. Pet parents should note, however, that “solo play” does not mean “unsupervised play”; you’ll still need to keep an eye on your pup.
Key Features:
- Comes in two sizes: X-large and XX-large
- Easy to install
- Replaceable rope ball on the end for dogs to play
- Made of durable synthetic materials
Best Collection: Pacific Pups Rescue Assorted Rope Dog Toys
If you have a pup who really loves rope toys, then buying a bulk assortment can help save you money and keep your dog entertained. This collection by Pacific Pups Rescue offers 11 different pieces, ranging from ropes with balls, knotted animals, a roped frisbee, and classic designs. Pet parents love the variety, adding that the different toys help to keep the interest of their teething puppies. Plus, a portion of every purchase goes to help save the life of a homeless dog.
Key Features:
- Offers 11 different rope toys
- Assortment includes rope designs, knotted animals, and a roped frisbee
- A portion of every purchase goes to charity
How to Pick the Best Dog Rope Toy
When choosing from this list or doing your own research, you’ll want to consider three factors when picking out a rope toy for your dog:
- Material: Durability is the name of the game when it comes to rope toys, especially for a heavy chewer or strong tugger. Look for tightly woven fibers and knots that can prevent unraveling. Cotton tends to hold up well under pressure, while fleece offers a softer option that’s ideal for dogs with weaker teeth or gums.
- Design: As you’ve probably noticed, rope toy designs vary widely. The rope toy that’s best for your pet will depend largely on their chewing habits and preferred style of play. Plush toy attachments score big with many puppies and senior dogs, while ropes with ball attachments make a good choice for active dogs who like to play fetch.
- Size: Heavy chewers will quickly destroy ropes that are too small or thin, while a rope that’s too thick and heavy will be impossible for tiny pups to play with. Consider your dog’s size and weight before purchasing a rope toy—you’re also going to have some trial and error along the way!
As with any toy, it’s up to you to make sure that your pet plays safely—and even the perfect toy won’t last forever. Always watch for frayed ropes and dispose of toys once they’ve become damaged, as long strands of string can be swallowed and cause choking.
How We Chose
The dog rope toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms. We prioritized durability, security knots, dog appeal, teeth-cleaning power, and safety. We’re also always guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
