How To Pick the Right Dog Toy for Your Pup

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

When it comes to dog toys, options abound. You can always go the traditional route with stuffed plushies, rubber balls, and frisbees. But the pet space is opening up to so much more—today, dog parents can find novel puzzle toys for mental enrichment, innovative foraging toys, and even self-entertaining electronic toys!

So, with all these choices available—how do you pick the right dog toy for your particular pup?

Since play is an important part of our dog’s training, health, and overall well-being, we consulted two veterinary experts to help identify the types of toys that are the safest and most enjoyable for different types of dogs. Along the way, we discovered a number of variables for pet parents to consider, which we’ll explore with our experts below.

• What’s the Best Toy for My Dog’s Breed?
• How Dog Toys Change With Age, from Puppies to Seniors
• What’s the Best Material for a Dog Toy?
• Picking Dog Toys Based on Play Style
• Sizing Dog Toys
• How to Spot Fakes and Choose Quality Toys

What’s the Best Toy for My Dog’s Breed?

Your dog’s breed is a good place to start your search for the perfect toy. Yes, our dogs are individuals, but their genetic background can offer guidance on what they may or may not be into—and what toys should be avoided altogether (stuffed animals, for example, have short lifespans with chew-happy breeds). For clues, consider your dog breed’s personality quirks, chewing habits, energy level, athletic ability, and interests.

Working dogs need exercise

Working dogs like Rottweilers, Huskies, and German Shepherds are generally active and benefit from toys that challenge their minds and athletic bodies. Some good choices include interactive puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or anything that gets them moving, says Julie Burgess, CPDT-KA, a veterinary technician and certified dog trainer at Senior Tail Waggers.

“These breeds need a job, otherwise they can quickly become destructive,” Burgess explains. “Working breeds do best with toys that give them a lot of physical exercise, like a Chuckit! Ball Launcher, or brain exercise like puzzle toys and slow feeders.” It should come as no surprise that delicate plush toys are no match for these strong-jawed canines, so maybe take a pass on them if you have a super chewer on your hands.

Herding dogs need a challenge

As their name implies, herding dogs like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Sheepdogs have a natural instinct to corral far-flung packs—whether it’s a real flock of sheep, or (more likely) your own crew of roaming human children. Toys that cater to this species-specific behavior, like agility kits, are ideal.

Herding dogs are also fast and agile, so look for toys to help burn off excess energy: rope toys, ball launchers (both handheld versions and electronic models), and flirt poles are all solid options.

Retrievers are fetch masters and water dogs

Breeds in the retriever family—Labradors, Goldens, and Poodles—can also benefit from toys that require some mental effort and physical endurance. Since they’re bred to retrieve, fetch-style toys like frisbees, tennis balls, and floating pool toys are worth adding to your collection. “Retrievers can get great exercise retrieving toys that float. The resistance of the water gives your dog an extra workout, but the water also cushions their joints, so it’s perfect even for older dogs,” Burgess notes.

Other water-loving breeds like Newfies, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Irish Water Spaniels will enjoy floating rings or balls. Burgess recommends going with a water toy that is brightly colored, since it can be hard to spot dark toys in dark water.

Prey-motivated hounds use their noses

Bred to track and hunt, hounds are usually very prey-driven. Try a flirt pole that mimics the movement of small animals to get them engaged. Typically, Bloodhounds, Dachshunds, Beagles, Whippets, and Basset Hounds will also appreciate toys that encourage foraging and using their nose.

“It sounds really simple, but I’m a big fan of snuffle mats,” says Mindy Waite, Ph.D., certified dog trainer and behaviorist at Senior Tail Waggers. “From a behavioral perspective, these are great at teaching dogs to focus on the ground and focus on olfactory intake. This can be really helpful later when we are teaching dogs to settle.”

Flat-faced breeds need to breathe

Pet parents of brachycephalic breeds, also known as flat-faced breeds, like Pugs, Bulldogs, Frenchies, Boxers, or Shih Tzus, will have other concerns. “These breeds often don’t do well with slow feeders and puzzle toys since they find eating the food or treats difficult,” says Burgess. The best toys for your flat-faced pooch will be designed to make carrying and breathing at the same time possible.

These breeds are also predisposed to dental disease, so gentle chew toys can help entertain them while maintaining healthy teeth and gums. And because they have difficulty breathing and are prone to overheating, it’s best to avoid toys that involve a ton of high-intensity exercise like a ball launcher.

Toy breeds need fun-size toys

Toy breeds, like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Maltese, and Havanese like to play just like bigger dogs—they just need scaled-down versions of conventional toys so they can actually carry and play with them. You’ll want to avoid giving these dogs super tough rubber chews though, since they’d be too hard on their tiny teeth.

How Dog Toys Change with Age, from Puppies to Seniors

Breed characteristics, while significant, are only one part of the equation. Age is another factor, and your dog’s toys will most likely change as they get older.

0 to 6 months—play the field and keep it soft

From 0 to 6 months, puppies grow from sleepy cuddle bugs to curious pups as they begin forming their own opinions and preferences about the things around them—including their puppy toys. “Very young puppies are still going through socialization and learning all about the world,” Waite tells Rover. “I’d recommend buying a wide variety of toys so they can experience a bunch of different shapes, colors, movements, and sounds.” Subscription boxes can help you narrow the field.

Plush toys and heartbeat toys can also be nice for snuggling and separation training (before the adult teeth come in).

Since this period is also when puppies begin teething, frozen dog toys can help numb painful gums and reduce swelling. Waite also adds that this stint can also be a good time for tug toys, too. “Tug toys can allow pups to get their energy out and put their teeth on something appropriate, instead of human skin or clothing,” she says. “They can also be used as a reinforcer during training instead of treats—if the dog sits, they get access to a short tug game.”

6 months to 1 year—prioritize durability and enrichment

From 6 months to 1 year, puppies should have all their permanent teeth, so you’ll want to start buying toys that are a little more indestructible and can withstand adult chompers, especially if you have a super chewer on your hands.

Your pup will have also just entered the adolescent stage, which is characterized by more energy and curiosity about the world. This is typically the time you’ll want to double down on training, provide tons of mental enrichment, and give puzzle toys that can help develop problem-solving skills (and help give you a break).

1 to 3 years—encourage good behavior with treat toys

The teenage years typically last until your dog is 1 to 3 years old. During this time, Waite recommends treat-dispensing toys and snuffle mats. “Teenage dogs have lots of energy, so any toy that can help pup parents tire them out while also encouraging good behaviors is great.”

Adult and senior dogs—balance fun and health

By the time your dog is an adult, you’ll both have figured out which types of toys they enjoy. And even though their brains are finally fully formed, you’ll still want to keep their minds engaged in things like interactive puzzle toys, which can help prevent boredom and prevent destructive behavior.

When it comes to senior dogs (around age seven), Waite advises pet parents to choose toys based on their dog’s joint health, dental health, and any other medical concerns (like blindness or arthritis). Older dogs may also benefit from softer chew toys that are gentler on their aging teeth or toys that are more accessible to sedentary dogs.

“For example, my senior Greyhound, Gus, had trouble standing near the end of his life and was missing a bunch of teeth,” she explains. “As a result, he required toys that could be held still while lying down, such as frozen stuffed KONGs.” Other seniors, she says, may need to engage in stretching exercises or gentle movement. In these cases, senior dogs can benefit from toys that encourage low-impact exercise, like snuffle mats and lick mats.

What’s the Best Material for a Dog Toy?

Waite offers two metrics for guidance: “My choices of materials are always based on two criteria: what does this individual dog like and what is safest,” she says.

“To that end, whenever I introduce a new type of material or a new toy, I always watch the dog engage with it multiple times before I leave them alone with the toy. This will help me understand A) do they seem to enjoy the toy and B) do they interact safely with it?”

No toy is ever completely indestructible—but some materials will fare better (or worse) with certain types of pups. Plush stuffed toys, for example, provide a snuggly companion, but they’re best for dogs with a gentle touch. Heavy chewers bent on disemboweling every new plaything to enter the house—not so much.

Since soft, fabric toys can be torn apart easily, there’s always the risk of accidental swallowing and obstruction (especially if there’s a squeaker involved). On the bright side, you can find soft toys without stuffing, which might be a safer alternative if you frequently come home to tufts of toy innards scattered throughout the house.

Additionally, plastic dog toys (think puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys) usually aren’t the best choice for heavy chewers, since plastic can shatter and be swallowed. That said, even non-chewers should be supervised while playing with these types of toys as an extra precaution.

Tough rubber toys, on the other hand, can provide serious chompers with something safer to sink their jaws into, Waite tells us. “I’m a huge fan of rubber-type toys, like KONG and Starmark, as long as they are too large to be swallowed by the dog.”

Rope toys provide an outlet for energetic dogs with strong jaws who like to play fetch or tug-of-war—but when the rope starts to fray, it’s time to replace it before your dog eats the small strings.

Relative newcomers to the pet space are electronic and self-moving toys, like the Wickedbone Smart Bone. These interactive toys are great for keeping active dogs entertained and mentally stimulated, although they should always be used under supervision. Electronic toys may also be ill-suited for older dogs with mobility issues, dogs who are easily spooked, or top-floor renters (they can be noisy!).

Picking Dog Toys Based on Play Style

Some dogs are adventurous challenge-seekers. Others prefer to snuggle or relax with a strong chew. Observe the way your dog likes to play, and select toys that speak to these preferences.

Dogs who love to chase (looking at you, retrievers) will generally like balls, frisbees, and fetch machines, whereas tug-of-war enthusiasts will enjoy sturdy rope toys. And treat-dispensing toys are a big win for food-motivated dogs.

Puzzle toys make a good match for persistent dogs, intelligent breeds, dogs who get bored easily, or pets with excess energy. Moreover, puzzle toys can function as distracting calming tools during stressful situations like a fireworks display or new houseguests. Difficulty levels vary, so puzzle toys can even benefit dogs with minimal experience.

Chew toys can benefit nearly every type of dog—especially teething puppies, anxious dogs, and pups with a high chew drive (Bulldogs and Jack Russell Terriers, for example). However, chew toys are not suitable for pets with missing or loose teeth due to dental disease, or a tendency to swallow toys or chew through even the most durable ones.

“There is probably no chew toy that is 100% safe, but pet parents can mitigate these risks by talking to their vet, knowing their dog’s chewing behaviors, buying high-quality and size-appropriate chews that are too big to swallow, and supervising their dog whenever possible,” Waite tells us.

Sizing Dog Toys

In terms of safety, getting the right size toy for your dog is a top priority. Toys should be small enough for your dog to carry them effortlessly in their mouth—but not so small that they pose a choking hazard. Look for toys that fit easily in the front of your dog’s mouth but are too large to move to the back of their mouth.

Also consider if your dog’s size might prohibit them from enjoying a certain toy (a Teacup Poodle, for instance, might struggle with a colossal rope toy). Small dogs will appreciate size-appropriate toys they can manage, whereas larger breeds will do well with ultra-durable toys designed to withstand rough handling.

How To Buy a Quality Dog Toy and Avoid Dangerous Fakes

Counterfeit and dangerous knock-off goods are infiltrating the online marketplace like never before. But as a concerned pet parent, there are some things you can do to become a more informed consumer and protect yourself as well as your pets.

First, when buying new dog toys, keep an eye out for reliable brands. These well-known names are your first line of defense against buying unsafe pet products or toys from disreputable retailers. Some Rover-approved brands for dog toys include KONG, Outward Hound, PetSafe, West Paw, Chuckit!, and ZippyPaws.

Avoid third-party sellers when shopping online

For online purchases, you’ll need to do a little investigating to ensure you’re getting something safe and real. Be sure to read online reviews with a healthy dash of salt.

Third-party sellers will go so far as to bribe buyers with free goods and a gift card to leave a five-star review for their product listings. That means, even if it’s labeled as a “verified purchase,” the review might not be genuine. While it can be helpful to look at reviews, make sure to examine a wide range of star ratings to see more honest descriptions of how the product holds up.

To avoid counterfeits altogether, consider buying directly from the manufacturer’s website if possible. Purchasing a product directly from a reliable pet brand website guarantees authenticity, even if they can’t offer the same deals on shipping.

And while not every third-party seller on Amazon is untrustworthy, the best way to protect yourself against purchasing fake goods online is to be wary and know how to identify counterfeit products. A few simple questions to ask include:

1. Is the price of the product extremely low?
2. Will the shipment be sent from overseas?
3. Does the shipment arrival date seem really far away (like six weeks)?
4. Were all of the product reviews left in a short period of time or written using similar language?
5. Is the listing written with poor grammar or spelling errors?
6. Does the vendor have an easy-to-find company website off of Amazon?
7. Is the same product being sold under different seller names elsewhere on the site?

If the seller you’re considering has an easily accessible website, the product they have listed is priced reasonably, and there is a wide range of reviews, you’re more likely to be purchasing the real deal!

How We Chose

The dog toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews, and interviews with veterinary experts, dog trainers, and behaviorists. We prioritized versatility, durability, and reputable brands in the pet space.

We also focused on toys that foster a dog’s well-being by encouraging species-specific behaviors. And lastly, we’re guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• Dangerous Dog Toys: What to Avoid, From Toxic Materials to Unsafe Designs
• Electronic Toys Are On the Rise—But Are They Worth It?
• Are Puzzle Toys Really Good for Dogs? What the Science Tells Us
• 10 Sustainable Dog Toys for Fun and Eco-Friendly Playtime
• The Best Dog Toy Storage Options for Dogs