Top Rated Dog Toys for Small to Medium Size Dogs: A Breeder's Picks
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
We get asked about dog toys almost as much as we get asked about food. So here's the short answer: not all toys are created equal. Some last five minutes. Others become your dog's favorite for months.
After years of raising Aussiedoodle puppies on our farm in Canton, NC, we've tried a lot of toys. We've watched dozens of puppies play, chew, fetch, and yes, destroy things. These are the toys that actually hold up and that our dogs genuinely love.
What Toys Do Dogs Love Most?
Here's our take: dogs are drawn to toys that do something. Toys that squeak, bounce unpredictably, dispense treats, or have interesting textures. Static toys that just sit there? They get boring fast.
The toys that keep dogs engaged tend to tap into natural instincts. Prey drive. Problem-solving. The satisfaction of working for a reward.
Our Recommendations
For Squeaky Toy Lovers
We can't fully explain why dogs go crazy for this thing, but they do. It crinkles. It squeaks. The floppy shape triggers that prey-shake instinct puppies love.
No stuffing means no mess when they eventually get into it. Good for small to medium dogs who aren't aggressive chewers. The price point is reasonable for how much use you'll get out of it. Comes in multiple colors if you want to grab a few.
For Cuddlers and Moderate Chewers
These are soft and cuddly on the outside but have a knotted rope skeleton inside. That internal structure satisfies dogs' natural chewing instincts while the plush exterior makes it something they actually want to carry around.
Minimal stuffing means less mess if they do tear into it. Our dogs love these for tug, fetch, and just general carrying around the house. Good for small to medium breeds
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For Aggressive Chewers
If your dog destroys most toys within minutes, this one's built to last. Designed specifically for aggressive chewers with reinforced construction.
Still has a squeaker to keep things interesting, but the durability is the real selling point. Worth trying if you've given up on plush toys entirely.
For serious power chewers, WoofBite makes toys from industrial-strength natural rubber. They're lab-tested for durability and come with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
The bright yellow color is highly visible to dogs. These are about as close to indestructible as you'll find in a dog toy. Great for tug-of-war too.
The KONG has been a staple for decades. The unpredictable bounce keeps dogs engaged, and the hollow center lets you stuff it with peanut butter or treats. Freeze it to make it last longer.
Made from natural rubber that's tough but won't damage teeth. Vets and trainers have recommended these for years for good reason.
What's the Best Toy to Keep a Dog Entertained?
Mental stimulation. That's the real answer.
Here's something most people don't realize: 15 minutes of mental stimulation tires a dog out as much as 30 minutes of physical exercise. These puzzle toys are game changers.
Dogs flip lids, slide blocks, and figure out where you've hidden treats. It redirects mental energy away from destructive behaviors. We use puzzle feeders with our own dogs regularly.
These are the toys you grab when you're tired of picking stuffing out of your carpet.
No stuffing means no mess. Each toy has crinkle paper inside and a squeaker, so dogs still get that satisfying noise when they chomp down. The durable liner holds up better than your typical plush toy, even when your dog is shaking it like they've caught something.
Why we like them: you get 5 toys in one pack, which is great for rotation. Different shapes keep things interesting. And when one eventually gets destroyed, you're not running back to the store because you've got backups ready.
Good for medium to large dogs who love to carry toys around, play tug, or just need something to shake. Not meant for power chewers who will shred through anything, but for normal play? These hold up well.
The Best Fetch Ball
If you have a fetch-obsessed dog, you may already know Chuckit. These balls bounce higher than tennis balls, float in water, and hold up better to enthusiastic play.
The medium size (2.5 inches) works well for dogs between 20-60 lbs. Our Aussiedoodles love them. One note: don't leave them in direct sun for extended periods. The rubber can dry out over time.
What Toys Mentally Stimulate Dogs?
Puzzle toys and snuffle mats are your best options. They engage problem-solving instincts and give dogs a job to do.
Other good choices include treat-dispensing balls that roll unpredictably, hide-and-seek plush toys where dogs pull smaller toys from a larger one, and interactive toys that move on their own.
The goal is making your dog think. A tired brain means fewer behavioral problems. That's true for Aussiedoodles especially. Both parent breeds are working dogs. They need mental outlets.
What is the 10 Toy Rule?
The idea is simple: keep about 10 toys total, but only put out 3-5 at a time. Rotate them every few days.
Why this works: dogs get bored with the same toys, just like kids do. When you bring back a toy they haven't seen in a week, it feels new again. You get more mileage from each toy and keep things interesting.
A Note on Safety
No toy is truly indestructible. Always supervise your dog with new toys. Check for wear, loose parts, or anything that could become a choking hazard.
If a toy is falling apart, retire it. Not worth the risk.
Finding What Works for Your Dog
Think about what your specific dog enjoys. Are they a chewer? A fetcher? Do they need more mental stimulation? Most dogs benefit from a mix.
Rotate toys. Invest in quality over quantity. And pay attention to what actually engages your dog versus what just sits in the corner.
These are products we personally recommend based on years of experience raising puppies. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support what we do here at Fine and Dandy.
