Top Dog Toys by Breed & Size: Fun for All Pups

Welcome to the ultimate toy-tastic adventure for your furry best friend! At Sowley for Pets, we know your dog isn’t just a pet—they’re family, complete with their own quirks, zoomies, and chew-tastic preferences.

Choosing the right toy for your dog can feel like picking the perfect Netflix series: overwhelming, with endless options, and you really don’t want to get it wrong. That’s why we’ve crafted this vibrant, breed-and-size-specific guide to the best dog toys, packed with humor, heart, and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun.

Whether you’ve got a pint-sized Chihuahua with Napoleon-level confidence or a Great Dane who thinks they’re a lap dog, we’ve got you covered. This listicle is your go-to for toys that match your dog’s personality, energy, and chewing style. Let’s dive into the fetch-tacular world of dog toys, with picks from our curated collection at Sowley for Pets to keep your pup entertained and you stress-free.

Why Breed and Size Matter for Dog Toys

Before we unleash the toy recommendations, let’s talk about why breed and size are the VIPs of toy selection. A toy that sends a Border Collie into a happy frenzy might bore a Bulldog to snores. And a toy built for a Yorkie’s tiny jaws? It’s basically a light snack for a Mastiff. Here’s the deal:

• Energy Levels: High-energy breeds like Australian Shepherds need toys that keep their brains and bodies busy, while laid-back Pugs might prefer something to snuggle or lightly gnaw.
• Chew Strength: Power chewers like Pit Bulls need indestructible toys, while delicate nibblers like Shih Tzus can handle softer options.
• Size Safety: Toys too small can be a choking hazard for big dogs, while oversized toys frustrate smaller pups who can’t get a grip.
• Breed Quirks: Retrievers love fetching, Terriers dig and destroy, and Hounds might need scent-driven toys to satisfy their sniffy instincts.

With that in mind, we’ve organized this guide by size (small, medium, large) and sprinkled in breed-specific tips to help you find the perfect match. Ready to make your dog’s day? Let’s get to the good stuff!

Small Dogs (Under 20 lbs): Tiny Terrors, Big Personalities

Small dogs like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers may be pocket-sized, but their attitudes are anything but. These pint-sized pals need toys that match their spunk without overwhelming their little jaws. Here are our top picks from Sowley’s toy collection:

1. Plush Squeaky Toy for Snuggly Shredders

• Best for: Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles
• Why it rocks: These little divas love a toy they can carry, shake, and squeak to their heart’s content. Our plush squeaky toys are soft yet durable, perfect for a Chihuahua who thinks they’re the king of the couch. The squeaker keeps them engaged, and the size is just right for tiny mouths.
• Pro tip: If your Pom is a shredder, supervise playtime to keep the fluff from becoming a snowstorm. Pair with a cozy pet bed for post-play snuggles.
• Sowley pick: Check out our Squeaky Squirrel Plush—its goofy grin and crinkly tail are irresistible!

2. Mini Rope Toy for Tug-Loving Terriers

• Best for: Jack Russell Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds
• Why it rocks: Terriers are tenacious, and a mini rope toy satisfies their need to tug, chew, and conquer. These ropes are small enough for little jaws but tough enough for a feisty tug-of-war session. Plus, they help clean teeth—take that, doggy breath!
• Pro tip: Daxie owners, try short, supervised tug sessions to avoid over-exciting your wiener dog’s hunting instincts.
• Sowley pick: Our Mini Braided Rope is a fan favorite, available in bright colors that won’t get lost under the couch.

3. Puzzle Ball for Brainy Breeds

• Best for: Shih Tzus, Maltese, Papillons
• Why it rocks: Small dogs with big brains need mental stimulation. A puzzle ball with treat-dispensing holes keeps these clever pups entertained as they roll, paw, and sniff their way to snack time. It’s like Sudoku for dogs, minus the pencil.
• Pro tip: Start with easy treats to build confidence, then level up to trickier kibble. Check out our grooming essentials to keep your pup looking sharp while they solve puzzles.
• Sowley pick: The Tiny Treat Ball is lightweight and durable, perfect for small paws.

Medium Dogs (20–50 lbs): The Goldilocks of Playtime

Medium dogs like Beagles, Corgis, and French Bulldogs are the “just right” crew—versatile, energetic, and ready for action. They need toys that balance durability with fun, keeping their tails wagging without breaking the bank (or the toy). Here’s what we’ve got for them:

1. Rubber Chew Toy for Relentless Gnawers

• Best for: French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boston Terriers
• Why it rocks: These short-snouted champs love to chew, and a rubber toy can handle their jaw power without crumbling. Our rubber chews are bouncy, squeaky, and tough, making them perfect for a Bulldog’s “I’m not done yet” attitude.
• Pro tip: Freeze the toy with a smear of peanut butter for a cooling, long-lasting treat on hot days. Pair with a travel water bottle for hydration on the go.
• Sowley pick: The Bouncy Bone Rubber Chew is a hit for its erratic bounce and satisfying squeak.

2. Fetch Ball for Retrieval Royalty

• Best for: Beagles, Corgis, Shetland Sheepdogs
• Why it rocks: Medium dogs with herding or hunting instincts (looking at you, Beagles) live for a good fetch session. A durable fetch ball with a grippy texture is perfect for chasing, catching, and carrying back with pride. Bonus: It floats for poolside play!
• Pro tip: Corgi parents, keep sessions short to protect those stubby legs from overexertion.
• Sowley pick: Our Grippy Fetch Ball comes in neon colors for easy spotting in tall grass.

3. Interactive Tug Toy for Social Butterflies

• Best for: Australian Cattle Dogs, Border Collies, Shiba Inus
• Why it rocks: These high-energy breeds thrive on interaction, and a tug toy with handles lets you join the fun without losing a finger. It’s a great way to bond and burn off that “I just saw a squirrel” energy.
• Pro tip: Use tug as a reward during training to channel their smarts. Explore our safety gear for secure walks after playtime.
• Sowley pick: The Dual-Handle Tug Rope is sturdy and comfy for both you and your pup.

Large Dogs (50+ lbs): Big Paws, Bigger Play

Large dogs like Labradors, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers bring the muscle and the mischief. Their toys need to be tough as nails, sized for big mouths, and ready for serious play. Here’s our lineup for the big leagues:

1. Indestructible Chew Toy for Power Chompers

• Best for: Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Mastiffs
• Why it rocks: These heavy-duty chewers need toys that laugh in the face of destruction. Our indestructible chews are made from ultra-tough materials, designed to withstand even the most determined jaws. They’re like the superhero of dog toys—unbreakable and always ready for action.
• Pro tip: Rotate toys weekly to keep your Rottie engaged. Check out our hygiene products to keep their chompers clean.
• Sowley pick: The MegaTough Chew Block is a beast, built for marathon chew sessions.

2. Jumbo Rope Toy for Tug Titans

• Best for: German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Boxers
• Why it rocks: Big dogs love a good tug-of-war, and a jumbo rope toy gives them something to sink their teeth into. It’s great for building strength, bonding, and keeping those pearly whites clean.
• Pro tip: Goldens love carrying ropes around like trophies—let them parade! Pair with a feeder to slow down their post-play gobbling.
• Sowley pick: Our Jumbo Braided Rope is thick, colorful, and ready for epic battles.

3. Scented Puzzle Toy for Sniffy Superstars

• Best for: Bloodhounds, Labradors, Saint Bernards
• Why it rocks: Big dogs with big noses (hello, Bloodhounds!) go wild for scent-driven toys. A puzzle toy with hidden compartments for treats taps into their sniffing instincts, keeping them mentally stimulated and out of the trash can.
• Pro tip: Use low-calorie treats to avoid overfeeding your gentle giant. Browse our travel gear for road trips with your sniffy pal.
• Sowley pick: The ScentSeeker Puzzle Cube is a nose-work dream for large breeds.

Bonus Tips for Toy Success

You’ve got the toys, now let’s make sure they last longer than your dog’s attention span at a squirrel convention. Here’s how to maximize fun and safety:

• Rotate Toys: Swap toys every few days to keep things fresh. It’s like giving your dog a new season of their favorite show.
• Supervise Play: Especially with power chewers or shredders, keep an eye out to prevent swallowing bits or breaking toys.
• Match Energy to Toy: High-energy breeds need interactive or puzzle toys, while chill pups might love plush or snuggly options.
• Clean Toys Regularly: Use mild soap and water to keep toys germ-free. Our hygiene collection has pet-safe cleaners for easy maintenance.
• Size Check: Always double-check toy size against your dog’s mouth and weight to avoid choking or frustration.

Why Shop Sowley for Pets?

At Sowley for Pets, we’re not just about selling pet products—we’re about celebrating the chaos, joy, and unconditional love that comes with being a pet parent. Our toys are handpicked for durability, safety, and fun, designed to make your dog’s tail wag and your life easier. From feeders that slow down speed-eaters to travel gear for road-trip-ready pups, we’ve got everything you need to treat your pet like the family member they are.

Ready to find the perfect toy for your furry VIP? Browse our toy collection and watch your dog light up like they just spotted a squirrel. Got a question or need a recommendation? Drop us a line—we’re here to help you and your pup live your best lives together.

Let’s Get That Tail Wagging!

Choosing the right toy is like finding the perfect playlist for your dog’s personality—when it’s right, the vibes are chef’s kiss. Whether your pup is a tiny terror, a medium mischief-maker, or a large-and-in-charge legend, our breed-and-size-specific guide has you covered. 

What’s your dog’s favorite toy? Share in the comments below, and let’s swap stories about the toys our pups can’t resist! Happy playing, pet parents!