Our Top Picks
Best Plush PuzzleOutward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Squeaky Dog ToySmall (Pack of 1)5 x 7 x 7 Inches0.2 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Best Food Puzzle BallOutward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Dog Toy1 Count (Pack of 1)4.75 x 4.75 x 4.75 inches0.3 poundsCheck on Amazon
Best Gentle ChewWEST PAW Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone Chew ToySmall4.5 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches0.3 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Best Stuffing-Free PlushZippyPaws Squeakie Buddies for Small & Medium Dogs3 Piece Set5.5 x 2 x 3 inches0.2 PoundsCheck on Amazon
The best dog toys for small breeds are scaled to a small mouth, light enough to carry and chosen for how your dog plays. Our top pick is the KONG Classic in the small size: a stuffable natural rubber toy that works for chewing, treat feeding and bouncy fetch. The runner-up is the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel in small, a plush puzzle that gives a small dog something to find, pull out and carry around. Between them you cover chewing, thinking and snuggling.
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Small dogs are not just miniature big dogs. Their jaws are smaller, their teeth are more crowded and their necks are more delicate, so a toy that is fine for a Labrador can be too hard, too heavy or too large. Chewy’s animal behavior expert makes a useful point: toy breeds are scaled-down versions of larger breeds and keep the same instincts, such as chasing, shaking and digging. So a good toy for a small dog respects both the size and the instinct. This guide gives seven main picks, three extras, a weight-based size chart and a safety table covering what to avoid.
Top Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: KONG Classic (small)
- Best Plush Puzzle: Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (small)
- Best Food Puzzle Ball: Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble
- Best Gentle Chew: West Paw Zogoflex Hurley (small)
- Best Stuffing-Free Plush: ZippyPaws Squeakie Buddies
- Best Fetch Ball: Chuckit! Ultra Ball (small)
- Best Durable Plush: TUFFY Jr Pig
Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Material | Size Detail | Watch For | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Classic (small) | Chewing and treat feeding | Natural rubber | Small size | Stuffing adds calories | Budget |
| Hide-A-Squirrel (small) | Hide-and-seek and carrying | Plush with squeakers | 5 x 7 in, 3 squirrels | Listed for light chewers | Mid-range |
| Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble | Beginner food puzzle | Plastic, no BPA per listing | 4.8 in ball, holds 1 cup | Large for dogs under 10 pounds | Budget |
| West Paw Hurley (small) | Gentle chewing and fetch | Zogoflex elastomer | Small size | Not for aggressive gougers | Mid-range |
| ZippyPaws Squeakie Buddies | Cuddle and squeak | Soft plush, no stuffing | Pack of 3 for small and medium dogs | Not for destroyers | Budget |
| Chuckit! Ultra Ball (small) | Fetch | Durable rubber | 2 in, 2 pack | Supervise; do not leave out | Budget |
| TUFFY Jr Pig | Rougher plush play | Multi-layer fabric | Junior size | Higher cost; plush can still be torn | Premium |
1. KONG Classic (Small): Best Overall for Small Dogs
KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy, Natural Rubber Chew, for Small Dogs | Treat-Filling Fetch & Chew Toy with Erratic Bounce, Made from KONG Durable Natural Rubber for Extended Playtime
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Key specs
- Material: durable natural rubber
- Size: small
- Design: hollow, stuffable, with an erratic bounce
- Use: chew, treat holder and fetch
Best for: small dogs that need a safe chew and something to occupy them. Skip if: your dog is a very tiny breed under about 5 pounds, in which case the smaller KONG Puppy shapes may fit better, or a strong chewer, which calls for the Extreme line.
The KONG Classic is the toy most small-dog guides agree on. It has been recommended by Chewy, I Love My Chi and others for good reason: it gives your dog a safe, firm-but-flexible chew and a job to do. The rubber is forgiving on small teeth compared with nylon or bone, and the hollow center holds kibble, a smear of dog-safe peanut butter or a little plain wet food.
The bounce is another small-dog benefit. A KONG does not roll away in a straight line, so it stays within reach on hard floors. For a small dog that is left for a short time, a stuffed KONG is a calm activity. I Love My Chi even says a KONG is the one toy it considers safe to leave a dog with, when the size and type are chosen correctly, though it is wise to follow your own judgment and inspect it often.
Count the filling toward the daily food, since small dogs gain weight easily. Freeze it for a longer session in warm weather.
Pros: durable, dual-purpose, easy to find, easy to clean. Cons: stuffing is messy, a determined chewer may need a tougher version.
2. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (Small): Best Plush Puzzle
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Squeaky Dog Toy, Small, 5" x 7" | Hide-n-Seek Puzzle, 3 Removable Squirrels, Fetch Play, Interactive Enrichment, Boredom Buster, Light Chewers, Dogs & Puppies
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Key specs
- Size: small, 5 x 7 inches
- Design: plush log with 3 removable squeaky squirrels
- Use: hide-and-seek puzzle, fetch and carry
- Marketed for light chewers, dogs and puppies
Best for: curious small dogs that love to hunt and carry. Skip if: your dog is a heavy chewer or likes to rip out squeakers.
Hide-A-Squirrel turns a plush toy into a puzzle. The small squirrels tuck into a tree trunk and your dog works to pull them out. That tugging and nosing instinct is part of what small terrier-type breeds were bred for, so it is a natural fit. Caninebible lists it among its top picks, and with three separate squirrels it gives a small dog a steady stream of rewards.
Because the squirrels are removable, the toy has several play modes. Your dog can carry one around, you can toss one for a short fetch, or you can tuck all three inside for a quiet puzzle. The soft fabric is gentle on small mouths.
The trade-off is durability. The listing positions it for light chewers, so check the seams and the squeakers often. If one squirrel is chewed open, remove it and keep the rest in rotation. Use it while you are home.
Pros: mental stimulation, soft, multiple play styles. Cons: light chewers only, small parts can come loose.
3. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble: Best Food Puzzle Ball
Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble Dog Toy Puzzle Ball, 4.8" | Level 1 Easy, Food-Dispensing Ball, Holds 1 Cup Kibble or Treats, No BPA, Interactive Enrichment, Dogs & Puppies
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Key specs
- Size: 4.8 inches
- Level: 1 Easy
- Holds 1 cup of kibble or treats, no BPA, per the listing
- Marketed for dogs and puppies
Best for: small dogs new to food puzzles. Skip if: your dog weighs under about 10 pounds, since a 4.8 inch ball can be big for a tiny mouth, or your dog guards food.
Mental work is as useful as exercise for small dogs. One round of a puzzle can tire a high-energy small dog more than a short walk, a point made in several guides. The Treat Tumble is the easy way in: your dog pushes the ball and kibble falls out of the hole.
It is rated Level 1, which means it is designed as a beginner puzzle. Start with a handful of kibble and put the toy on a carpet so the ball does not skid. If your dog is quickly bored, move up to a harder puzzle, but this is the right first step.
Use part of a meal in the ball rather than extra treats, and wash it often. Since it is a hard plastic ball, it is a feeding toy, not a chew, so take it away if your dog starts to bite at it.
Pros: easy to use, mental stimulation, slows meals. Cons: large for tiny dogs, can be noisy on hard floors.
4. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley (Small): Best Gentle Chew
WEST PAW Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone Chew Toy – Floatable Pet Toys for Aggressive Chewers, Catch, Fetch – Bright-Colored Bones for Dogs – Recyclable, Dishwasher-Safe, Non-Toxic, Small, Granny Smith
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Key specs
- Material: Zogoflex, listed as recyclable, dishwasher-safe and non-toxic
- Size: small
- Floats in water; used for catch, fetch and chewing
Best for: small dogs that want to chew without a rock-hard toy. Skip if: your dog is a gouger that tears off pieces.
Canine Journal picks the West Paw Hurley as its top chew for small dogs, and Chewy’s expert recommends a soft Planet Dog bone for the same reason: a chew with a little give lets a small dog bite down without risking a tooth. The Hurley is firmer than plush but more flexible than nylon, so it sits in a safe middle.
It floats, which suits summer play, and it can go through the dishwasher. The bone shape is easy for a small mouth to hold, and the flexible material makes it quieter on the floor than a ball. If you have a puppy, check that the size and softness are right for its teeth.
The listing says it is meant for aggressive chewers too, but for small dogs the main benefit is the gentle bite. Retire it when it shows deep gouges.
Pros: flexible, floats, dishwasher-safe, small size available. Cons: more costly than basic chews, not for destructive dogs.
5. ZippyPaws Squeakie Buddies: Best Stuffing-Free Plush
ZippyPaws Squeakie Buddies for Small & Medium Dogs - Pack of 3 | No Stuffing Dog Toys to Keep Them Busy, Squeaky Pet Toy for Boredom, Unstuffed Chew Toy, Soft Plush Puppy Products
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Key specs
- Pack: 3 toys for small and medium dogs
- Design: no stuffing, squeaky, soft plush
- Marketed as unstuffed chew toys for boredom
Best for: cuddle-and-carry dogs and gentle shakers. Skip if: your dog tears plush apart in minutes.
Many small dogs love a soft toy to carry around and shake, and the stuffing is usually the mess and the risk. These toys have none, so there is no cotton filling to pull out and swallow. The squeaker is the one hard part to monitor. A three-pack also lets you rotate, which small dogs enjoy.
Because the toys are flat, they are light enough for a small dog to throw and catch. They also work as a travel toy since they pack easily. ZippyPaws is a brand that Canine Journal highlights for its stuffing-free plush, which is a sign that this design is proven for small-dog households.
Wash on a gentle cycle and replace any toy when the squeaker is exposed or the seams open.
Pros: no stuffing mess, three toys, soft, light. Cons: not tough, squeaker can be removed by a determined dog.
6. Chuckit! Ultra Ball (Small): Best Fetch Ball
Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Durable Rubber, Small 2-in, 2 Pack | Made from Durable Rubber with an Extra-Thick Core, This Bouncy Fetch Ball Floats in Water for Lasting Games of Fetch
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Key specs
- Size: small, 2 inches; pack of 2
- Material: durable rubber with an extra-thick core
- Floats in water
Best for: small dogs that love to chase. Skip if: your dog is a very small breed whose mouth cannot fit a 2 inch ball comfortably, or one that chews balls apart.
A ball for a small dog must be the right size: too small and it can be swallowed, too big and it cannot be picked up. The 2 inch Chuckit! Ultra Ball is made for small mouths and floats, so it works in the yard, the park and the pool. Chewy includes the Ultra Rubber Ball among its small-breed picks.
The size rule to remember is that a ball should be larger than the back of the dog’s mouth. If your dog can fit it fully in the mouth, go up a size. Always supervise fetch, and put the ball away afterwards rather than leaving it out to be chewed.
For tiny dogs under about 10 pounds, a lighter ball may be easier to carry. If your dog loves fetch indoors, a softer ball on carpet is less noisy than rubber on tile.
Pros: floats, durable, bouncy, pack of two. Cons: can be too large for tiny mouths, not for chewers.
7. TUFFY Jr Pig: Best Durable Plush
TUFFY® Jr Pig Ultra Durable Plush Dog Toy | Multiple Layers & Reinforced Seams, Washable and Floats, Original Construction
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Key specs
- Design: multiple layers and reinforced seams
- Washable and floats, per the listing
- Size: junior
Best for: small dogs that shake and tug plush toys hard. Skip if: your dog is a heavy chewer who wants to disembowel anything soft.
Small dogs can be rougher on toys than their size suggests, and a basic plush toy may not last a week. The Tuffy Jr is built with layered fabric and reinforced seams for dogs that like to shake, toss and tug soft toys. Because it is sized as a junior, it is a size small dogs can handle.
It is a step up in cost from basic plush, so it suits owners who tire of replacing toys. It is also washable, which matters because small dogs often sleep with their toys.
Durable does not mean indestructible. Check the seams, and retire the toy if the stuffing shows.
Pros: reinforced build, washable, junior size. Cons: higher cost, still plush and can be torn by a determined dog.
Also Consider
KONG Wubba (Small)
Kong Wubba Ballistic Friends Toy - Colors May Vary - Small
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Best for tug and toss with a playful small dog. It has a tail-style handle that is easy to grip. The trade-off is that tug toys can encourage rough play, so keep sessions gentle with tiny dogs.
Hartz DuraPlay Bacon Scented (Small)
Hartz DuraPlay Bacon Scented Dog Toys, Small (Assorted Color)
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Best for a low-cost, lightweight squeaky toy. It is a soft, bacon-scented latex-style toy. The trade-off is that it is lighter duty, so supervise and replace it when it cracks or splits.
Outward Hound Double-Tuff Stuffable Ball
Outward Hound Double-Tuff Stuffable Dog Toy, Medium Blue, 3.9" x 2.5" – Treat Dispensing Chew Ball for Small to Medium Dogs, Interactive Puzzle Toy for Enrichment & Slow Feeding
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Best for small to medium dogs that like a treat-dispensing chew ball. It measures 3.9 x 2.5 inches according to the listing. The trade-off is that it is firmer than plush and needs filling to hold interest.
How We Chose
These picks come from research, not from our own product trials. We compared toys recommended in independent guides including Caninebible, Chewy and I Love My Chi, plus the expert views quoted in them, and then checked each listing for size, material and any chewer-level notes. If a detail was not stated, we left it out.
The criteria were:
- Size: a version made for small dogs, not a large toy marketed to everyone.
- Softness: chews with some give; no antlers, hooves, hard bones or hard plastic chews.
- Weight: light enough for a small dog to carry and toss.
- Variety: chew, puzzle, plush, fetch and tug options so you can match play style.
- Cleaning: washable or dishwasher-safe where possible.
- Brand spread: no more than two main picks from one brand.
We did not use customer scores or review counts. Prices change, so the cards show current pricing.
Buying Guide: Choosing Toys for Small Breeds
Start with your dog’s weight
The word “small” varies by brand, so use weight bands. The table below gives a working guide, but always check the listing for the maker’s weight range.
| Dog Weight | Typical Dogs | Toy Size to Look For | Ball Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 10 pounds | Chihuahua, Yorkie, Pomeranian | Extra-small or toy size | About 1.5 inches or larger than the back of the mouth |
| 10 to 20 pounds | Pug, Cavalier, Miniature Dachshund | Small | About 2 inches |
| 20 to 30 pounds | Beagle, French Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel | Small to medium | 2 to 2.5 inches |
Choose toys by play style
Small dogs fall into a few play types. Match the toy to the type for the best result.
| Play Style | Signs | Best Toy Type | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chewer | Gnaws on everything | Soft rubber or flexible chew | KONG Classic, Hurley |
| Thinker | Follows food and sniffs | Puzzle toys | Treat Tumble, Hide-A-Squirrel |
| Cuddler | Carries a soft toy around | Plush, ideally stuffing-free | ZippyPaws, Tuffy Jr |
| Runner | Chases and retrieves | Small balls | Chuckit! Ultra Ball |
Understand what to avoid
| Toy Type | Risk for Small Dogs | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Antlers, hooves, real bones | Can crack teeth or splinter | Flexible rubber chews |
| Hard nylon or plastic chews | Too hard for small, crowded teeth | Soft rubber or elastomer |
| Oversized toys | Strain the neck and jaw | Toys labeled for your dog’s size |
| Small balls and loose parts | Choking risk | Balls bigger than the back of the mouth |
| Frayed rope and torn plush | Fibers and stuffing can be swallowed | Throw away when worn |
Add mental work, not just chewing
Small dogs often have plenty of energy and a sharp mind. A short puzzle session can tire a small dog as much as a longer walk, so mix food toys with chews and plush. Our enrichment toys for dogs home alone guide has more ideas, and the pet toys for dogs page covers general play types.
Plan for puppies and seniors
Puppies need softer, smaller toys while the adult teeth come in; our puppy toys guide covers that stage. Seniors may prefer gentle chews and lighter toys that are easy to pick up. If your dog has dental disease or is older, ask your vet which toys are best.
Keep a safe play space
Give small dogs a defined space to play, especially with balls and plush. A dog playpen keeps toys in one area and keeps your dog safe when you cannot watch closely.
Soft Toys vs. Hard Toys: Which Is Right for a Small Dog?
For most small dogs, softer is safer. A chew with a little give protects teeth that are small and often crowded. Plush toys suit carrying and cuddling, but only if the dog does not tear them open. Hard toys such as nylon bones are sometimes sold for small heavy chewers, but several experts caution against them for small mouths because of the risk of dental fractures. If you have a small dog that is also a strong chewer, start with a tough rubber toy and use the thumbnail test: if you cannot dent it with your nail, it is probably too hard. Always supervise, and ask your vet if you are unsure.
Tiny Dogs vs. Small Dogs: Why the Difference Matters
A 6-pound Chihuahua and a 25-pound Beagle are both called small, but they need different toys. Tiny dogs under about 10 pounds have very small jaws and delicate necks, so even a light toy can feel heavy. They need extra-small versions, balls around 1.5 inches or larger than the back of the mouth, and plush that is soft and easy to carry. Small dogs in the 15 to 30 pound range handle slightly bigger rubber chews and can enjoy more vigorous tug and fetch.
Shape also matters. Flat or oval toys are easier for a tiny dog to carry than a big round ball. Toys with handles, like a knotted rope, give a grip point for the mouth. Avoid anything so large that your dog has to drag it, since it will lose interest quickly.
Breed instincts to watch for
Small breeds still follow their original jobs. Terriers and Dachshunds tend to dig, shake and chase small things, so they enjoy hide-and-seek plush and tug toys. Spaniels and toy spaniels like to carry and cuddle. Companion breeds such as Shih Tzus and Pugs often prefer gentler play and soft chews. Herding-type small dogs like corgis enjoy chasing and fetch. Use these as hints, not rules; every dog has its own style.
How to introduce a new toy
Offer one new toy at a time, in a calm moment, and play with it yourself first. Add a treat or a smear of food to puzzles so your dog gets a quick reward. Keep early sessions short, around five to ten minutes, and stop while your dog is still interested. Put toys away after play, except for the safest chew, and bring them back after a few days. Small dogs can become possessive over favorite toys, so trade the toy for a treat and do not pull it from the mouth.
Cleaning and storing toys
Wash plush toys on a gentle cycle and air dry. Rinse rubber and elastomer toys with warm soapy water; dishwasher-safe toys can go through the machine. Dry everything fully before storing, because damp toys grow mold. Keep a small bin of rotation toys out of the dog’s reach so you control what is available.
When to ask your vet
See a vet if your small dog has bad breath, bleeding gums or reluctance to chew, since small breeds are prone to dental disease. Call at once if your dog swallows a toy part and shows vomiting, belly pain or loss of appetite. If your dog destroys every toy and fixates on chewing, discuss exercise, diet and behavior with your vet or a trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best toys for small dogs?
A mix works best: a soft rubber chew, a puzzle toy, a stuffing-free plush and a small ball. Match each to your dog’s weight and play style, and rotate them every few days.
What size toy should I buy for a small dog?
Choose a toy labeled for your dog’s weight. It should be light enough to carry and large enough that it cannot fit fully in the mouth or reach the back of the throat.
Are hard chew toys safe for small dogs?
Often not. Very hard chews, such as antlers, bones and hard nylon, can crack small teeth. Choose rubber or flexible chews, and ask your vet if your dog has dental problems.
How do I keep a small dog busy?
Use food puzzles, stuffed rubber toys and hide-and-seek plush. A short puzzle session can tire a small dog, and rotating toys keeps them interesting.
How often should I replace my small dog’s toys?
Check toys weekly and replace them when they are cracked, torn, missing pieces or showing stuffing or squeakers. Plush toys often wear out faster than rubber.
Can small-breed puppies use the same toys as adult small dogs?
Not always. Puppies need softer, smaller toys while their teeth develop. Use puppy-labeled toys first, then move to adult sizes.
Are squeaky toys bad for small dogs?
Not inherently, but the squeaker is a small part that can be swallowed. Supervise squeaky play and remove the toy once the squeaker is exposed. Some dogs get overexcited by squeaks, so put the toy away if it winds your dog up.
Should I leave toys out all day?
Leave out only safe, durable options that your dog does not destroy, and put away balls, plush and puzzles when you cannot watch. Rotate a few toys at a time to keep them interesting.
Which Small-Breed Dog Toy Should You Buy?
- Most small dogs: the KONG Classic in small is the safest first buy.
- Curious dogs and hunters: the Hide-A-Squirrel in small.
- Dogs that need mental work: the Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble.
- Gentle chewers: the West Paw Hurley in small.
- Cuddlers: ZippyPaws Squeakie Buddies.
- Fetch fans: the Chuckit! Ultra Ball in small.
- Rough plush players: the TUFFY Jr Pig.
Pick the right size, avoid very hard chews and inspect toys often. If your dog has dental pain, swallows toy pieces or chews destructively out of anxiety, call your vet.
Last updated: October 2026
