8 Best Dog Toys for Australian Shepherds in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Getting a new dog is exciting for you and your dog. Most dogs, including Australian Shepherds, get tired of their old toys and require new ones to spark their interest. Pet parents search high and low to find the best toys for their dogs, and reviews are a great way to determine if a toy is suitable for your dog.

Australian Shepherds have a lot of energy and need durable toys that can withstand their abuse. You may be unsure which toys are ideal for your Australian Shepherd, but we’ll discuss eight excellent products to help you decide.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Chuckit Ultra Rubber Ball	Rubber balls are durable even if chewed The arm can be used for hands-free throwing and retrieving	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope	Great toy for dogs who want to play with their owners directly The rope is durable enough to withstand chewing and tugging	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Kong Dog Ring	Big toy can’t be accidentally swallowed Durable rubber won’t break or rip when chewed	CHECK PRICE
Best for Puppies		Kong Classic	Durable Treats or peanut butter can be inserted into the cavity	CHECK PRICE
		Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone	Bacon flavoring is made with real bacon Flavoring is infused through the whole toy to prevent it from fading	CHECK PRICE

The 8 Best Dog Toys for Australian Shepherds

1. Chuckit Ultra Rubber Ball – Best Overall

Our choice for the best overall dog toy for Australian Shepherds is the Chuckit Ultra Rubber Ball. It’s made of durable, pet-safe rubber and can withstand the chase and retrieve cycle for months! This set includes the plastic Chuckit arm that dog parents can use to retrieve the slobbery ball without touching it.

Throwing the ball with the Chuckit arm can launch it three times further than with the bare hand, extending the fetch cycle and providing your dog with much-needed exercise!

2. Mammoth Cottonblend 3 Knot Dog Rope – Best Value

The best toy for Australian Shepherds for the money is the Mammoth Cotton Blend 3 Knot Dog Rope. The toy has three knots that you and your dog can use to control the rope while you battle for dominance.

This is the perfect toy for a dog who likes to play tug-of-war. The thick rope is made of pet-safe cotton and can withstand chewing and tugging as you and your dog play.

3. Kong Dog Ring – Premium Choice

Kong’s Dog Ring is the perfect toy for a dog who can’t stop chewing up your shoes, and that’s why it’s our choice for the best premium dog toy for Australian Shepherds. It’s essentially a teething ring for dogs that they can use whether their teeth are still growing or they love to chew on things.

The Kong Dog Ring comes in three sizes based on your dog’s mouth size. It’s made of durable rubber that can withstand being treated roughly and is big enough that your dog won’t be able to swallow it. It won’t break or splinter if your dog goes to town chewing, which is excellent for pet parents who need to keep their chewers busy without watching over them constantly.

4. Kong Classic – Best for Puppies

The Kong Classic is a popular toy for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Our favorite feature is the pocket, which you can insert a treat stick into or fill with peanut butter to give your dog a treat while they play.

The Kong Classic comes in six sizes, so you can find one that’s perfect for your dog, regardless of size. It’s a fantastic toy for dogs of all ages and sizes, and because of its shape, it can grow up with your dog.

Like other Kong products, it’s made of durable, pet-safe rubber that withstands even the harshest chewers!

5. Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone

Benebone’s Bacon Flavor Wishbone is an excellent option for Aussies who don’t chew too roughly but still like to chew. The bacon flavoring of the bone is made with real bacon! Unlike most flavored toys, the flavoring isn’t a light coat of residue but an infused ingredient that keeps your dog occupied and helps stimulate their appetite.

You’ll want to monitor your dog when they’re playing with this toy since it’s made of nylon and could rip if the dog is too rough with it.

6. PetZone IQ Treat Dispenser Ball

PetZone’s IQ Treat Dispenser is a puzzle that mentally stimulates your dog. The ball is filled with treats that fall out of the holes as your dog rolls it around, giving them a tasty reward for moving the ball correctly.

This is an excellent toy for food-motivated dogs who could use a little exercise. Instead of treats, they can be filled with dry food and act as an interactive puzzle feeder. It’s a great way to get your dog moving!

7. Kong Classic Goodie Bone

The Kong Classic Goodie Bone is an excellent choice for pet parents who have chewers and don’t want to monitor them constantly. It’s nice and big, so they can’t swallow it whole, and it’s made of pet-safe rubber and very durable.

Unfortunately, it has no real accouterments that are common in pet toys nowadays. So, it might be hard to justify shelling out for something that might seem bare bones (haha!) on the surface.

8. Kong Floppy Knots

Kong Floppy Knots is an excellent choice for pet parents with Aussies who don’t chew too roughly. Floppy Knots features an internal rope toy that your dog can chew on. The knotted rope toy is covered with an adorable plush toy with squeakers and various textures to keep your dog engaged.

Unfortunately, as many dog parents learn quickly, noisy toys can be the most aggravating items you’ve ever brought into your home. So, if you have a low tolerance for noise, pass on this one.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Australian Shepherd Dog Toy

One of the most important and fun parts of dog ownership is playtime. When buying toys for your dog, you want to consider several factors. First, consider your dog’s favorite playtime style. Secondly, you want to feel the size and material of the purchased toy. Lastly, the toys must suit your dog’s size and age. For instance, puppy toys are much smaller and unsuitable for adult canines.

Playtime Style

Your Aussie’s playtime style will significantly affect the toys you buy. There are three main types of dog toys: chewing, interactive, and fetching. You’ll be able to figure out which toy your puppy likes immediately because it will hold their attention.

Chewing

Chewing is a natural urge for dogs. While you may not want them to chew everything, you shouldn’t discourage them from chewing appropriate items. Chewing relieves anxiety, eases teeth pain during growth, and is fun. If your dog likes to chew on objects, you need a sturdier toy that can withstand chewing.

Interactive

Interactive toys can entertain Aussies when they’re alone. However, some dogs prefer interacting directly with their owners in games like tug-of-war or patch. Creative puzzles that dispense treats are a great way to keep your dog’s mind stimulated.

Fetching

Some dogs like to fetch objects and bring them back to their owners, and several toys are available that you can throw for them to retrieve. The best toys for fetching are ones that bounce. You’ll want a toy with regular bounce patterns so your dog doesn’t get bored because they know where the ball will bounce.

Toy Material

Dogs that enjoy chewing will often destroy soft toys, so you can buy a more durable toy that can withstand the pressure. However, soft toys might be better for gentle dogs because they can provide different types of stimulation.

Rubber

Dog-safe rubber is one of the most durable materials for toys. Rubber compresses well when bitten and will not shatter or break when thrown or tossed around. Many chew toys are made of dog-safe rubber because it’s highly durable and bounces when your dog throws them around.

Rope

Rope is another very durable material. Most rope toys are made using ship rope designed to withstand the pressure of an anchored ship. Rope toys are mainly used for interactive toys where you and your dog will play tug-of-war. However, they can also be used as chew toys since your dog can chew them freely.

Nylon

Nylon is another durable material that pet parents will find in toys. It is similar to rubber but unsuitable for strong chewers who might rip and splinter the material. It’s a popular choice for dog toys because it’s economical to use, but you should monitor your dog when they’re playing with a nylon toy if they rip it.

Polyester and Plush

Polyester and plush are among the least durable dog toy materials. Heavy chewers will destroy these toys in minutes. However, they are gentle on the mouth. So, dogs with delicate teeth may only be able to use the soft toys.

Toy Size

You’ll also want to consider the size of the toy when purchasing it. A toy should always be larger than your dog’s mouth, which allows your dog to chew on it without swallowing it whole. However, you don’t want the toy to be too much bigger than the dog’s mouth. Otherwise, they won’t be able to play with it.

If your dog is still growing, you may need to buy larger toys soon. While it may be tempting to buy them a toy they can grow into, you want to ensure that it isn’t too big for them to use now.

Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs and require medium-sized toys. Use your best judgment when it comes to the size of your dog’s toys.

• See Also: 7 Best Shampoo for Australian Shepherds: Reviews & Top Picks

How We Determined This List of Best Dog Toys for Australian Shepherds

All the best dog toys reviewed in this article were chosen by our writers, editors, and team of experienced veterinary professionals to ensure that they are safe and meet the care needs of your pet. When choosing which dog toys to feature, we took into account brand reputation, personal and hands-on experience, reviews from other customers, and of course, feedback from our beloved pets, to make sure to bring you only the best of the best. We at PangoVet want to give you only the best products to choose from in our reviews, to ensure that they meet your pets’ needs for optimal health and well-being.

Why Trust PangoVet?

We are a team of experienced veterinarians, writers, and editors who are pet owners ourselves, so we understand how important your pets and the products they use and consume are to you. Whether you are caring for a furry, scaly, or feathered friend, we make sure that you have honest and unbiased reviews of the top dog toys on the market, so you can make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Dog toys are an essential and fun part of owning a dog! Keeping your dog happy and busy will keep them from becoming destructive out of boredom. Our choice for the best overall dog toy for Australian Shepherds is the Chuckit!. Mammoth’s 3 Knot Dog Rope is an excellent option for pet parents on a budget. Pet parents who want to spend a little extra will love our choice for the best premium dog toys for Australian Shepherds, the Kong Dog Ring.

Featured Image Credit: Christian Mueller, Shutterstock