Durable Dog Toys: How to Pick Toys That Last
Updated October 31, 2026
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Some dogs shred a plush toy in minutes; others carry the same toy for years. Picking a durable toy starts with how your dog plays.
Match the toy to the chewer
| Play style | Better choices | Usually skip |
|---|---|---|
| Power chewer | Thick solid rubber or nylon chew toys sized for the dog | Plush, thin vinyl, small balls |
| Tugger | Thick braided rope or rubber tug toys | Toys with glued-on parts |
| Fetcher | Rubber balls or flyers made for dogs, larger than the mouth | Tennis balls for heavy chewers (see below) |
| Gentle carrier | Plush toys with reinforced seams | Hard toys too big to carry |
What to look for
- Size: big enough that it cannot be swallowed or lodged in the throat.
- Material: solid rubber and thick nylon hold up better than hollow plastic or plush.
- Construction: one-piece toys with no squeakers, eyes or glued parts for strong chewers.
- Firmness: many vets warn that very hard items can crack teeth. A common rule of thumb is that you should be able to dent the toy with a fingernail.
More: toys for aggressive chewers, KONG toys, are tennis balls bad for dogs?
Safety
No toy is truly indestructible. Supervise play with any new toy, check toys for cracks, loose pieces or exposed stuffing, and throw out damaged toys. If your dog swallows part of a toy, or shows vomiting, straining or loss of appetite afterward, call your veterinarian.
Related guides
- Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers: What Actually Holds Up
- Interactive Dog Toys: Types, Uses and How to Pick One
- Puzzle Toys for Dogs: Difficulty Levels and How to Start
- Squeaky Dog Toys: Are They Safe and Which Kind to Get
- Tug Toys for Dogs: How to Choose and Play Safely
Potty training a puppy too? See PottyMat's guides to dog potty pads and indoor potties.