The Best Toys for Your Dog’s Personality

As any dog lover knows, pups have their own unique personalities. Some are funny, some are shy, some are enthusiastic, some are smart and serious, and some are athletic. You can train any dog, but with certain things, like toy preferences, it’s an uphill battle to fight nature. Fear not: No matter what kind of dog you have, there’s a toy to fit his personality.

IF YOUR DOG GETS BORED EASILY…

When a pup that requires plenty of stimulation doesn’t get it, he’s likely to become bored. And a bored dog is a dog who starts destroying things he shouldn’t. Most dogs have the instinct to keep busy, but if yours is a working breed like an Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Husky, or Boxer, to name just a few, he’ll have a big drive to learn and stay active. A puzzle toy that dispenses his food or a rubber chew toy you can stuff with treats will keep him busy longer than most games.

IF YOUR POOCH IS AN A-PLUS STUDENT…

Some dogs are just plain smart. They learn quickly, are intuitive, or are highly motivated to please their owners. Poodles, Border Collies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Papillon, Rottweilers—these are some of the dog world’s most famous brainiacs. Puzzle toys let them use their wits. There’s a wide variety, but for the true scholar, look for one that grows with the dog and increases its difficulty level. As Coco solves the puzzle faster and faster, set the toy to the next level to make it more challenging.

IF FIDO IS A JOCK…

Weimaraners, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Jack Russell Terriers, and many other breeds love nothing more than a good workout. Their best accessory, of course, is an active owner who can take them running, hiking, or on endless walks. Also useful: a ball plus a device designed to let you fling it further than you could throw it, a flying disc, or a rope toy that lets your canine strengthen and tire while they play.

IF YOUR DOG PREFERS TO CHILL…

Lucky you! Your sidekick likes to snuggle up next to you and relax. Almost any toy is good for this type of chill dog. But a plush toy can quickly become a favorite and offer comfort (hence adorable photos of dogs “hugging” their stuffed pals). Just make sure your pal doesn’t turn into a couch potato. You might want to push him with a puzzle toy or a game of fetch to keep his mind and body active.

IF YOUR BEST FRIEND IS A HUNTER…

You know the type: Endless stamina, laser-like focus, high energy, and a keen sense of smell. Hunting dogs, such as Beagles, hounds, retrievers and pointers, share many traits with athletic dogs, so any activity like fetch that lets them bring an object back to you while tiring them out is great. Another activity that could keep them busy for hours: finding a “hidden” treat or favorite soft toy around the house or yard, which lets them literally sniff out their reward. If the toy is plush, don’t expect it to stay intact for long. A good hunting dog will tear out the stuffing in search of the squeaker. The destruction is part of the fun!

IF YOUR DOG IS OBSESSIVE…

Got a pup who destroys plush toys in seconds? Maybe she’s a hunter, as described above. Maybe she’s a rescue who tends to be anxious. Maybe she’s obsessive. Maybe she’s a pit bull with a strong jaw and a need to chew. If any (or all!) of these sound like your pup, a chew toy as hardy as she is can be a great option. Consider a strong rubber toy, whether one that holds treats or a simple, large ball (so she can’t accidentally swallow it). Another option is just to let your dog have her fun and tear through the occasional toy.

IF YOUR DOG IS SMALL BUT MIGHTY…

Most dog toys come in various sizes to fit the needs of pooches large and small. Sometimes though, the smallest rope is still too big. Look for toys specifically designed for little guys, such as a pull toy with a loop for you to hold and a piece of soft, durable material on the other end for Spot to bite and tug. “Tennis balls” are also designed in smaller sizes for pint-sized pups, as are flying discs, which can be made from nylon fabric to make them extra light—perfect for your tiny terror, er, terrier.

Have a dog that loves nothing more than destroying toys? BARK's Destroyers Club toys are designed to maximize the joy of destruction, and each time your pup destroys a toy you earn points to unlock rewards like credit to barkshop.com and free bonus toys, made special for destroyers.