From Petite Divas to Power Chewers: How to Find a Toy That Matches Your Dog’s Play Style

Picking the right toy for your dog doesn’t have to be a guessing game—especially if you’ve got a sense of their breed or personality. Whether your pup is a fetch-obsessed retriever, a puzzle-solving poodle, or a bulldog who thinks moving too fast is cringe, every dog plays a little differently.

We’ve rounded up the most popular breeds (and play styles) and paired each with toys that actually fit. Because let’s be real, your maltese is too busy getting a blow out to fetch a ball.

Big Dogs, Big Energy (and Even Bigger Chew Power)

Fetch Fanatics (Retrievers and Friends)

Includes: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Australian Shepherd, Boxer, Standard Poodle These dogs were built for the fetch life. If it flies, floats, or squeaks, they’re all in. Our tough TPR freeze toys, floating toys, and durable rope games are perfect for pups who treat fetch like a competitive sport. Bonus points for squeakers that keep them coming back for more.

The Brains and the Brawn (Herding & Protection Breeds)

Includes: German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Rottweiler, Doberman These dogs need something to do. Left to their own devices, they’ll redecorate with your shoes. Load them up with heavy-duty chew toys, treat puzzles, and training-focused fetch toys. The goal? Challenge both their strength and their smarts—so they don’t use them against you.

Power Players (Pit Bulls and Other Strong-Jawed Play Machines)

Includes: American Pit Bull Terrier, Boxer, Cane Corso, American Bulldog These pups don’t mess around. If a toy can’t handle pressure, it’s not invited back. Our reinforced TPR chews, thick tug ropes, and Kong-style stuffers are made to take a beating from determined jaws. Play hard, chew harder.

Low-Energy Legends (Bulldogs and Chill Giants)

Includes: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Great Dane, Mastiff These dogs aren’t chasing anything unless it’s rolling straight toward them... very slowly. Plush toys, soft chews, lick mats, and anything snuggly are their speed. Keep it gentle, keep it close, and let them win the game of “Who Can Nap the Longest.” Because this category can also be a big bunch of slobber-pusses, we also recommend our TPR and TPE toys as they are great for when you need to ‘rinse and repeat.’

Small Breeds, Big Attitudes

Mini Geniuses

Includes: Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Papillon, Mini Schnauzer These tiny overachievers crave mental stimulation. Treat puzzles, interactive toys, and anything that requires just enough problem-solving to show off are right up their alley. Keep ‘em busy or risk being stared down during your Zoom call.

Sassy Royalty

Includes: Chihuahua, Maltese, Pomeranian, Italian Greyhound Small? Yes. Subtle? Never. These dogs love plush squeakers, lightweight chews, and toys they can carry with dramatic flair. They’re not chasing tennis balls. They’re selecting curated pieces for their toy collection.

Nap-First Players

Includes: Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Lhasa Apso, Havanese These floofs are here for a good time, not a cardio session. Soft plush toys, gentle squeakers, and cuddle-ready companions are the name of the game. Give them a cozy toy, and they’ll think about playing with it... eventually.

Pocket-Sized Tornadoes

Includes: Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Rat Terrier Built for chaos. These little spitfires love to tug, chase, and chew with full-body commitment. Grab a tough rope toy, a fast-moving fetch ball, or a bite-sized chew that gives them something to boss around.

And for Every Mutt in the Middle

Not every dog fits neatly in a category—and we love that. Whether your pup is part retriever, part terrier, or full mystery, we’ve got a toy for that. Tough chewer? Covered. Snuggle bug? Got it. Brainiac? Let’s puzzle it out. No matter the breed, size, or personality, every dog deserves a toy that feels like it was made just for them. (Because in a way, it was.)

Ready to shop? Browse our full collection of toys for every size, bite strength, and play style.