Best Dog Toys For Poodles: Ratings, Reviews & Top Picks

The Poodle is an energetic and intelligent canine, cited as the 2nd most intelligent dog breed. Just after the Border Collie, if you are interested. His high doggy IQ means that he needs toys to keep himself entertained and mentally stimulated. Otherwise, he will destroy your furniture and house out of sheer boredom.

So, whether you’re here because you are about to welcome a perfect Poodle pup into your life and you want all the goodies. Or your resident pup is becoming restless, and you need to invest in some new toy challenges, you have come to the right place. Let’s look at what kinds of toys work best for these smarty pants and explore our recommendations for the five best toys around.

No two standard-sized Poodles are the same, and some prefer interactive fetch toys while others like challenging puzzles. This is why we have found a selection for the needs of every Poodle out there. So, let’s stop doodling around and get straight into the world of toys.

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Buyer’s Guide

A Poodle loves to play for hours on end, but only if you get the right toy for him. If he doesn’t like his toy, not only will he be disappointed, but he will also turn his nose up. And you’ll have to start the process again. So, it’s better to get it right the first time.

We’ll walk you through how to pick the best dog toy for your pup. This way, he’ll be entertained for hours on end, and you’ll get the best value for your money. Everyone’s a winner!

Type Of Play

As you can imagine, there are thousands of dog toys out there. But where exactly do you start? The best place is to identify what type of toy, or play, your Poodle likes. Working this out will narrow your search down and make your decision much easier and quicker.

Does he like to fetch? A ball of throw toy is your best bet. Maybe he likes to play tug of war with you or other canine siblings? If that’s the case, a tug of war toy or rope is ideal. A challenging treat-dispensing toy does the trick if he is more of a problem solver. There’s nothing more disappointing than buying Fido a toy and him turning his nose up at it. Work with what he likes, and he’ll be sure to love it.

Durability

Durability is an important consideration to make when it comes to investing in toys. Although he won’t always need a super-strength toy as a Pitbull does. They need to be good quality for them to last longer than a few minutes. However, if you have a crazy dog, you might need to invest in a toy for a heavy chewer. It all depends on your pooch.

Safety

Toys are designed to be fun, but it’s more important for them to be safe. The last thing you want is to give your Poodle a toy, then find that he has swallowed a piece of it or is choking on it. Unfortunately, this can happen, so it is vital always to keep an eye on your dog while he’s playing with a toy.

Reputable brands make high-quality toys with safety in mind, so it’s best to stick to them. Respected online pet markets, such as Chewy, have strict standards, selling only toys that meet their requirements. So, stick to trusted sellers and brands, and you can’t go far wrong.

Size

The Standard Poodle is a medium to large-sized dog, and he needs a fairly big toy to get his teeth stuck into. Some brands suggest a particular size for a certain breed. Others recommend a toy size depending on his weight. Whereas some simply state the measurements of the toy. Always make sure that the toy you buy him is bigger than his mouth and that he cannot swallow it whole.

Materials

Materials determine the durability of a toy. These curly-haired pups are active and like to play a lot. So you can be sure that the toy you buy gets lots of action. When searching for a toy, look at what materials it is made of.

The most durable materials to look for are:

Rubber

Rubber is a great material because it is durable and can take the power of a Poodle’s jaw. It also feels good on his gums, making it an excellent material for teething, as it satisfies their mouthing needs. The material can be washed easily, meaning that it increases its longevity. If you decide to go with rubber, make sure that there are no seals, as these tend to split easily. Natural rubber is toxin-free and safe.

Rope

A rope is ideal for playing tug of war. So, if this is your Poodle’s game of choice, a rope toy is your best bet. It is strong and lasts longer compared to most other materials. The rope fibers are also great for his dental hygiene and can act as floss does.

Nylon

Nylon is not as durable as rubber or rope. But, some Poodles don’t enjoy rubber or rope toys, so this option is best saved for them. Look for toys that are reinforced with stitching rather than glue to increase longevity.

Polyester & Plush

Plush toys, or toys made from polyester, are the least durable. However, if your Poodle isn’t a chewer, it isn’t much of a problem. If he is, we would advise avoiding these toys. And just like other toys, if it starts to break down, you need to replace it because the inner material can become a choking hazard.

Avoid Latex & Plastic

Toys made with latex or BPA plastic should be avoided. They can be toxic to dogs.

Best Dog Toys For Poodles

Here are six of the best dog toys for Poodles, with choices for everyone. We have only picked toys made by reputable brands that you can trust and are highly rated online by other dog owners.

Chuckit! is a well-known brand, and they have created this ball that serves several purposes. It is ideal for those dogs who like to play fetch, either on land or on water. Poodles are natural water babies, so you’re sure to get a lot of fun from this toy. It bounces super high, adding to the excitement of your Poodle. Plus, it’s durable and fantastic for heavy chewers, made from thick rubber.

It is also bright neon, meaning that Poodles who like to play in the dark can see it much better, as can their owners. This ball is also compatible with Chuckit! Ball Launchers — all you need to do is match the ball to the correct launcher size. This means extra throwing power so you can get more out of your playtime sessions.

For most Poodles, you can’t go far wrong with a ball. And as long as you can find it in the long grass, it is sure to provide you and your Poodle with years of fun.

We love that this rubber ball floats on the water, making it ideal for those Poodles who love to fetch from the water.

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This toy is popular with intelligent canines who like to problem solve. It is a soft plush tree trunk with various holes to stuff plush squirrel toys into. The toys are also squeaky, which is great for those Poodles who like to chew toys until it squeals. And because the Poodle is an ex-duck hunter, it satisfies his hunting needs too.

There are six squirrels to extract, providing stimulating, fun, and rewarding play for hours. With different sounds, shapes, and textures, no game is the same. If he happens to lose or hide the squirrels, or you think he’d like some more, you can purchase extra squirrels to add to the family.

This toy is made with polyester, so it’s not designed for heavy chewers or toy destroyers. You never know. He might even adopt one of the squirrels as his new cuddly toy.

We love that this toy offers both a puzzle and plush toy, making it ideal for those Poodles who like to problem-solve and be rewarded with a soft toy.

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This rope is made with a cotton-poly blend, meaning that it is ideal for everyday play. Ropes are not designed for heavy chewers. Instead, they are intended for chucking, fetching, and playing tug of war. It has five knots, giving both your Poodle and you a place to grab to keep a hold of it.  Keeping everyone involved safe. This could be his best date if your Poodle doesn’t like rubber or plush toys.

The rope is thick and is designed for use by large and giant dog breeds. It is 35 inches in length, so if you use it as a fetch toy, you should be able to see it in the long grass. The tugging on this toy also helps to keep his teeth cleaner. The fibers provide a floss-like action. This toy is fun for everyone and a great game to keep in his toy basket.

We love that this durable rope is ideal for those Poodles who love to play tug of war, either with their humans or other dogs. If he likes to play with other dogs, be sure to supervise them just in case they get too boisterous.

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No toy list would be complete without a Kong. Almost every dog owner has thought about getting one or has one. So, if you haven’t got one yet, it’s probably time to get one. It acts up as a treat-dispensing toy, and your Poodle can have fun for hours on end.

Simply place the treat in the middle, and watch him get it out. You can use any treat you want or treat your Poodle with Kong’s Stuff’n’Easy Bacon and Cheese filler. If you use your own treats, make sure they are big enough to stay inside  — it needs to provide him with a challenge.

It comes in various sizes, but remember what we said about getting one big enough that he can’t swallow whole. It can also serve as a fetch toy, and with its ribbed edging, it bounces all over the place. Erratic bouncing makes for endless fun for your Poodle. It is made with thick rubber, which is soothing for his teeth and gums too.

We love that this toy serves various purposes, including erratic fetch games, treat-dispensing puzzle toys, and anxiety soother.

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Nylabone is a well-known brand that specializes in chew bones and other chew toys. This chew toy is designed for power chewers with lots of strength and pent-up energy to expel, making this ideal for Poodles with lots of bite power. It lasts much longer than a standard chew toy too.

It is flavored with bacon all the way through, so you can be sure the flavor won’t run out, and it entices him to keep chewing. There are also many different flavors to choose from. The chewing keeps his teeth clean and helps to freshen his breath. It has ridges and nubs to help break down plaque on his teeth and fulfill his chewing needs.

This chew toy is made with nylon, which is a safe material. It is made in the USA, giving you peace of mind knowing that it is safe. If you aren’t satisfied with the product, you can get a replacement or refund subject to their rules.

We love that this toy is ideal for Poodles, who love to chew, giving them a chance to take it out on this toy rather than your furniture.

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This toy is designed for the clever canines who like to work for their treats. It has multiple compartments and ways to open it, meaning that he really does have to work out how to get the goodies out. Rather than just nudging it open with his tongue. Simply place the treats in the compartments, twist to lock the top into place, and watch him have hours of fun.

Made with a composite material that looks like wood, it is strong enough to withstand everyday playtime. You need to show him how to do it, and being the second most intelligent dog breed, it won’t be long until he gets the hang of it. This toy is ideal for those owners who haven’t always got a spare few hours to play. And instead, they can entertain themselves.

We love that this toy is designed for the intelligent Poodle giving him delicious playtime and mental stimulation to keep his brain cells ticking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Finding a toy that physically and mentally stimulates your Poodle isn’t all fun and games. And with so many options out there, it can be quite confusing. So, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions.

What types of toys are best for my Poodle?

This depends on what type of play your Poodle likes. Just like us humans, different dogs like different things. For new parents, invest in a few different types of toys to discover what he likes best. If you know that he is only interested in rubber toys, find him a rubber toy. For dogs that are not picky, get them a wide selection to choose from.

Are there any completely 100% indestructible dog toys available?

Unfortunately, no. There is not a dog toy in the world that is completely indestructible. If there were, it would put all the others out of business. Thankfully, the Poodle hasn’t got the strongest of jaws compared to a Pitbull or a Rottweiler. But if he is a chewer, you should look for a heavy-duty toy or one that guarantees a replacement should he break it. Choosing a toy that is a size or two bigger might help it to last longer.

Is one toy enough for my Poodle?

Poodles are the second most intelligent dog breed. This means that he might get bored with just one toy around. You should invest in two or three and rotate them throughout the week. Toys are not a luxury. They are a necessity. And remember, they will help to keep him out of trouble.

Are some materials dangerous for my Poodle?

All of the recommendations above are safe and non-toxic to dogs. And although most dog toys are safe, not all of them are. Unfortunately, high levels of chemicals have been previously found in toys sold to dogs. Always read the description, and ensure that they are made from 100% natural rubber. And toys that are latex and BPA free too.

Why do Poodles destroy their toys?

Usually, they don’t do it on purpose. They just happen to break because he uses them so much and wears them out. No toy is indestructible, but you can do a lot to make them last longer. Look for good quality toys that are made well or are heavy-duty. These toys come with a higher price tag, but they probably save you a lot of money in the long run as they are a better value for the money.

My Poodle has swallowed his toy; what do I do?

First off, you should never leave your dog unattended while playing with a toy. You want to keep a watchful eye on them to make sure they are never endangered during playtime.

But, if they do eat something they shouldn’t, the risk commonly correlates to the material and amount of the swallowed item. For example, if he ingested an entire Kong, immediately take him to the vet. If he has swallowed a tiny piece that has broken off, it is unlikely to present a major problem. But you still need to keep an eye on him. He most likely will pass it in his stool within a few days. If he shows any sign of distress or can’t breathe, see a vet promptly.

Final Thoughts

The Poodle is super intelligent and active. And just like he needs food to survive, he also needs physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. To keep him happy, invest in a few toys so that you can play with him. Or so that he can keep himself entertained for a few hours while you are busy. Remember, always focus on what type of toys and play he likes, and you can’t go far wrong.

By sticking to our recommendations above, you can feel confident that you are buying one of the best dog toys for your curly-haired cutie, and that you will be very happy with your purchase. And in return, you’ll be happy too.