The Dachshund, the long and short wiener dog who we all know and love. As a once-popular hunting dog, this breed has plenty of energy and jaw power. If you already have a Dachshund in your life, you know by now that he needs plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy, healthy, and out of trouble. If you are about to welcome a Dachshund into your life, we’re here to tell you that toys are a sausage dog staple!
Here in this guide, we will run you through everything you need to know about the world of doxie dog toys. We’ll cover what materials to look for, and how to identify durable toys from those that are poorly made. You’ll learn all of the facts you need to make the best decision for your Dachshund pup.
You’ll also learn about each toy we’ve hand-picked for your Doxie as our favorites, including the reasoning behind why it’s a toy we’d recommend. Ready to find your beloved Doxie his favorite toy? Let’s jump in!
At a Glance: Top Toys For Dachshunds
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Best Value
KONG Squeezz Dog Toy
Popular Pick
Benebone Chew Toy
Budget Pick
Frisco Monkey Plush Toy
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Buyer’s Guide
This is the part where we’ll arm you with all the information you need on how to pick the best toy for your Dachshund. A lot more thought goes into finding the perfect toy than dog owners first think. But don’t worry, once you know what to think about, it’s relatively straightforward. So it’s important to read this section to get the most out of your toy purchase.
Type of Play
Dachshunds are beautiful both inside and out, and they are all truly unique too. And their uniqueness stretches to how they like to play. Some Doxies like to run and fetch, and others like to chew until their heart’s content. However, your pup likes to play, make sure that you get a toy that suits his playing preference. Without something that keeps his interest, he’s likely to gnaw on something like your most expensive heels or sneakers!
Ultimately, It’s a great idea for you to invest in a variety of dog toys for different play types. This way, you can have fun discovering how and what he likes to play with. Most Dachshunds are a sucker for yummy treats. So be sure to include something that allows you to leverage their food-driven nature.
Durability
One of the best toy mantras to stick by is that good toys aren’t cheap, and cheap toys aren’t good. Although a high price tag does not instantly ensure a durable toy, high-quality toys are more likely to be durable. You also need to be certain that the toys are made well, i.e., stitched and not glued, or have no seams. And the material that they are made from goes a long way to determine its durability.
The durability of a toy is also determined by how your dog plays. If your dog is gentle, a toy will last a lot longer than a dog that is determined to rip it into a million pieces. If your sausage is a powerful chewer, be sure to invest in a toy made specifically for extreme chewers.
Safety
Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when buying anything for your dog, not just dog toys. Unfortunately, some dog brands will pump out dog toys like there’s no tomorrow without any thought for how safe they are for our pups. Just because a toy is for sale does not mean it is safe.
Look at the toy, read descriptions, and look at the pictures. Does it look safe and well-made? Are the materials non-toxic? Is the brand well-known or trusted? What about the reviews? Is it highly rated and loved by other doggy moms and dads out there? Ask yourself these questions and trust your gut. And regularly inspect all your dog’s toys after playtime.
Size
The Dachshund is a low and long dog, and despite his delightfully dominating character, his mouth is relatively small. This means that he will need smaller dog toys. But not all brands size their toys accordingly, so you need to ensure that you read the product instructions to measure your dog correctly.
If the toy is too big, your Dachshund might not want to or even be able to play with it. And if it’s too small, he could swallow it. And knowing just how greedy Dachshunds are, he will probably try! As you can imagine, swallowing a toy whole can be life-threatening, which is why size really does matter. If your Dachshund is in between sizes, always choose the bigger size rather than the smaller option.
Materials
Like we mentioned earlier, durability is determined by the material that the toy is made from. But durability is not the only thing to be concerned with when it comes to materials. Materials also determine how safe a dog toy is. Unfortunately, low-quality dog brands have been known to use materials that are toxic to dogs simply because they are cheaper to use.
Rubber
Rubber is one of the most popular materials used to make dog toys. It has many advantages, including being fun to play with because of its erratic bounce. It is also long-lasting. And it is also satisfying to chew for teething puppies or anxious dogs. Rubber is also very easy to clean. Always pick a rubber that states it is non-toxic.
Nylon
Nylon is another great material, and this time it takes two forms. The first form is hard nylon, and this is the most popular. Hard nylon is safe and long-lasting compared to sticks and natural bones that many dogs love. It can also be ridged and shaped for ease of grip and for gum satisfaction. And best of all, it can be flavored with real ingredients such as bacon and peanut butter.
Rope
Rope is another common material used for dog toys. It’s long lasting, and versatile. It’s great for use in tossing games, interactive tug of war, and supervised solo chewing. The rope length provides distance between hands and doggy jaws. Rope fibers also act as a flossing agent for better dental hygiene. Only use rope toys during supervised playtime.
Polyester and Plush
Polyester and plush toys are great for Dachshunds who are gentle in their playing style or if they simply like to cuddle. These materials are very soft and aren’t suitable for heavy chewers. This type of material is cheaper, but it also breaks down quicker. Your pup should only have access to plush toys during supervised play.
Best Dog Toys for Dachshunds
Next up, we review our favorite dog toys for Dachshunds. While there are plenty of options to choose from, the toys below are sure to keep your Doxie entertained for hours. Most Dachshund owners will opt for a variety of different toys to keep their pup entertained.
These aren’t the most expensive dogs to own, with dog food, dog harnesses, and other Doxie gear being fairly reasonably priced. So providing your pup a variety of different toys is important, as you’ll want to test your pup to see which type is their favorite. Let’s take a look at our favorites, in no particular order.
Nylabone DuraChew Chew Toy
- Made for power chewers.
- Nubs and ridges keep dogs entertained.
- Ergonomic design.
- Beef flavored to hold attention.
- Helps clean teeth.
- Made of durable nylon.
- Suitable for dogs up to 25 pounds.
This toy will create healthy chewing habits, making it a great option for puppies who need to be taught what they can and can’t chew. As well as anxious dogs who need something to occupy their mind (and jaws!) with. Not only is chewing a natural instinct for a dog, but it is also fun and keeps them busy for hours. So this toy is both functional and entertaining.
This toy is made from nylon, and it is designed for tough chewers. There are four ends with a variety of ridged textures for variation and his dental hygiene. It is flavored with beef throughout, meaning the flavor will last as long as the toy does. The flavor also means that it can help with weight management, satisfying his taste buds without putting on any weight.
We love that this toy will satisfy your Dachshunds’ chewing needs. It is designed with four ends meaning that it will be easy for your short-legged sausage to grip easily as he chews.
Benebone Bacon Flavored Dog Toy
- Ergonomic design.
- Easy for dogs to grab and hold.
- Bacon flavored.
- Made with durable nylon.
- Good for dental health.
- Made in the United States.
- Supports animal welfare organizations.
Benebone’s Wishbone shaped chew toy is great for Doxies that love to chew. The ergonomic design makes it easy for a Dachshund to grab it, even with shorter legs than other breeds. It’s bacon flavored, which helps keep your pup interested for hours at a time.
It’s made from a chewable nylon material, and is canine-safe. We recommend supervised playtime with this toy, just due to the fact pieces may fall iff if your pup is a very aggressive chewer. Benebone’s Wishbonebone dog toy promotes dental health due to the durability and texture of the bone. It’s also made in the United States, which is a win for product quality.
We love that this toy is made in the United States. Benebone also donates a portion of each sale to animal welfare support organizations, so a portion of your purchase will be donated to a worthy cause.
KONG Tires Dog Toy
- Budget-friendly.
- Made with durable rubber.
- Rubber is all-natural.
- Can be filled with treats.
- Irregular bounce pattern.
- Great for chews and fetch.
- Reputable KONG brand.
For more aggressive Doxie chewers, the KONG tires dog toy will keep your pup busy for hours. This toy not only takes the shape of a tire, but mimics it with a hollow interior ring. In this area, you can place peanut butter or other treats which will keep your dog busy for hours. The sidewalls of the tire are designed to rebound upon compression, making for an interactive chewing experience.
It’s made with some of the toughest natural rubber of all KONG dog toys, so it will stand up to even the most aggressive Dachshund chewer. The rubber is made with all-natural materials, which means it’s canine-safe. The tire also has some bounce to the rubber, which means it can also act as a toy that you’ll use for a game of fetch.
We love that this toy is really a jack of all trades, without draining your bank account. The KONG brand has been synonymous with toy quality for decades, and this tire toy is no exception to their robust product line.
Kong Squeezz Dumbbell Dog Toy
- Budget-friendly.
- Durable rubber construction.
- Comes in several different colors.
- Erratic bounce patterns keep Fido occupied.
- Hidden squeakers Dachshunds will enjoy.
- Squeakers still work when punctured.
- Reputable KONG brand.
Kong is a well-known brand for making tough chew toys, and this one is no different. We have chosen this option compared to the other Kong toys because the dumbbell shape is much easier for the Dachshund to hold in his longer, narrower muzzle. This toy has a recessed squeaker, which is great for Dachshunds who love to make things squeal.
Place a long treat inside to keep his mind stimulated, enticing him to play for longer. The textured surround is great for his dental hygiene and will feel fantastic on his gums. It is made from non-toxic rubber, which can stand the most powerful of chewers. The rubber dumbbell shape also makes it a fantastic toy for throwing. It’ll bounce high and erratically, meaning no game is the same.
We love that this toy is a great option for Dachshunds who are only interested when there is food involved. Slide his favorite treats into the middle of the dumbbell and watch him play to release the treats.
Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Dog Toy
- Made from puncture-resistant material.
- Extremely durable construction.
- Great for tug-of-war and fetch.
- Retains shape even if punctured.
- Made of non-toxic materials.
- Floats, for water play.
- Great for fetch and tug-of-war.
Jolly Balls are more well known as a dog toy for bigger dogs, but they make them for smaller pups, too! This ball attached to rope toy is great for romping and rolling around, hence its name. It’s great as a tossing toy for both inside and outdoors. The rope gives you extra flinging power meaning it’ll go further compared to a normal ball. Getting the most out of his exercise. It also makes a great tug of war toy, simply hold one end and let him tug until his heart’s content.
This toy is a fantastic option for multi-pet households because the dogs can entertain themselves. And the ball keeps mouths away from mouths, or your hands if you’re playing with him. This toy is great for heavy chewers as the ball is puncture-resistant (note, not puncture-proof!). The ball also floats on water, making this a fab option for water-loving doggos out there. The rope acts as a flossing agent too. Making this a fantastic option for Dachshunds and their heightened risk of periodontal diseases.
We love that this versatile toy is favored by many dogs and their different play-type preferences. It can be a tossing ball, an interactive tug of war rope, and it can withstand tough chewers.
Frisco Squeaking Monkey Toy
- Budget-friendly.
- Great for tug-of-war and fetch.
- Soft plush fabric.
- Minimal stuffing in construction.
- Built-in rope for durability.
- Built-in squeaker.
- Not recommended for unsupervised play.
This toy is a great option as a standalone plush toy for Dachshunds who love the feel of soft, plush material on their noses and paws. But what makes this toy different is that it is well-stitched, and the rope reinforces the toy. This makes it a better option for tough little cookies like the Dachshunds. The rope also means that it can be used for gentle tug of war games. It squeaks too, which is sure to drive your pup wild.
Frisco has made this plush toy safer than other plush toys, thanks to minimal stuffing. This means it’ll become less of a choking hazard when it eventually breaks down. The outer material is a polyester and nylon blend, making it much more durable. Even after playtime is finished for the day, your sausage boy can cuddle this toy long into the night.
We love that this toy is great for those who love cuddly plush toys but always get a little bit too excited and tear soft toys to shreds. This toy is strengthened with rope, so it’ll last much longer than most!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of toys are best for my Dachshund?
All Dachshunds are unique, so ultimately this question can only be answered by you. You need to work with what your Dachshund likes. Because no matter how fun and exciting a toy looks, if it does not appeal to your pup, it's no fun at all. If you're not sure what your new puppy likes, invest in a few different toy types to work out what he goes for. Many Dachshunds go crazy for squeaky toys or treats, so this is a great place to start.
Which toys will hold up to a Dachshund's chewing habits?
While no dog toys are not designed to be indestructible, there are several that can hold up to Doxies that are more aggressive chewers. If your dog is a tough chewer, always look for a tough toy that can withstand his power. And always avoid plush toys. Stick with toys like KONGs, and other durable rubber toys that can withstand some more aggressive chewing.
Is one toy enough for my Dachshund?
No. Dog toys are a necessity for happiness and health. Without toys, a dog will become frustrated and bored, and this is when destructive and problematic behaviors start. Even if your Dachshund is only into one play type, you can make things exciting for him by mixing up shapes and flavors. You should try a variety of toys to see which one your Doxie prefers.
Are some materials dangerous for my Dachshund?
Yes, unfortunately, some materials are dangerous for dogs. And sadly, some poor-quality pet brands will use these materials because they are cheap to use. It's down to you to make sure that what you give Fido is safe. Stick to materials such as 100% natural rubber, nylon, and cotton or rope (when supervised).
Final Thoughts
The Dachshund is a spunky and curious pup. He might look like butter wouldn’t melt, but trust us, if he becomes bored, he’ll become quite devilish. To keep him out of trouble, happy, and healthy, invest in a variety of dog toys that target his play type preference. Toys are a necessity in a dog’s life, and no Dachshund should be without.
Each of our recommendations above suits the Dachshund and his many needs. They are all safe, good value for money, and most of all, highly rated for top fun and stimulation. We hope we have made the task of finding toys for your pup much easier. But most of all, we hope your weiner pooch falls in love with his new toy selection. Let the games begin!
