🦴 Updated on July 12th, 2023
Since Australian Shepherds are a high-maintenance herding breed that needs plenty of physical activity every day, they’ll need plenty of toys to redirect pent up energy.
If you’re short on time, our top pick for the best Australian Shepherd toy is the MJJYPET Dog Toy Pack. Although each of our options has plenty of qualities to enhance playtime with your dog, this Aussie dog toy set is made with durable fabric and is ideal for medium-sized breeds.
Best Toys for Australian Shepherds Reviewed
We compiled this extensive review and guide to help you narrow your top options for the best Australian Shepherd toy. So, let’s proceed and look at what each one offers.
MJJYPET Dog Toy Pack – Best Overall
First, we’ll discuss our best overall Australian Shepherd toy pic, the MJJYPET Dog Toy Pack. These chew toys are ideal for small and medium-sized dog breeds of any age, making them excellent tools for training an Aussie puppy to not chew on your furniture or belongings.
Although these Australian Shepherd toys aren’t indestructible, most of them are suitable for dogs who aren’t heavy chewers.
This package has six toys, categorized into three types: three rope toys, two plush squeaky toys, and one non-stuffed squeaky toy. Each toy is made with non-toxic, thick fabric to ensure long-lasting and safe play sessions.
The pack’s squeaky toys are ideal playtime options for dogs who love toys that make noises. However, you should consider supervising your Aussie when playing with these toys to keep them from ripping out the squeaker and swallowing it. Sometimes, their squeakers are defective, so storing them when they’re not in use should make them last longer.
As far as durability goes, the rope toys in this pack are most likely the ones that will last the longest. The rope ball is excellent for fetch or teething, while the rope is great for you Aussie to play tug-o-war with you or another dog.
Pros:
- Ideal for small and medium-sized dog breeds
- Made with durable, non-toxic materials
- Creative rope and chew toy shapes
- Suitable for teeth cleaning and teething
- Perfect for a dog training
Cons:
- The squeakers might not work
- Rope pull toy’s string tassels can be swallowed
Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy – Best Flavored Toy Option
If you’re looking for an Australian Shepherd toy that appeals to your dog’s taste buds, the Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy is your best option. This curved chew toy offers authentic flavors in every nibble. It’s available in three flavors: bacon, chicken, and peanut butter.
The toy's curved shape makes it easier for your dogs to grip, regardless of what end they start to chew.
It’s also available in several sizes, but the large model is ideal for Australian Shepherds who weigh over 60 pounds. If you decide on getting one for a smaller, younger Aussie, you can size up for a large model or try a medium-sized chew toy.
Although the Benebone Wishbone comes in several tasty flavors, they aren’t meant for consumption. However, they can last several weeks, usually up to a month, before they need to get replaced. If it starts chipping, be sure to take it away from your dog to prevent damage to their mouth or throat.
The toy’s durability might be too strong for lighter chewers and can cause tooth damage if they chew it hard too often. Like any toy, we recommend supervising your dog while chewing this toy, even if they’re in the same room as you.
Pros:
- Available in four sizes
- Highly durable
- Convenient curved shape
- Available in bacon, chicken, and peanut flavors
Cons:
- Prone to chipping
- It can damage teeth
West Paw Zogoflex – Best Puzzle Toy for Aggressive Chewers
If you prefer surprising your dog with an interactive chew toy, one of the best toys for Australian Shepherd owners should consider adding to their collection is the West Paw Zogoflex Puzzle.
It’s an excellent option for aggressive chewers and doesn’t contain harmful BPA or latex.
If you want to challenge your dog's skills when giving them dry food or treats, this toy is the perfect way to stimulate them if they have some excess energy after a walk or playing in the yard.
You can use this toy as a slow feeder too if your Aussie has a habit of eating their food too fast.
The larger model is ideal for your Aussie’s size, but you can interlock a smaller model to test your dog’s skills and mix and match its colors. While this toy might be more expensive than other treat puzzles, especially when you purchase both sizes, it’s durable and great for a game of fetch when it’s empty.
In addition, this toy is easy to clean, doesn’t give off any foul odors, and is dishwasher safe. If your Aussie loves playing near water, they’ll enjoy playing with this toy since it can float.
Pros:
- Interlocking design
- Made with non-toxic, recyclable materials
- Dishwasher safe
- Floats in water
Cons:
- A bit expensive
KONG Classic Natural Rubber Chew Toy – Best for Your Budget
If you’re looking for an affordable yet effective Australian Shepherd Toy, the KONG Classic Natural Rubber Chew Toy can provide your pup plenty of entertainment throughout the day.
Kong's round shape makes it easy for your dog to catch and carry it around if you use it for a game of fetch.
The Classic Natural Rubber model is ideal for moderate chewers and medium-sized breeds, but we recommend sizing up to a larger size as your Australian Shepherd grows. Besides, you don’t want your dog to play with a smaller chew toy they can swallow or bite off a chunk of it.
This KONG chew toy works great with kibble or your Aussie’s favorite treats. But, if you’re interested in keeping your dog stimulated and giving them a tasty challenge, consider mixing those treats with dog-friendly peanut butter and freezing it for a few hours.
Then, clean it out after your dog reaches the treats or the toy thaws out to prevent the food from getting stuck and moldy. Although cleaning the inside can be challenging for some owners, you can sanitize its outer surface easily with hot water and soap or place it in a dishwasher to save some time.
Pros:
- Made with durable, bouncy rubber
- Dishwasher safe
- Ideal for freezing
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- The food can get stuck inside of it
- Not ideal for aggressive chewers
CPYOSN Octopus Dog Toys – Best Plush Toy Option
Attentive Australian Shepherds will love the sound of the CPYOSN Octopus Dog Toy. This colorful toy has a squeaker in its head and crinkle paper inside its eight tentacles.
These sounds let your Aussie satisfy their canine hunting instinct whenever they toss the toy around. This toy is ideal for small and medium breeds, especially when they’re young.
Since this toy lacks stuffing, you can expect it to last longer than plush toys with stuffing.
Durability-wise, it’s pretty strong, but it’s not recommended for dogs with powerful chewing habits.
Thankfully, it doesn’t contain any stuffing that your dog can swallow, so you don’t have to worry about blockage whenever you supervise your dog when they’re playing. However, consider tossing away the crinkle paper if your Aussie manages to rip it out.
We were positively surprised by its lightweight design. However, the octopus’ durability can vary, so monitor your dog if they try biting or digging for the toy’s squeaker or start tearing off the tentacles.
This Aussie dog toy is easy to clean if your dog throws it into mud or their food. We consider it one of the best machine washable options because of its scent-free properties and soft material surface.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- It doesn’t contain stuffing
- Squeaker in its head
- Lightweight
- Crinkle paper in its tentacles
Cons:
- Not ideal for aggressive chewers
- Fabric quality can vary
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl – Best for Fast Eaters
The Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl is an excellent option to make any Australian Shepherd’s meal fun. Its unique, narrow swirl-shaped edges encourage slower eating habits for your Aussie. It’s also an effective tool for preventing overeating, bloat, and regurgitation.
It’s made with BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free materials to ensure safe eating for your dog. In addition, it’s easy to clean and safe for top rack dishwashers.
This bowl comes in several sizes and maze patterns to challenge your hungry pup. We recommend putting it in a safe place when your dog's done eating so they don't chew the plastic edges.
Consider your dog’s size when choosing an ideal bowl size since the grooves might be too deep for some dogs to reach their food. The standard large bowl can hold up to four cups of dry food, but also works great with raw and wet food, making it a must-have option for the pickiest puppies.
Your dog can enjoy their meal without making a mess because of the bowl’s convenient non-slip base to keep the bowl in place if they have a habit of dragging their bowl around while eating every morsel of food you serve them.
Pros:
- Encourages slower eating habits and prevents overeating
- Dishwasher safe
- Available in several sizes, colors, and maze patterns
- You can use it with raw, wet, and dry dog food
Cons:
- The grooves might be too deep for some dogs
- Plastic isn’t ideal for chewing
Jolly Pets Rope and Ball – Most Versatile Dog Toy Option
Does your Australian Shepherd love to play outside? If so, the Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope and Ball Dog Toy is one of the best toys for Australian Shepherd owners to consider getting.
Their large, eight-inch model is ideal for Aussies and other large dog breeds. Its ball and rope design make it the perfect tool for tugging and fetching.
The ball doesn't deflate if your dog manages to puncture it after an extended period of chewing.
Like several of our other options on our list of the best toys for Australian Shepherds, the Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll is made with durable, non-toxic materials to ensure enhanced safety during playtime.
The easy-grip rope runs through the ball and is great for playing tug-o-war. However, the rope might become undone if it gets too damaged, so it would be wise to check it often to ensure it doesn’t detach. In addition, the toy can float in water, making it ideal for playing near the pool or by the lake, even if it gets punctured.
This sturdy ball is easy to clean with a simple soap and water rinse. We recommend testing out all of this toy’s features to create the perfect play style for your Aussie pup.
Pros:
- Ball won’t deflate if punctured
- Floats in water
- Made with durable, non-toxic materials
Cons:
- The rope is prone to becoming undone
- It isn’t bouncy
MLCINI 14-Piece Dog Toy Set – Best Rope Toy Option
Another Australian Shepherd toy pack that we recommend for anyone who prefers variety is the MLCINI 14-Piece Dog Toy Set. It comes with a wide selection of squeaky, rope, ball, and chew toys for breeds of any size.
However, this pack is ideal for anyone looking for quality rope toys. These ropes are thick and extra-large, perfect for larger breeds and heavy chewers. Each rope’s threads are ideal for relaxing your dog’s gums and removing plaque and tartar over time.
The beef-flavored nylon bone is another excellent way to strengthen your pup's teeth and promote healthy chewing habits.
Although the plush duck isn’t the most durable item in this pack, its soft exterior, vibrant color, and loud squeaker can keep gentle chewers preoccupied throughout the day. Just be sure to look for tears after intense play sessions.
Additionally, if your Aussie loves fetch, this package comes with a bouncy rubber ball and a latex squeaky ball. Like the other toys in this set, we recommend supervising your dog when playing with these toys.
The rubber ball might be a bit small for your Aussie’s mouth, so it might be wise to use the larger latex ball when playing at the park or near the water.
Pros:
- The rope toys are thick and durable
- Made with natural cotton fiber, latex, rubber, and nylon
- Nylon bone is ideal for aggressive chewers
Cons:
- The squeaky rubber ball is unsuitable for large and medium breeds
ChuckIt! Ball Launcher – Best Ergonomic Design
If you’re looking for a toy to spice up your game of fetch with your Australian Shepherd, consider getting the ChuckIt! Ball Launcher. Since Aussies are an extremely active breed, this tool can let you toss the ball at higher speeds and farther distances than your arm alone.
The medium, 26-inch model is their longest size and offers an impressive throwing range when swung at full throttle. It might be though more challenging to store and carry because of its size.
Besides being compatible with ChuckIt! balls, this toy also works with standard-sized tennis balls.
Thankfully, it comes in smaller lengths, including a 25-inch foldable model you can store in your pocket or backpack.
Its cupped plastic end has an excellent gripping ability, allowing you to grab the ball without worrying about getting dirt and drool on your hands. This feature is great for owners who have trouble bending over to pick up balls.
Because of its length and throwing range, we consider this one of the best Australian Shepherd toys for outdoor play sessions. You shouldn’t use it within indoor spaces or fling it directly at anybody in your way. In addition, the launcher is sturdy and easy to use.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle grip
- Available in large, medium, and small sizes
- Some launcher models are foldable
Cons:
- The ball’s durability can vary
- Longer models are more difficult to carry and store
OurPets Waffle Interactive Puzzle Game – Best Creative Design
OurPets Waffle Interactive Puzzle Game is an excellent toy to help your Australian Shepherd enhance their cognitive abilities. You can also use it as a slow feeder for dogs who eat their dry food too quickly.
This model has an appealing waffle design. It has several compartments for placing your Aussie’s favorite treats, and after rotating the top waffle to place the treats, your dog will need to rotate the top layer’s syrup cover to reach them.
In addition to being easy to carry and store, the OurPets Waffle Puzzle is easy to clean. Since it isn’t compatible with most dishwashers, handwashing it with soap and warm water can keep it in top condition.
We recommend supervising your dog while using this toy since the treat compartments can be narrow to dogs with larger snouts.
This interactive puzzle toy is made with sturdy, safe materials and can last a long time if stored and cared for properly. However, you should consider keeping it in a safe place if you don’t want your Australian Shepherd to chew on it when they’re bored.
Although this toy doesn’t have as many color options as our other top choices, its design is still appealing to curious pups.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to wash
- Two levels of treat compartments
Cons:
- Small treat compartments
- Might not be challenging for some dogs
Choosing the Best Australian Shepherd Toy
Before deciding on what type of Australian Shepherd to get for your lively, furry companion, there are several factors you should consider when it comes to finding one that’s safe, interactive, and long-lasting for an active dog breed.
What Kind of Australian Shepherd Toys Are Available?
Many of the best toys for Australian Shepherds aren’t designed the same, but offer unique playtime experiences. Some examples you should consider during your search include:
- Chew toys – consider finding one that can withstand your Aussie’s chewing style
- Plush toys – most are soft on dog teeth, contain squeakers, and contain no stuffing
- Rope toys – ideal for tugging and cleaning your dog’s teeth
- Interactive toys – placing food and treats encourages cognitive thinking and slower eating habits
Features to Consider About Australian Shepherd Toys
When selecting the perfect toy for your Australian Shepherd, you should consider several factors to ensure that they’re the right fit for your dog’s needs. Here are a few starting examples to help you make your decision.
Size
Consider getting a dog toy that matches your dog’s size, typically one that can fit in their mouth. For instance, a chew toy designed for puppies or smaller breeds isn’t ideal for larger adult Aussies since they’re more likely to swallow it.
Material
Many dog toys are made with durable rubber or fabric to ensure that dogs won’t destroy them after a few play sessions. They also shouldn’t chip off or splinter to avoid throat damage or blockage, and be made with non-toxic, phthalate and BPA-free materials.
Durability
While no Aussie dog toy lasts forever, you should consider getting one that can last longer than a day.
Your Dog’s Chewing Level
Another factor to consider when choosing an Australian Shepherd toy is your dog’s chewing style. For example, toys designed for light chewers aren’t ideal for heavy chewers.
Aussie Dog Toys FAQs
Here are a few questions to consider when choosing a quality Australian Shepherd toy for safer, long-lasting playtime sessions.
What toys should I avoid giving my Australian Shepherd?
Some dog toys you should avoid giving your Australian Shepherd include:
– Marrow Bones – they can damage your dog’s teeth and leave behind splinters that do internal damage
– Rawhide Bones – broken pieces can cause throat and digestive tract blockage if swallowed
How often should I wash my Australian Shepherd’s toys?
You should wash your dog’s toys every one or two weeks, depending on how often they play with them. Be sure to use hot water and pet-safe detergent and rinse thoroughly.
When should I replace my Australian Shepherd’s toys?
You should throw away your dog’s old toys when they show visible wear and tear, like worn down or chipped ends on rubber chew toys or ripped plush toys with exposed stuffing or squeakers.
Conclusion
The best toys for Australian Shepherds should be sturdy, stimulating, and meet their energetic, physical activity needs.
Out of all the engaging toys we have in our extensive lineup, we decided that the MJJYPET Dog Toy Pack is the best option because of its durable materials and unique toy shapes.
This package has six toys, categorized into three types: three rope toys, two plush squeaky toys, and one non-stuffed squeaky toy. Each toy is made with non-toxic, thick fabric to ensure long-lasting and safe play sessions.
