5 Best Dog Toys for Chihuahuas – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
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Chihuahuas tend to have a negative reputation, but they’re extremely smart and loyal to their owners. Even though they’re usually depicted as lapdogs, Chihuahuas can be athletic and love to play. There is an endless amount of dog toys, but most are large and too big for a tiny Chi to play with.
We looked for toys specifically designed for smaller sized dogs so you can start playing and bonding with your furry friend. Thankfully, we did the hard work, so you don’t have to. We found the best toys on the market and reviewed each one. Here is our in-depth list of reviews of the best toys for Chihuahuas:
A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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Chuckit! Launcher |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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Outward Hound Puzzle |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
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West Paw Treat Dispenser |
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Check Price |
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KONG Tennis Ball |
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Check Price | |
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StarMark Interactive |
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Check Price |
The 5 Best Dog Toys for Chihuahuas
1. Chuckit! Junior Dog Ball Launcher – Best Overall
Chuckit! 06100 Junior Ball Launcher is a popular dog toy designed to make fetch a lot more challenging and fun for your Chihuahua. The curvy design makes you launch a ball way faster and farther than hand tossing it, giving your dog the ultimate game of chase or fetch. This toy is great because it takes the pressure off of your shoulders, so you won’t tear your rotator cuff trying to throw the ball. The handle has comfortable finger groves for a secure grip, so you don’t accidentally throw the launcher with the ball.
The best part about the launcher is that you no longer have to pick up slimy, muddy tennis balls with your hands. It also comes with a Chuckit! Ball, which is designed for playing with dogs. The only minor issue is that there is a learning curve to it, but it won’t take long to get used to it. Otherwise, we highly recommend trying the Chuckit! Junior Ball Launcher for the best overall dog toy for Chihuahuas.
- Makes you throw faster and harder
- Easier on your shoulder
- Finger grooves for secure grip
- Keeps your hands clean
- Chuckit! Ball designed for dogs
- Can have a slight learning curve
2. Outward Hound Interactive Dog Puzzle Toy – Best Value
The Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy is a plush tree trunk and squirrel set designed for hide-and-seek play. The trunk and squirrels are made with soft, plush materials that are gentle to your Chihuahua’s mouth. It comes with three squirrel inserts that are stuffed with squeakers, which will make any dog instantly intrigued. The puzzle design of stuffing and hiding the squirrels makes it more fun than a traditional plush toy, so it can keep your dog entertained for longer periods of time.
It’s not as expensive as other toys, saving you money in the end. Though it may be fun for some dogs, it may be too easy to “solve” for some dogs. This toy is also not suitable for power chewers that will destroy it in minutes, which is why we kept it out of our #1 spot. However, it is the best toy for Chihuahuas for the money.
- Soft, plush materials
- Comes with three squeak-toy squirrels
- Puzzle design makes it more fun
- Not as expensive as other toys
- Not suitable for power chewers
- Too easy to “solve” for some dogs
3. West Paw Treat Dispensing Dog Toy – Premium Choice
The West Paw 566 Interactive Treat Dispensing Chew Toy is an ultra-dense rubber chew toy that can be used alone or with a tasty treat. It’s built for aggressive power chewers, so you won’t have to worry about it being destroyed in a day. The unique design makes it easier to pick up and carry, especially for Chihuahua-sized mouths. This toy is also dishwasher safe for easy sanitizing and BPA free for your dog’s health and safety.
While this model is advertised as a treat-dispensing toy, dry treats fall out effortlessly. The treat dispensing area is best suited for treats like peanut butter or other “sticky” foods. The dense rubber may too tough for some dogs, which can be harsh on your little Chi’s jaw and teeth. It’s also more expensive compared to similar rubber treat dispensing toys, but it’s made with high-quality materials for durability.
- Built for aggressive power chewers
- Designed to make it easier to carry
- Dishwasher safe and BPA free
- Dry treats don’t stay inside
- Too tough for some dogs
- More expensive than other rubber toys
4. KONG Squeaker Tennis Balls for Dogs
The KONG AST2 Squeaker Tennis Balls are a set of three squeaker tennis balls made for a more fun fetch game with your dog. Each tennis ball comes with a built-in squeaker to keep your dog’s attention engaged. It’s also got a good bounce even on grass, which can add a new challenge for your Chihuahua. Just make sure to choose one of the smaller sizes, to ensure that they will fit into your Chi’s mouth.
While these tennis balls seem perfect, there are some flaws that made them less so. These tennis balls are not designed for dogs that love to chew, so you’ll be buying them like crazy if your dog destroys normal tennis balls. This tennis ball set has a slight chemical odor, which can be unpleasant to you and your dog. Another issue is that the squeaker isn’t very durable and does not last a long time, which is bad for dogs that thrive on squeak toys. Lastly, the KONG Squeaker Tennis Balls are not meant for the water, so count these out for trips to the lake or river. We recommend trying the Chuckit! Launcher and ball kit first for a more durable toy.
- Built-in squeaker inside
- Good bounce for extra fun
- Not for dogs that love to chew
- Slight chemical smell
- Squeaker does not last long
- Not suitable for water
5. StarMark Interactive Dog Toy
The StarMark Interactive Dog Toy is a treat-dispensing toy that can make playtime into mealtime as well. The large chamber of the weighted bottom can fit meal-sized portions, so your dog can have fun while having dinner. It’s also adjustable to make the treat dispensing easier or harder, depending on what your dog prefers. Aside from these two features, this toy has some issues that outweigh any benefits. The first issue is that it’s too heavy for some Chihuahuas to play with, so they can’t successfully knock it over to dispense the treats. The big design also makes it difficult to empty it completely, so you’ll have to open it to feed your dog whatever is left inside. This can make some dogs lose interest quickly, which will only cause you more frustration.
Be advised that the StarMark Interactive Dog Toy is not designed for power chewers, so it may not be durable enough for your Chi. We recommend trying other toys for better quality and durability.
- Adjustable for more challenge
- Large chamber for meal-sized portions
- Not durable for power chewers
- Too heavy for some dogs to play with
- Big design can make dispensing too difficult
- Some dogs may lose interest quickly
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Dog Toys for Chihuahuas
Though they’re not known for being athletic, Chihuahuas can surprise you with their energy and require exercise like other breeds. It’s also important to find toys that will engage their mind and senses to keep them from growing bored. Here are some toys that may interest your Chihuahua:
Chihuahua Tennis Balls/Launchers
Chihuahuas are naturally prey-driven dogs, so it’s only natural that they’d enjoy a game of fetch. Tennis balls and ball launchers are perfect toys for hyper Chis that love to run and chase things. Make sure to use high-quality, nontoxic tennis balls.
Puzzle Toys
If your Chihuahua is more of a thinker than an athlete, a puzzle toy could be a great solution. They’re designed to keep your Chihuahua’s mind focused and on a set task, helping prevent boredom and temperament issues.
Rubber Chew Toys
Rubber chew toys are great if your Chihuahua loves to chew away at everything. They can be filled with treats for extra flavor, and frozen to make it more challenging to eat. Always use toys that are gentle enough for your Chi’s teeth to prevent chipping and cracking them.
Squeak Toys
For the easily distracted Chihuahua, a squeak toy will catch its attention quickly. Squeak toys are the ultimate dog toy, with few dogs passing them up. Make sure you supervise your dog when chewing on toys, especially if it has a squeaker inside.
Final Thoughts on Chihuahua Dog Toys
When buying a dog toy for your Chihuahua, make sure it is an appropriate size and made with high-quality materials. If your dog loses interest in a toy, try a different kind and swap them out for more fun.
Conclusion
After carefully comparing each product review, we found the Chuckit! Junior Ball Launcher to be the best overall dog toy for your Chihuahua. It’s a fun launcher that works well and made with durable, long-lasting materials. We found the Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy to be the best value dog toy. It’s a fun puzzle toy that’s small and lightweight for your Chi.
Hopefully, we have made it easier for you to find the perfect toy for your Chihuahua. We looked for toys that were safe for Chihuahuas made with the best design and quality. If you’re still unsure what to buy, consider asking your local pet store for a recommendation.
Featured Image Credit: Myriams-Fotos, Pixabay
