10 Best Toys for Belgian Malinois – 2024 Reviews and Top Picks
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If you know that the Belgian Malinois is one of the most popular working dogs in the world, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that keeping one as a pet is a full-time job. They’re highly intelligent, driven, energetic, and more than a little intense, and they’re best suited for experienced dog owners with plenty of time to spend with their pets. To keep a Belgian Malinois healthy and well-mannered takes training, socialization, and plenty of daily exercise.
One way to provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation is with toys. But how do you know which play items are best for your Belgian Malinois? To help you answer that question, we’ve collected reviews of what we think are the top 10 toys for Belgian Malinois this year. Check out our picks below and use the additional buyer’s guide to help you find the right toy to keep your smart pup entertained and exercised.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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Kong Classic Flyer Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
Best Value
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ChuckIt! Classic Launcher Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
Premium Choice
|
Tumbo Tugger Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
Best for Puppies
|
Petstages Dogwood Tough Dog Chew Toy |
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Check Price |
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Mammoth Cotton Blend 5 Knot Rope Dog Toy |
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Check Price |
The 10 Best Toys for Belgian Malinois
1. Kong Classic Flyer Dog Toy – Best Overall
| Materials | Rubber |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy, senior |
Our pick for the best overall toy for Belgian Malinois is the Kong Classic Flyer dog toy. This unique frisbee is the ideal choice for tiring out this energetic breed. Tracking the flight of the toy allows your Belgian Malinois to exercise not only its muscles but its natural prey drive as well. Kong is known for making durable, quality toys, and this is no exception. However, the Kong Classic Flyer is not meant to serve as a chew object and won’t resist the strong jaws of heavy chewers.
It’s flexible and soft on the mouth and allows your dog to play for as long as your arm can hold out to toss the disc! Although this toy receives positive reviews overall, owners of dedicated chewers confirm that the Flyer doesn’t hold up well.
- Durable but soft enough for repeated catching
- Utilizes the Malinois’ natural prey drive
- Ideal for tiring games of fetch
- Won’t hold up to chewing
2. ChuckIt! Classic Launcher Dog Toy – Best Value
| Materials | Plastic |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy, senior |
Our choice for the best toy for Belgian Malinois for the money is the Chuckit! Classic Launcher Dog Toy. Belgian Malinois are one of the most active and energetic breeds you can own. They may develop behavioral issues without daily physical exercise and become hard to manage. This toy is an affordable, simple way for you to wear out your dog without tiring yourself.
The Classic Launcher works with traditional tennis balls or the Chuckit! ball. It allows you to launch the projectile a long distance with minimal effort. Even better, you won’t have to worry about touching a slimy ball to reload the Launcher. For best results, you’ll need access to a safe, open space, and this toy works best for Malinois owners with a yard or readily available dog park. The ball included in the package is not intended to serve as a chew toy. The Classic Launcher receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, with durability the only major complaint users report.
- Affordable
- Works with regular tennis balls or the ChuckIt! ball
- Saves your arm strength while tiring out your dog
- Some users reported durability issues
- Not designed as a chew toy
3. Tumbo Tugger Dog Toy – Premium Choice
| Materials | Cotton, natural fabric |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy |
This unusual toy offers a unique way to entertain and exercise a Belgian Malinois without requiring much owner effort. The Tumbo Tugger dog toy attaches easily to a tree or other stationary object outdoors. The stretchable cord provides resistance as your Malinois tugs against it. Once released, it springs back, requiring your dog to use its tracking instincts to grab it again.
Although it comes with a rope toy on the end, it can be replaced when it wears out or if your dog prefers to play with something different. Your dog can entertain itself while you relax and supervise from your favorite chair. Although it’s built to withstand aggressive pulling, a strong chewer could destroy the Tumbo Tugger. Supervise your Belgian Malinois when playing with the Tumbo to ensure it stays intact.
- Takes the work out of tug-of-war for Malinois owners
- Easy to attach
- The toy at the end is easily replaced if needed
- Supervise during use
- Could be destroyed by a strong chewer
4. Petstages Dogwood Tough Dog Chew Toy – Best for Puppies
| Materials | Polypropylene, wood, plastic |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy |
Belgian Malinois aren’t always known as a heavy chewing breed, but all puppies need something to gnaw while teething. Instead of potentially dangerous sticks, give your Belgian Malinois the Petstages Dogwood Tough Dog Chew Toy. It’s made from a blend of durable synthetic material and real wood, and the “stick” offers a safer alternative that serves as a chew object or a fun fetch toy.
This toy even floats in water! Use it to keep your teething puppy’s jaws busy, or take it outside to burn off some of that growing dog energy. The Petstages Dogwood Chew is made in the USA and available in multiple sizes, so you can find the right fit for your pup’s mouth as they grow. Like nearly all chew toys, this one isn’t indestructible, so you’ll still need to monitor your dog while they use it. Some users reported that their pups weren’t interested in this toy.
- A safer alternative to real sticks
- Can also be used to play fetch
- Floats in water
- Multiple sizes available
- Not indestructible—supervise your dog during use
- Some dogs may not be interested
5. Mammoth Cotton Blend 5 Knot Rope Dog Toy
| Materials | Cotton |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy, senior |
If your Belgian Malinois can’t seem to choose a favorite way to play, the Mammoth Cotton Blend 5-Knot Rope Dog Toy might be the one for you. Does your dog love tug-of-war? This sturdy toy can handle it. Want to play fetch? Toss the rope for your pup to chase indoors or outside. Your dog can also gnaw on this toy and clean their teeth quickly, thanks to the fibers.
Strong chewers will dismantle this rope, so you must monitor your dog to ensure it doesn’t break. The Mammoth 5-Knot Rope can be used for self-guided play or shared between puppy playmates. It’s machine washable for easy cleaning and can be enjoyed by all ages. However, it is quite heavy, and puppies may be frustrated trying to pick it up.
- Versatile toy
- Helps keep teeth clean when chewed
- Machine washable
- Won’t hold up to strong chewing
- Might be too heavy for younger Belgian Malinois
6. West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball Dog Toy
| Materials | Plastic |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy, senior |
Keep games of fetch unpredictable by tossing the West Paw Zogoflex Jive Tough Ball for your Belgian Malinois to track and chase. This unique ball is made from BPA-free, durable material that’s easy on your dog’s mouth but strong enough to withstand normal chewing. Thanks to its unusual shape, the Zogoflex ball will keep your pup guessing which way it will bounce when thrown.
The Zogoflex ball is made in the USA and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. It’s available in three sizes, and you can use this ball with ball-throwing devices. It also floats in water for Belgian Malinois that enjoy swimming. Most users report that their dogs love the Zogoflex, especially the unpredictable way it flies and bounces. However, owners of strong chewers will need to pay close attention to their dogs. This ball is heavier than standard fetch toys and is also more expensive.
- BPA-free and dishwasher-safe
- Floats in water
- Unpredictable flight and bounce add an extra wrinkle to fetch games
- Can be destroyed by strong chewers
- Heavy
- Less affordable than standard balls
7. Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball
| Materials | Plastic |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy, senior |
Because of their intelligence, Belgian Malinois need regular mental and physical exercise. The Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball will keep your dog entertained while asking them to use their brains too. Belgian Malinois owners need toy options that allow for self-guided play because keeping this breed busy can get tiring!
You can fill the toy with kibble or treats and let your dog figure out how to retrieve them. It’s designed to be chewed, and most users report that it is durable enough for strong chewers. As always, supervise your pup because no toy is entirely chew-proof. The Starmark Ball can be used to play fetch because it bounces and floats in water. It’s also dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup easy. Users report that this toy can be hard to fill with treats sometimes.
- Great for self-guided play
- Dishwasher-safe
- Can be used with treats or kibble
- Durable
- Supervise strong chewers
- Can be hard to fill sometimes
8. Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game
| Materials | Plastic, polypropylene |
| Lifestage | Senior |
As your Belgian Malinois gets older, it may not be up for the same level of physical activity, but you’ll still need to keep it entertained. For senior pups, consider the Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game. Hide your older dog’s favorite treats in this toy and let them determine how to retrieve them. Even Malinois with mobility issues can enjoy this toy. You can change the difficulty level, too, making it easier on your senior dog if they start declining mentally. The Outward Hound toy is not meant to be chewed, so watch your dog as they play. Unfortunately, this puzzle game can’t be placed in the dishwasher, so keeping it clean can be a bit of a hassle.
- Good for senior dogs who can’t be as physically active
- Different levels of difficulty
- Hand wash only
- Won’t stand up to chewing
9. Kong Classic Dog Toy
| Materials | Rubber |
| Lifestage | Adult, puppy, senior |
As one of the most well-known and loved of all dog toys, the Kong Classic is an affordable and versatile option for your Belgian Malinois. Fill it with peanut butter or treats to keep your dog entertained and busy. Toss it for a game of fetch or let your pup exercise their jaws by chewing, with supervision. This toy won’t withstand heavy chewers, but it’s easier on your dog’s teeth and gums than harder items.
It’s available in multiple sizes and is made in the United States. Keeping the inside clean can be a bit of a chore. It can be placed in the dishwasher, but you may need to handwash or soak the Kong to clean it thoroughly.
- Versatile and durable
- Gentle on the gums and teeth
- Can be used with multiple treats or foods
- Won’t hold up to heavy chewing
- Can be tricky to clean thoroughly
10. Hyper Pet Flippy-Floppy Dog Toy
| Materials | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
| Lifestage | Adult, senior |
As another option for the Belgian Malinois that loves to play fetch, the Hyper Pet Flippy-Floppy Dog Toy is less durable than our top choice but still offers some unique features. For one, it floats in water, and the bright colors make it easy for you to spot it if your dog can’t find it. The Hyper Pet Flippy-Floppy is available in a 1, 2, or 5-pack option.
It’s gentle on your dog’s mouth and safe for older kids to play with. This toy is not meant to be chewed but can handle regular play well and is easy to catch and grip. It’s not the best choice for puppies because of their tendency to chew.
- Available in multi-packs
- Floats in water
- Can also be used as a kid’s toy
- Easy to catch and grip
- Easily chewed
- Don’t leave your dog unattended during play
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Toys for Belgian Malinois
Now that you have an idea of which toys are best for a Belgian Malinois, here are some specific details to consider before you go shopping.
Durability
Belgian Malinois may not be the most intense chewers, but they have sharp teeth and strong jaws. Combined with their characteristic intensity, choosing durable toys will be the safest and most cost-effective route for owners of this breed. You’ll notice we didn’t list any plush or stuffed toys on our list. Some Belgian Malinois may enjoy these items, but they’re also easily destroyed and swallowed. In general, stick with toys made of stronger materials, like rubber or hard plastic.
Style of Play
Some of these toys can be used for multiple games, while others are more specific. The type of exercise needs you’re trying to fulfil will make a difference in your toy decision. Fetch, tugging, or chewing, not to mention self-guided or interactive play, will all call for different toys. We tried to choose versatile toys to give you more options because keeping a Malinois entertained is hard enough without limiting yourself!
Age of Your Dog
Many of these toys can be used by Belgian Malinois of all ages. However, it would be best to consider your dog’s age when picking toys. This is especially true if you’re shopping for a puppy. Baby Belgian Malinois are more likely to be destructive chewers when they’re teething. Durable, chew-friendly toys will be best for them. Older Belgian Malinois may not be able to run and jump like they used to, and chew, tug, or puzzle toys may be a better choice.
Conclusion
As our top pick for Belgian Malinois, the Kong Classic Flyer offers an affordable, durable way to tire out your dog. Our best value pick, the Chuckit! Classic Launcher, helps keep your energy level high as your dog burns off their own. These toys offer a little something different to intrigue your Belgian Malinois. Hopefully, our reviews help you narrow down your options before investing in toys for your dog.
Featured Image Credit to: Julia Malsagova Shutterstock
