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10 Best Toys for Border Collies – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

border collie dog holding black toy ball in mouth

Border Collies are extremely energetic and intelligent dogs. Therefore, they need to be mentally and physically stimulated, or they may become bored and destructive. Toys are necessary for stimulation, especially when you aren’t home. Because Border Collies are particularly toy-driven, many can be trained using toys.

Of course, not all toys will stand up to your Border Collie’s playful nature. Only the best toys will do.

We recommend purchasing various toys so your canine can access many different playing options. Even if your dog likes to play fetch, a tug toy or two is still recommended. Let’s look at some of the best toys for your Border Collie in the following reviews.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Value
Winner
Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy
  • Waterproof
  • High-visibility
  • Strong, durable rubber core
  • Best Value
    Second place
    JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy
  • Versatile chew toy
  • Infused with vanilla extract
  • Grooves to help clean your dog's teeth
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Tough Dog Toy Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Tough Dog Toy
  • Brightly colored
  • Flexible, rubber edges
  • Rubber ball on each end
  • Best for Puppies
    KONG Wubba Classic Dog Toy KONG Wubba Classic Dog Toy
  • Versatile toy
  • Bounces when thrown
  • Many size options are available
  • Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy
  • Very durable
  • Made in the USA
  • Ergonomic design
  • The 10 Best Toys for Border Collies

    1. Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy – Best Overall

    Chuckit! Tough Dog Ball

    Check Price on Chewy
    Type: Ball

    If you want a ball that can withstand your Border Collie, the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy is the way to go. These bouncing balls are rubber, allowing them to be waterproof and strong. They feature an extra-thick rubber core that enables them to bounce higher, making them more fun to play with. It’s very hard for a dog to shred rubber.

    The bright orange color of these balls allows them to be seen easily, preventing them from becoming lost during playtime. You can utilize these rubber balls with the Chuckit! Ball Launcher, or just throw them by hand.

    Just about every Border Collie should have these balls, which is why we consider them the best overall toy for Border Collies. They’re just too good to pass up.

    Pros
    • High-visibility
    • Waterproof
    • Strong, durable rubber core
    • Bounces high and far
    • Compatible with the company’s toy launcher
    Cons
    • Not very versatile

    2. JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy – Best Budget

    JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy

    Type: Chew Toy

    The JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy is less expensive than most, but it is still strong enough to withstand a Border Collie’s tough play. It’s the best toy for Border Collies for the money, thanks to its durability. It’s made to be a chew toy and features teeth-cleaning grooves. However, we also found it more versatile than other chew toys. It can be thrown and tugged on, as well. It suits teething puppies, but many adult Border Collies will also like it.

    It features infused vanilla extract to make the toy smell good—something you’ll be happy with after your dog chews on it. However, some users reported that they didn’t like the smell. If you’re particularly sensitive to extracts and scents, this toy may be too smelly for you.

    The rubber design is tough and able to withstand most Border Collies. Even if your dog plays extra hard, this toy should withstand it.

    Pros
    • Very tough
    • Infused with vanilla extract
    • Grooves to help clean your dog’s teeth
    • Versatile chew toy
    Cons
    • Not everyone likes the vanilla scent

    3. Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Tough Dog Toy – Premium Choice

    Chuckit! Ultra Duo Tug Tough Dog Toy

    Type: Tug Toy

    Many Border Collies love to tug. However, it can be hard for them to tug without breaking something. This toy is different, as it’s made specifically for rough players and tough chewers. It features a ball on either end of a two-ply nylon handle. You and your dog can easily grab and tug without the toy separating at the seams. You can also toss it, as the rubber balls still bounce quickly.

    The bright colors make it harder to lose this toy while playing with it. It’s hard to miss placing a bright orange ball in a field.

    The rubber edges are flexible enough to prevent damaging your dog’s mouth. In our experience, this is a common problem with tough-chewer toys. Luckily, your Border Collie won’t have that problem here.

    Pros
    • Brightly colored
    • Flexible, rubber edges
    • Rubber ball on each end
    • Very durable
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. KONG Wubba Classic Dog Toy – Best for Puppies

    KONG Wubba Classic Dog Toy

    Type: Ball

    The KONG Wubba Classic Dog Toy has been around for a long time. It is one of the oldest toys still on the market. Its longevity is thanks to its quality and durability, and it’s a great choice for puppies. It’s a ball and a tug toy, similar to our premium pick. However, this toy features a single ball wrapped in nylon for tugging. It’s durable and able to be thrown. Unlike most toys, this one is extremely versatile, allowing your dog to play in many ways.

    The reinforced fabric and stitching make it quite durable, and the toy comes in several sizes. Because Border Collies are medium-sized dogs, they typically need medium-sized toys.

    With that said, this toy isn’t as durable as some other options. The squeaker is particularly prone to breaking, but the nylon webbing on the outside comes off pretty easily, too.

    Pros
    • Versatile toy
    • Bounces when thrown
    • Many size options are available
    • More durable than most toys on the market
    Cons
    • Not necessarily good for very tough chewers

    5. Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy

    Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy

    Type: Chew Toy

    If you want a chew toy that will last, we highly recommend the Benebone Bacon Flavor Wishbone Tough Dog Chew Toy. This bone has an ergonomic design that allows your dog to chew easily. The bone is infused with a real bacon flavor to encourage your dog to chew on it—not furniture legs. It’s made in the USA, and all ingredients are sourced in the USA. They’re even packaged in the USA.

    That said, this chew toy can only be used for chewing. Therefore, you’ll need to purchase plenty of other toys, too. It is a bit expensive for not being very versatile. However, this chew toy is a great option if your puppy likes to chew a lot.

    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • Ergonomic design
    • Ingredients sourced in the USA
    • Very durable
    Cons
    • Not very versatile

    6. GoDog Dragons Chew Guard Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

    GoDog Dragons Chew Guard Squeaky Plush Dog Toy

    Type: Stuffed Toy

    This GoDog Dragons Chew Guard Squeaky Plush Dog Toy may work well if your dog isn’t rough. It’s not very durable because it is stuffed, however, some dogs adore stuffed toys and aren’t so rough that they break them in 10 minutes. Older dogs and younger puppies may be particularly suitable for this toy, as they’re less likely to rip it to shreds.

    This toy is a bit tougher than other stuffed toys. The outside is made out of “chew guard”—a tougher material than the usual fabric used on stuffed toys. However, that doesn’t mean it’s as durable as chew toys.

    All the seams are double-stitched to prevent the toy from ripping. According to most user reviews, the built-in squeaker helps excite your dog and proved to be durable.

    Pros
    • Built-in squeaker
    • Tough fabric
    • Double-stitched
    • Soft and cuddly
    Cons
    • Some Border Collies may tear up this toy quickly

    7. Ethical Pet Sensory Ball Tough Dog Chew Toy

    Ethical Pet Sensory Ball Tough Dog Chew Toy

    Type: Ball

    The Ethical Pet Sensory Ball Tough Dog Chew Toy is designed to be both a ball and chew toy. It features several bumps and ridges to give dogs a “sensory” experience. It’s made from tough rubber to withstand rough players like the Border Collie. It has a squeaker on the inside and a beef scent. Many dogs love to chew on it, but it’s versatile enough to be thrown like any other ball.

    We found this toy particularly good for blind dogs or dogs with poor vision. The scent and squeaker help it appeal to canines that may have difficulty playing otherwise. The scent is completely artificial, so dogs allergic to beef can safely play with this toy.

    Sadly, this ball is made with several pieces of plastic. Some dogs manage to snap these pieces off, so it isn’t the most durable ball out there. In my experience, the toughest chewers do best with balls made with one piece of material.

    Pros
    • Scented and flavored
    • Many bumps to encourage chewing
    • Bell and squeaker included
    Cons
    • Pieces of plastic can be removed

    8. Arm & Hammer Super Treadz Tough Dog Chew Toy

    Arm & Hammer Super Treadz Tough Dog Chew Toy

    Type: Chew Toy

    The Arm & Hammer Super Treadz Tough Dog Chew Toy is designed to freshen breath, reduce tartar, and stimulate gums. It can reduce plaque buildup and help with teeth health. It’s also pretty hardy, allowing it to stand up against tough chewers. The interesting shape allows your dog to chew the toy easily and provides plenty of ridges to sink their teeth into.

    If you have a puppy, this dog chew can help redirect any unwanted chewing.

    We love that this toy includes baking soda, which can help with dental health. However, this addition will likely run out after only a few uses, so it isn’t greatly beneficial.

    Pros
    • Improves dental health
    • Tough design
    • Lots of interesting shapes to encourage chewing
    Cons
    • Not very versatile

    9. Mammoth Tirebiter II Dog Toy

    Mammoth Tirebiter II Dog Toy

    Type: Chew Toy

    For the most part, the Mammoth Tirebiter II Dog Toy is a chew toy. However, its design also makes it great for playing fetch and even tug (if you watch your fingers). We highly recommend it for most Border Collies, especially if you don’t want to purchase too many different toys.

    It’s made out of rubber and is very durable. Most Border Collies won’t rip it up thanks to its natural durability. It’s made in the USA and sustainably manufactured in the company’s North American factory. Several sizes are available, including a small option that would work well for a puppy.

    Be sure you check the size of the toy before you purchase it. Larger Border Collies need the larger toy, as the medium-sized toy isn’t as tough. There is a durability difference depending on the size.

    Pros
    • Made of rubber
    • Made in the USA
    • Very versatile
    Cons
    • Durability varies depending on the size

    10. Nylabone Power Play Football Gripz Dog Toy

    Nylabone Power Play Football Gripz Dog Toy

    Type: Ball

    The Nylabone Power Play Football Gripz Dog Toy encourages play by bouncing erratically thanks to the shape. It keeps fetch more interesting and is perfect for high-energy dogs. It contains a squeaker to encourage play, as well. The squeaker is durable and won’t break after only a few uses like other toys.

    Furthermore, the soft texture makes this ball gentle on teeth and people. You don’t have to worry so much about being hit by the ball, which can be a serious problem with harder rubber balls.

    Your dog can use this toy as a chew and fetch toy, making it more versatile than other options.

    That said, this ball does seem to break faster than the toys we’ve mentioned thus far. It isn’t nearly as durable as some other options.

    Pros
    • Soft texture
    • Versatile
    • Squeaker inside
    Cons
    • Not as durable as other options

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    Buyers Guide: Choosing the Best Toys for Border Collies

    You should consider many things when choosing a toy (or toys) for your Border Collie. Because these dogs are so energetic, they tend to go through toys quickly. They’ll play more and harder than most other dog breeds. Luckily, there are several toys out there that can withstand their playful nature—you just have to pick the right ones.

    With so many toys on the market, knowing which options are better can be hard. Luckily, there are only a few features you need to concern yourself with to pick the best option for your dog.

    border collie dog playing with frisbee
    Image Credit: txus71, Pixabay

    Size

    The size of the toy is important. Smaller toys are unsafe for larger dogs (as they can get stuck in their mouth or swallowed). They also tend to be less durable, which can be a serious problem for an energetic dog like a Border Collie.

    Usually, Border Collies need a medium-sized toy because they’re medium-sized dogs. However, this isn’t always the case. It’s important to look at the dimensions of the toy so that you can select the best option for your puppy if your dog tends to be particularly tough on toys.

    Play Style

    Some dogs like to fetch, while others like to chew. There are many different play styles, and you should consider what your dog prefers to do when selecting a toy. Preferably, you’ll purchase several different toys that can be used for different types of play. Providing some variety helps keep your pet from getting bored.

    All puppies need a chew toy or two to combat teething. However, even older dogs may also like a chew toy or two.

    Versatile toys that can be utilized for many different types of play are preferred. A dog might not play fetch very much, but they may be tempted to if you use their favorite chew toy.

    Durability

    Border Collies are known for their strong jaws and high energy levels, which means they can easily chew through toys not made of durable materials. If you choose a toy that is flimsy or made of weak materials, it is likely to be destroyed quickly, and you will have to replace it often.

    Toys made of rubber, nylon, or rope are excellent choices for Border Collies. Rubber toys are durable and can withstand a lot of chewing and play. They are easy to clean and come in various shapes and sizes, including balls, bones, and chew toys. Nylon toys are also tough and long-lasting, and many come with ridges or bumps that can massage your dog’s gums and teeth while they chew. Rope toys are also a great choice, as they are strong and can withstand the rough play that Border Collies love.

    Ensure the toy is appropriately sized for your dog, and choose toys labeled as “heavy-duty” or “indestructible” if your dog is an aggressive chewer.

    Red border collie catching a frisbee
    Image Credit: Vera Reva, Shuttterstock

    Cost

    We’d all like cost not to be a factor when purchasing toys, but it is for most dog owners. You don’t want to choose an expensive toy that isn’t going to hold up to your dog’s teeth. Similarly, you don’t want to buy a toy that your dog isn’t even going to use.

    It’s best to try cheaper toys first to determine your dog’s favorite toys. After that, you can purchase more expensive toys that resemble the cheaper ones.

    It’s almost always best to have a few more expensive toys that your dog uses daily instead of a box full of toys.

    Age

    Younger dogs are more likely to chew due to teething. You’ll need to purchase at least one chew toy for every younger Border Collie. Remember that they’re likely to chew on all their toys, so stuffed toys probably aren’t the best option. Choose toys that double as chew toys, even if they’re primarily designed for something else.

    Older dogs are less likely to chew aggressively, so stuffed and less-durable toys may work for them. These canines tend to be less active, so don’t choose toys that require lots of movement.

    Safety

    Always put safety first when purchasing a toy. Avoid toys that can be easily swallowed or have detachable parts that could be a choking hazard. Choose toys made of non-toxic materials. Some toys are scented or flavored with real proteins, which may cause allergic dogs to react. Be sure you know what the toy is made of before you purchase it, especially if your dog has allergies.

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    In Conclusion

    There are tons of toys that your Border Collie might like. However, choosing only one or two can be challenging.

    Our favorite toy is the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy. It’s made of rubber, which makes it very durable and bouncy. You can use it with the company’s ball launcher—an extremely helpful toy for active dogs. You may also want to pick up the JW Pet Chompion Dog Toy, especially for puppies. It’s a durable chew toy with grooves to help improve dental health.

    I recommend selecting several different dog toys for your Border Collie. These dogs are extremely playful, so they often need a variety of toys.


    Featured Image Credit: Julia Zavalishina, Shutterstock

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