Trying to find Tough Toys Your Rottweiler will Love can be a daunting task! Which toys are best? At what stages of life? Which toys live up to their claims of “tough”?
Today I’m going to share with you some of the good toys out there, as well as give a warning regarding toys that aren’t so good. This post will take away some of the guesswork, and help you find the perfect toys for your Rottweiler. We will consider the size and age of your Rottie, the pros and cons of different toys, and discover what the best selling toys out there.
5 Best Tough Toys For Your Rottweiler
Nylabone Dura Chews The Dura Chew is the number one bestseller on Amazon! People love the long-lasting durability of this chew toy! Better yet, reviewers indicate their ROTTIE loves it, too! Whether your Rottie is teething or is just an avid chewer, the Dura Chew satisfies!
If “plush” is your Rottie’s thing, THIS best selling plush Toy on Amazon, “Duckworth Duck” will be right up his alley! Designed with large dogs in mind! With over 4,000 customers reviewing this toy, more than 70% gave it the highest rating! Most say their Large Breed dogs are gentle with it and like to “cuddle” with it.
The “Chuck it” is bouncy, brightly colored for easy finding and even floats! Dogs love it because, well, it’s a ball! The life span of this toy is generally about three months, above average for a chew toy!
When asked about the “Kong” brand chew toy, one owner reported that Kongs are to dogs what Candy Crush is to humans. Durable and long-lasting, a Kong toy will be a staple in your Rottie’s toybox! They also come with a size selection, there’s a Kong chew for each stage of your Rottie’s growth. Add a treat inside for an added element of interactiveness!
Amazon carries a terrific rope toy assortment set! It is currently a best seller for the aggressive chewer. Customers love the value price and durability of this assortment. They also like that the toys can’t be torn into little pieces all over the floor! Play tug of war with your Rottie, fetch, or just let him chew away until his heart’s content! You can find this rope toy set right HERE.
Factors to Consider in Selecting Toys for Your Rottweiler
There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing toys for your Rottweiler. Their size, the environment where they will be playing with the toy, and their personal preferences. Not all dog toys are created equal despite some claims that they are indestructible,
I’ll share a few great ones that my Rottweilers have loved.
One of the most important things to take into consideration before purchasing any dog toy is its size. As your Rottweiler grows, their toys will need to grow too. It’s so important to make sure that the toy you are purchasing is the appropriate size.
You don’t want to buy your Rottweiler puppy a toy that’s for a large dog. The toy will be too big for them to play with and they more than likely won’t be interested in playing with it.
The more dangerous scenario is buying a toy that is too small for your Rottweiler. Your dog can ingest them sometimes, or even get them stuck on their jaws causing your Rottie to choke, not be able to breathe, or their tongue can get swollen in the toy. Something like this could cause astronomical veterinary bills!
Know What Material Your Rottie’s Toys Are Made of
Another consideration before purchasing a dog toy is the material that it is made of. If your Rottweiler tends to be an aggressive chewer a plush toy may not be the best option. You may want to choose harder toys made of plastic or rubber.
Knowing your pet is an essential factor in determining what kind of toys to buy. I’ve grown up with Rottweilers all my life and their personalities have all been so different. You may have a Rottie that isn’t big on chewing their toys.
My first rottweiler loved stuffed animals, we called them her “luvies”. She would snuggle with them and wouldn’t dream of chewing on them.
On the other hand, our other Rottie, Mia, made it her mission to destroy any stuffed object she could find. We would sometimes buy her stuffed toys just to take bets on how long it would take her to destroy them.
Not all dog toys are created equal, and it is important that you don’t buy the hype when a toy brand claims the toys are “indestructible” or has “Chew Guard Technology”. This technology claims to have an added feature against demolition by chewing.
My dogs have destroyed a countless number of supposedly indestructible dog toys. A lot of times these companies will boast that they will replace your toy or give you a refund however they don’t tell you all the hoops you will have to go through to get it. Toys with squeakers can not only be annoying to you as a pet owner, but they can also be dangerous for your pets, as well.
If I give my dog any toy with a squeaker it becomes her mission to destroy it, by any means necessary. She has never failed. She’s able to locate the squeaker with the precision of a neurosurgeon. These squeakers can pose a choking hazard!
Don’t learn the hard way! I recently learned a very hard lesson when it comes to dog toys. Never give your pet a toy or bone that looks like common household items or toys. We will occasionally give our dog stuffed toys to just destroy, usually for holidays and her birthday, she just has so much fun while she’s doing it!
After that, any other stuffed animal, in her opinion, was fair game. Shortly after Christmas our Lucy decided that my “memory bear” was fair game. What she couldn’t have known is that the bear was made from a work shirt belonging to my dad, who had passed away. Needless to say, my bear needs mending, and I have no one to blame but myself!
Safety and Dog Toys
Safety should always be your biggest priority in selecting the right toy for your Rottweiler’s age, size, and strength. When a dog named Max died from complications when his Kong brand chew toy became “suctioned” to his tongue.
However, no one knows your Rottie as you do! Give careful thought to buying toys, and do your RESEARCH first! Before buying ANY toy, run it through some tests. Here are some helpful tips on points for you to consider:
- Softness: The toy should not be so soft or flimsy that your dog will chew it apart and risk choking on the swallowed pieces or the stuffing inside.
- Coating: It should not be coated or treated with flavorings. These toys, although appealing, pose a risk of upsetting the stomach, and bacteria can quickly grow on them.
- Size & Shape: It should not be so small that your dog could choke on it, nor so large your dog’s jaw could be injured in trying to master the toy. Be sure the shape doesn’t allow for your Rottie’s tongue, jaw or muzzle to become stuck inside the toy.
- Washability: Buy toys that are washable. Germs pose the same kinds of threats to your Rottweiler they do to humans. All toys should be washed periodically.
- Entertainment Value: You’ll want your Rottie to be entertained by each toy as long as possible! For instance, a rope is fun for some tug of war but does not offer much entertainment value when your Rottie is playing by himself. Consider the purpose of each toy you buy.
- Hardness: A popular veterinarian page suggests you perform “the thumbnail test” If the toy doesn’t “give” a little bit when you press it with your thumbnail, then it’s likely too hard for your Rottie and may pose a threat for injuring his teeth.
Different Types of Dog Toys for Your Rottweiler
Puzzle Feeders/Interactive Toys
Great toys for any food motivated Rottweiler. If you’re unfamiliar with them, puzzle feeders are simply a treat-dispensing toy. Your Rottweiler will quickly figure out what movement is necessary to get his “reward”, the food! A word of caution when using interactive feeding toys.
You don’t want to rely on these too much for play, or your Rottweiler could very easily become overweight. We know that Rottweilers lean toward obesity, so monitor his food intake, even when the food is given via a Puzzle Feeder.
Interactive toys are a great way to provide stimulation for your Rottweiler and keep them occupied for hours!
Nylabones
Are great for some Rottweilers and serve a couple of purposes. Not only are they great at fighting boredom, but they also help clean teeth. The ridges and nubs aide in preventing tartar and plaque buildup.
Nylabones, however, should never replace proper dental hygiene. They are a guaranteed favorite for some Rotties and can be given to your Rottie in his crate, too, without cause for worry.
Peanut Butter or Cheese Flavored Filled Bones
Not only do the bones give your Rottie something safe for them to chew on but the inside is filled with peanut butter or cheese. Once they realize the surprise inside, they will be occupied for hours.
Try freezing it and it will last longer. This is a good treat for a hot day too! You can even fill it with the canned dog food you use, mashed fruit, banana, and peanut butter, or raw food and freeze it.
Benebone Dental Dog Chews
These are a little pricey but will last you for a long time, making for a great return on your investment. They come in different sizes and flavors making them a great option for some Rottweilers from the time they are a puppy into adulthood. Benebone Dental Dog Chews are rated safe for dogs up to 90lbs.
Rubber Dog Toys
These are by far the most durable and chew-proof; the Kong brand is a big favorite in our house. They are usually heavy, so watch your toes. I’ve had them dropped on my feet too many times to count from my eager to play Rottweiler!
Our favorite way to use our Kong ball is to fill the inside with peanut butter, spray cheese, mashed fruit, peanut butter/banana, or wet dog food, and put it in our freezer for about 30 minutes before giving it to our Rottweiler. Using our Kong this way keeps him entertained for hours and works great when we are having guests over.
Mammoth Tirebiter
These can fall into the category of rubber toys, but this toy has held up so well for us that it deserves its own mention. You can purchase the tires in different sizes making this an appropriate option for your Rottweiler as they grow up. The tires are multi-purpose, too! We use them for tugging, fetching and tossing.
About the Mammoth Brand: I love a brand that’s honest with you; telling you that no dog toy is truly indestructible, reminding owners to monitor their pet. Seeing this disclaimer on a product earns the company an A+ from us!
Balls
Rottweilers were bred originally to drive cattle and they were used for pulling carts for butchers. They are a high energy breed that has the potential to be very playful. Nothing wears out a Rottweiler like a lively game of fetch!
When choosing a ball for your Rottweiler use caution if you give him a traditional tennis ball. They are very easy for a power chewing Rottie to puncture and they often come apart in pieces. Additionally, the nylon “fuzz” on a tennis ball can come off be swallowed. Bacteria also forms on the nylon.
I prefer to give my Rottie balls made of rubber. They tend to be more durable, making them a much safer option for your dog. While you’re at it I would invest in a ball launcher, it makes those hours of playing fetch a lot easier on your own body.
Braided Ropes
Every dog I’ve ever had, Rottweilers, Bull Terriers and Mastiffs, have all loved to play tug of war! My Rottweilers have shredded their fair share of ropes in their day. When purchasing a braided rope make sure that it is thick enough for your dog.
If it’s too small your Rot’s teeth will rip right through it give you a knot of string instead of a rope. Once the rope is no longer intact make sure that you replace it. Your dog can ingest the string and it can become lodged in their intestinal tract.
Natural Chew Choices for Your Rottweiler
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are an alternative to rawhide. They come in different lengths and widths. In case you don’t know what a bully stick is, it’s bull pizzle…bull penis. My Rottweiler loves them and they last a long time and are naturally digestible.
They are supposed to be made from grass-fed cattle and contain no hormones, pesticides or chemicals. Make sure to look at the ingredients when purchasing.
Yak Himalayan Dog Chews
These are perfect for keeping your Rottie busy for hours! They are made from an ancient recipe and are completely natural. You can even take little pieces of the Yak and put them in the microwave and they make doggie ‘popcorn’.
Frozen Treats
In the summer months, my Rotties love frozen treats! They are easy to make and economical. All you need are overripe bananas, plain Greek Yogurt, and Peanut Butter. Mash your bananas then add in the Greek Yogurt and Peanut Butter. Place them in a silicone mold or even in ice cube trays and freeze.
A word of caution is to make sure that your Peanut Butter does not contain xylitol as it is toxic for dogs.
Rottweiler Toy Safety
Remember any time you present a new toy to your Rottweiler, make sure he is supervised. A toy is only going to be as good as the supervision that you provide for your pet while they are playing with it. Never make the mistake of giving them a new toy before you put them in their crate, and you head off to work.
Monitoring your Rottie’s initial interactions with his toys is imperative to ensure his safety. You also want to make sure that you regularly check his toys for any damage that could potentially become a hazard to him.
Providing your Rottweiler puppy with a variety of toy options is so important for their development! Toys provide your pup with mental stimulation, preventing boredom. A bored puppy is often a naughty puppy, one that will often chew on shoes, cords, or memory bears for that matter.
There are households where it is necessary to create a Rottweiler when the owners aren’t home. If this is the case in your house, providing toys and/or bones in the crate will keep him stimulated while crated and it also can provide a distraction if your Rottie tends to experience separation anxiety.
If you have an anxious Rottweiler, some of these toys come in soothing scents like lavender and chamomile that are meant to calm and relax your pet. Just be aware that these coatings may cause stomach upset and do collect bacteria. You may also leave a blanket in your dog’s crate if he is a blanket snuggler.
To learn about how your Rottie’s teething process can benefit from toys, go HERE
Safety Tip: Always remove your Rottweiler’s collar when he enters his crate! Collars can get caught on crates and pose a risk of strangulation.
Maintaining Your Rottweiler’s Toys
Cleaning and maintenance of dog toys is a task often overlooked by pet owners. It’s good to remember that your Rottie’s toys are no different than children’s toys. Both will end up in someone’s mouth! Primarily your Rottweiler uses their feet and mouth when using their toys and bones, and the toys are always on the floor. All of these are dirty places!
It’s necessary for the health of your pet that you clean their toys regularly the same way you’d want to keep a child’s toys clean. Once a month I gather all pet toys and give them a once over for wear and clean them.
I make sure that none of them have any rips or tears. I make sure there are no loose pieces or jagged edges that could pose a hazard to my Rottweiler. after all of them have gotten the once over I get to work on cleaning. It’s harder to remember to clean them than it is to complete the task itself.
Cleaning Soft Dog Toys
Not only do soft toys get dirty, but they also collect dust mites and bacteria. Gather up all your dog’s plush toys for a quick cycle in the washing machine. When washing them be sure to use an all-natural detergent. Another option is to sprinkle baking soda on the toys and add ¼ cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle. It’s best to let the toys air dry in the sun but if that’s not an option, you can place them in the dryer, air dry only.
Cleaning Hard Dog Toys
Cleaning hard or rubber toys is as easy as putting them in the top rack of your dishwasher and run a normal cycle. Instead of using traditional dishwashing detergent just fill the dispenser with vinegar. Once the toys are finished drying, they won’t smell like vinegar anymore. It would be a good idea to make it a one-time deal and wash your dog’s bowls, leashes, and any non-leather collars at this time too.
DIY Dog Toy Cleaner
No machine for washing toys? No problem! Simply fill up your sink, bathtub, or any large container with equal parts of water and vinegar and let the toys soak. If any of the toys need some extra attention, sprinkle with baking soda and give them a good scrubbing.
Popular Chew Treats That Can be BAD for Your Rottweiler
Bones are an age-old go-to for entertaining dogs, but are certainly not the SAFEST thing to give them! Even the FDA has issued a warning to pet owners about bones! If you still opt to give your Rottie bones, give him a large (and fresh) RAW bone. Never EVER give your Rottweiler a cooked bone or the brittle bones from a store!
Cow Hooves splinter and break, and can cause injuries or choking risks from the broken pieces. They also do not pass the thumbnail test, and can chip or even break your Rottie’s teeth!
Antlers can break teeth, and do splinter apart. The same risks as above apply: Broken teeth, choking hazard and risk of injury from the sharp broken shards. You can also add to this list, and for the same reasons, Ice Cubes.
Pig’s Ears can offer hours of chewing satisfaction. However, the coating on them can be upsetting to your Rottweiler’s stomach (and stain your carpet). The ear can break apart, too, posing a choking or internal injury threat. Additionally, bacteria collects on the coating, posing a risk of illness.
Use caution with Nylabones which can prove too hard for a young Rottie’s teeth. Most adult dogs don’t have a problem with them, but their extreme hardness is noteworthy. In fact, my Rottie, Maximus, doesn’t like them or extremely hard toys at all!
ANY TOY CAN BE A HAZARD!
No matter what toy you choose for your Rottweiler it can become a hazard if you don’t live up to your responsibilities as a pet owner. Know your dog, use common sense, monitor your pet, maintain his toys. Anytime you’re uncertain about a toy or bone for your Rottweiler be sure to consult your veterinarian.
Most importantly, enjoy your time playing with your Rottweiler! Playing together deepens your bond and reinforces your training. Playtime provides both you and your Rottweiler with exercise, promoting good health. Playing burns off that excess energy Rotties can have, and a tired Rottie is a well-behaved Rottie!
Provide your Rottweiler with the attention he needs, adequate nutrition and hydration, professional training and plenty of playtime with you and he will provide you with endless love and will be your most loyal companion!
Throwing your Rottie a bone will provide him with the opportunity to amuse himself for hours! Not all bones are safe for him, though. You’ll learn all you need to know about bones by reading “Can a Rottweiler Eat Chicken Bones?”
Writing Contributor: Andrea Culp
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
