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Best Toys for German Shepherds: 7 Picks
German Shepherds do best with toys that give them something to do. AKC calls the breed "dogkind's finest all-purpose worker" and describes it as a large, agile, muscular dog of "high intelligence". Puppies need a different set of toys, so our picks of engaging toys for German Shepherd puppies and our guide to best teething toys for German Shepherd puppies cover that age.
The type of toy you choose for a German Shepherd can be crucial for their overall well-being. Chew toys can help with dental health and relieve boredom, while interactive toys can help with training and mental stimulation. Fetch toys cater to their high energy levels and provide great exercise.
The seven toys below are sorted by what they do: two chews, two balls for fetch and interactive play, one rope for tug, and two treat puzzles. Product details come from the Amazon listings, and the safety advice comes from AKC and the National Canine Cancer Foundation. Check price and stock on each listing.
Top Picks For German Shepherd Toys
The table shows what each listing says about the toy's job and size. The sections after it cover the details of each pick.
| Toy | Job | Size on the listing |
|---|---|---|
| Chew Champ | Chewing | Large and medium dogs, adult German Shepherds of 50 to 75 pounds |
| KONG Extreme | Chewing and stuffing | Large dogs, no weight range given |
| Goughnuts Ball | Fetch and supervised chewing | Dogs of 30 to 70 pounds, 3 inch ball |
| FUSOTO Dog Balls | Fetch and water play | 2.75 inch balls, 2 in a pack |
| Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope | Tug | Extra Large, 36 inches, for dogs over 80 pounds |
| KONG Wobbler | Treat puzzle | Medium/Large dogs |
| Starmark Bob-A-Lot | Treat puzzle | Large dogs, holds up to 3 cups of food |
Tough Chewer's Delight
This is the Chew Champ, sold under the Motusamare brand. The listing says it is natural rubber with a slightly soft surface that does not produce debris after biting, and that it has a beef flavor.
The listing sizes it for large and medium dogs and names adult German Shepherds of 50 to 75 pounds. AKC's range for male German Shepherds, 65 to 90 pounds, runs above the top of that range.
KONG Extreme (Large)
The listing calls the black rubber formula KONG's most durable natural rubber, made for power chewing dogs. It describes an erratic, unpredictable bounce and a hollow interior that can be stuffed with kibble, peanut butter, KONG Snacks, or Easy Treat. The toy is dishwasher safe.
AKC's toy guide names KONG toys as an example of toys that dispense treats. The listing for the large size gives no weight range, so compare the size options on the page with your dog's weight before you order.
Goughnuts Indestructible Ball
The listing describes a 3 inch natural rubber ball that floats and has grooves for airflow. It is sized for dogs of 30 to 70 pounds. AKC gives the German Shepherd's weight as 65 to 90 pounds for males and 50 to 70 pounds for females, so a male at the upper end of that range is heavier than the weight on the listing.
Goughnuts guarantees the ball for life: the listing says that if a dog damages it, you return it to Goughnuts for a replacement. The listing also says Goughnuts cannot claim the ball is indestructible, and that it is made for interactive and supervised play with aggressive chewers.
FUSOTO Bouncy Dog Balls
This is a pack of 2 balls, 2.75 inches across, made of E-TPU. The listing calls them lightweight and elastic with a strong bounce, and says they float and can be rinsed or put in the dishwasher.
The listing says twice that this is not a chew toy and that you should always supervise play. AKC says balls for large breeds should be big enough that the dog can't choke on or swallow them by accident.
Mammoth Flossy Chews Cotton Rope Tug
The listing describes a 100 percent natural cotton rope with three knots, in the Extra Large 36 inch size for dogs over 80 pounds. It says to choose the size by your dog's weight and that the rope can be a chew toy during supervised solo play.
AKC's tug column quotes trainer Dianna Santos, who says to pick a tug toy with some length, so a dog that needs to re-grip will not get your hand by mistake. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says to remove toys that show fraying or breakage promptly.
KONG Wobbler
The Wobbler is a treat and kibble dispenser for medium and large dogs. The listing says it wobbles as the dog pushes it, so the dog works for its food. You unscrew it to fill it, and it is dishwasher safe.
The listing says it can be used in place of a food bowl to extend mealtime. AKC's play column says food-dispensing puzzle toys provide stimulation even though the dog is working for the food rather than interacting with you.
Starmark Bob-A-Lot (Large)
The large Bob-A-Lot holds up to three cups of food in its bottom chamber. The listing says the rounded, weighted base keeps it wobbling, and that top and bottom gates adjust to control how fast food comes out and to fit different kibble sizes.
The listing says it is not recommended as a chew toy, to supervise play, and to wash it after use.
Buying Guide
Size
AKC lists adult German Shepherds at 65 to 90 pounds for males and 50 to 70 pounds for females. AKC's toy guide says large and giant breeds may need larger toys, and that balls should be big enough that the dog can't choke on or swallow them by accident. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says bigger dogs need chew toys with a larger diameter so they are not easily broken or swallowed.
Material and wear
AKC's dental column says many chew toys and treats can fracture teeth, and that chew toys with some flexibility are generally recommended. It advises asking your veterinarian which toy suits your dog's breed, age, and size. A guide on non-toxic and safe chews from the National Canine Cancer Foundation adds a thumbnail test: if your thumbnail can make an indent in the toy, it is okay to chew, and if your thumbnail bends, the toy is likely to break teeth.
The same guide says dog toys are not regulated by the FDA, and that the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates them only for risks to humans. AKC's puppy toy guide says to throw a toy out if it has rips, tears, or deep punctures. The National Canine Cancer Foundation says to keep a watchful eye on play sessions and promptly remove any toy that shows fraying or breakage.
Supervision
Four of the seven listings above mention supervision: Goughnuts, FUSOTO, Mammoth, and Starmark. AKC's puppy toy guide says to supervise play even when the puppy has played with the same toy dozens of times.
Mental work
AKC's dental column says that to prevent teeth-damaging chewing from boredom, you should provide good psychological stimulation along with safe toys. AKC's toy guide says that for mental stimulation there are challenging toys that make a dog work to get to the treats. AKC's play column says dogs with excess energy look for their own outlets, which can lead to unwanted behaviors like destructive chewing.
Tug
AKC's tug column says well-managed tug games have many benefits, and that scientific studies confirm they do not promote aggressive or dominant behaviors. Trainer Dianna Santos says to keep sessions short, 10 to 15 seconds, and that the dog should have a trained "out" or "drop". Canine fitness trainer Dr. Erica Boling says to keep the dog's spine in neutral alignment and to use only light resistance with young puppies or senior dogs.
Fetch and exercise
AKC's toy guide says rubber balls are more durable than standard tennis balls. Our guide to balls for German Shepherds has more fetch picks. AKC's play column quotes veterinary behaviorist Dr. Isabelle Bazin on tailoring play to the individual dog, and it warns that too much play could overtire a dog. It also says to prevent puppies from high-impact play like jumping until their growth plates have fused, at 12 months or older depending on the breed.
Rotating toys
AKC's toy guide describes a study of Labrador Retrievers in which the dogs were interested in each new toy but lost interest once it was familiar. It passes on a Psychology Today tip: put each toy away once in a while so it seems new when you bring it back.
FAQ: Toys for German Shepherds
What toys keep a bored German Shepherd busy?
AKC says treat-dispensing toys make a dog work to get to the treats, which gives mental stimulation. Two picks above are treat puzzles: the KONG Wobbler and the Starmark Bob-A-Lot. AKC's play column says puzzle toys give stimulation and are easy to fit into a routine because you feed the dog anyway.
How big should a ball be for a German Shepherd?
AKC says a ball for a large breed should be big enough that the dog can't choke on or swallow it by accident. The Goughnuts listing gives its ball as 3 inches across and the FUSOTO listing gives 2.75 inches. For chew toys, AKC says to ask your veterinarian which one suits your dog, since the answer depends on breed, age, and size.
Is tug of war safe for a German Shepherd?
AKC says well-managed tug games have many benefits. It lists short sessions, a trained "out" or "drop", a neutral spine, and light resistance for young puppies and senior dogs. It also says tug is not for every dog, and that it is usually the highly energetic, focused breeds that enjoy it.
When should I throw a toy away?
The National Canine Cancer Foundation says to remove a toy promptly when it shows fraying or breakage. AKC's puppy toy guide says to throw out a toy with rips, tears, or deep punctures, because a small puncture can let foam and stuffing come loose.
Sources
- American Kennel Club, German Shepherd Dog breed information
- American Kennel Club, Which dog toys are right for your dog
- American Kennel Club, Damaging chews
- American Kennel Club, Choosing the right dog toys and teething toys for your puppy
- American Kennel Club, How to play tug-of-war safely with your dog
- American Kennel Club, How much play do dogs need
- National Canine Cancer Foundation, Chews wisely: a guide to safe dog chews and non-toxic toys
- Product details come from the Amazon listing for each toy, linked above.
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