If you have a Chihuahua, you’ve inevitably discovered the challenges of finding toys small enough for your dog to enjoy.
Most are made to work for a wide range of medium to large size dogs, but very few toys cater to the unique needs of small dogs like Chihuahuas.
To help, we did the hard work for you and searched for the best toy choices on the market.
Read our quick picks below, or keep reading for full details and info on how to choose the best toy for your pipsqueak!
Quick Picks: The Best Dog Toys for Chihuahuas
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Top Factors To Consider When Purchasing Dog Toys For Chihuahuas
1. What type of toy does your Chihuahua need?
Chihuahuas tend to enjoy chew toys and toys that squeak.
The squeak noise provides entertainment and it’s a fun challenge to chew until they unearth the squeaker. Chew toys, on the other hand, benefit both you and your Chihuahua – you get to save your furniture from incessant biting and your pup gets the satisfaction of chewing to his heart’s content.
Just keep in mind that in both cases, durability is a top priority. Chihuahuas have small mouths and small airways, so any toy that could break into small pieces could easily become a choking hazard.
2. How was the toy made?
While it is difficult to track exactly how a dog toy was manufactured, it is worth at least doing basic research.
There is a lot of variability in dog toy quality that can impact durability (at best) and your dog’s safety (at worst).
Dog toys are not regulated by any governing body and sometimes contain toxic chemicals, dyes or flame retardants that could be very harmful to your pup – especially one as tiny as a Chihuahua!
Learn more by reading this article from Bark magazine, which explains what ingredients and components to look for and avoid when selecting dog toys.
3. What size is the toy?
As you’ve most likely noticed, finding dog toys small enough for your Chihuahua to enjoy can be a challenge.
Make sure you look for brands that either specialize in designing toys for very small dogs or feature a wide range of sizes.
And make sure to read the small print! A size small in one brand could be drastically different than a size small in another. The best way to tell is to visit the product description section and read the dimensions.
The toys that seem to work best for a Chihuahua weigh less than 8 oz. For a dog breed that typically weighs between 2-6 lbs even a few ounces can seem heavy, so use your best judgment based on the weight of your pup.
4. What is your dog toy budget?
Dog toys tend to be relatively inexpensive, especially when you’re on the hunt for toys small enough for a Chihuahua.
You can expect to spend approximately $10 for one high-quality toy or small set of toys. This purchase won’t break the bank so it’s a good idea to consider purchasing several options to keep your Chi entertained.
Once you’ve answered these four questions, let’s take a look at a few of the best toys on the market that will keep your tiny pup entertained.
4 of the Best Dog Toys for Chihuahuas
1. Kong Mini Moose Cozie Toy
The Kong Mini Moose Cozie Toy by Kong is one of the most popular and highly rated dog toys on the market.
It comes in a wide variety of sizes and this small-sized Kong toy is perfect for your petite canine. Featuring a soft, plush outer layer, extra inner layer for durability, and a squeaker, this toy is sure to keep your Chi entertained, comfortable and safe.
To top it all off, this mini moose toy is adorable – and you have so many options!
If you’re not interested in Marvin the Moose, you can select other colorful characters like a bright pink Elmer the Elephant, multi-colored King the Lion or purple Rosie the Rhino. Whatever suits your and your pup’s fancy!
Product
Details
- Minimal filling for minimal mess
- Extra layer of material to increase strength
- Squeak to help entice play
- Not for chew sessions
Why you might like it:
Small dog owners really liked this toy because it has light stuffing, which makes it easier for small pups to carry in their tiny mouths – perfect for a Chihuahua. The toy is also extremely durable and, for reasons we humans may never truly understand, is frequently described by owners as their pup’s most loved toy.
Why you might not:
If your Chihuahua is teething or is an exceptionally heavy chewer, some owners found that this toy didn’t hold up as well as anticipated. However, because Chihuahuas are the smallest of dog breeds, the toy should be able to withstand a decent amount of playful chomping.
2. Kong Squeaker Tennis Balls
The Kong Squeaker Tennis Ball is a low-priced toy that comes in a set of 3. What differentiates these from typical tennis balls is the squeaker, which encourages additional play and interaction.
The tennis balls are also available in extra small, which means your Chihuahua can get in on the action too! At 1.6 inches wide, these tiny tennis balls are small enough for your Chi to fit in his mouth, but not small enough to pose a choking hazard.
Product
Details
- Perfect for games of fetch
- Squeaker to induce play
- Non-abrasive tennis material will not wear down your dog's teeth
- Available in five sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL
Why you might like it:
Most “ball” dog toys are too large for a Chihuahua to use, so many owners simply enjoyed watching their small dogs play fetch with a tennis ball for the first time!
Some also discovered that the balls were so entertaining that their pups kept themselves busy with them for hours – a big treat for a busy dog mom or dad.
Why you might not:
Some owners noted that if you get the squeaker tennis ball wet, it stops squeaking – but as long as you keep the tennis balls dry, they’re a hit!
3. Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Toy
The Hide-a-Squirrel Toy from Outward Hound is a higher end interactive dog toy that not only comes with several plush, squeaky squirrels to play with, but also includes a plush “trunk”.
The name of the game is to hide the squirrels inside the trunk and then watch as your pooch sniffs and scrounges around inside to pull them out like a puzzle.
This game has provided hours and hours of fun for dogs everywhere and it even comes in a small enough size for your Chihuahua to enjoy. The “junior” size comes in at 4.5 inches in diameter and 7 oz in weight!
Also, if squirrels don’t do it for you, you can also purchase the same toy featuring bees, hedgehogs or birds.
Product
Details
- HIDE & SQUEAK FUN: The small Hide A Squirrel dog puzzle is an easy way to get small dogs and puppies...
- 2-IN-1 INTERACTIVE PLAY: Toss the squirrel-filled trunk, place it on the ground, or take the squeaky...
Why you might like it:
Owners found this toy to be a great value – not only do you receive 3 small squeaker toys that can be played with individually, but you also get the added enjoyment of watching your dog solve the trunk puzzle over and over again.
Why you might not:
Some owners found that this toy wasn’t able to hold up against the most intense chewers. However, for a pooch as small as a Chihuahua, this toy should do just fine.
If you’re curious about this toy, also make sure to check out our full review of the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel here!
Also be sure to check out our video of Remy going nuts for this toy!
4. Petstages Dental Cleaning Chew Toys for Small Dogs
The Petstages Dental Cleaning Chew Toys are average priced dog toys great for chewers. Each pack comes with 3 toys to keep your pup continually entertained. Each one is made of a combination of rope and plastic in bright, primary colors, sure to excite any pup.
What makes this toy pack unique is that the “mini” version is designed specifically for very small dogs. It can comfortably fit in your Chihuahua’s mouth.
Not only are the toys fun for your dog to chew on, but they also provide the added benefit of cleaning your dog’s teeth. The rope helps remove soft tartar.
Product
Details
- Perfect trio of toys for your small breed chewer, with 3 Items included
- Great shape to chew, toss and fetch
- Orkatm material stands up to tough chewing
- Ropes remove soft tartar to enhance dental health
Why you might like it:
Dog owners found these toys to be a hit, especially with small breed teething puppies. If you have a young Chihuahua who is always on the hunt for something to chew, this toy may be for you!
Why you might not:
As with most dog toy purchases, a handful of owners found that this chew toy didn’t hold up to exceptionally aggressive chewers. However, small dog breed owners were happy with their purchase!
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Have you had good luck with one of the toys on this list or have any recommendations for other great toys for Chihuahuas? Tell us in the comments section below!
Also, be sure to check out our other articles about Chihuahuas:
1 Comment
February 4, 2019
Thank you, these will be great to look into for my new chihuahua pup!