12 Best Dog Toys for Boston Terrier in 2023

Often referred to as “tuxedo dogs,” people sometimes mix up the short and stout Boston Terrier with similar breeds like the French Bulldog or Pug. This breed earns their nickname from their fashionable tuxedo-colored coats that come in black, white, brindle or seal.

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Much like the city they’re named for, Boston Terriers do well in an urban environment. These dogs are portable enough to take with you wherever you go and friendly enough to handle most crowded situations. Even in the scorching heat or frigid cold, the chances are that your Boston Terrier is still up for a walk in the park.

However, even if Terriers do well in most environments, that doesn’t mean they still don’t require plenty of stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Without a quick game of fetch or a plush toy to cuddle up with at night, your Terrier may turn to the next best thing—which could be your favorite pair of shoes or piece of clothing.

Although trying to locate the best toys for your Terrier can be a challenge, you don’t need to guess which ones will work great and which ones won’t—we’ve already compiled a list of our top-rated favorites for you as well as frequently asked questions you may have as a Boston Terrier owner.

Different Types of Dog Toys for Boston Terriers

To a first-time dog owner, trying to figure out the difference between the different types of Boston Terrier toys can be a challenge. Not only do many of the toys look completely different, but they may also function completely differently as well.

Fetch toys, for instance, are designed for exactly what their name suggests. Most fetch toys (whether they be a rope, ball, or stick-shaped object) are meant to be easy for you to throw, and easy for your dog to pick them up. The best fetch toys also tend to be lightweight so that neither you nor your Boston Terrier feels weighed down.

With a fetch toy, you may also want a launcher toy as well. As fun as fetch can be for your Boston Terrier, it might not always be the highlight of your day. In addition to tiring out your throwing arm, it can also irritate existing shoulder, knee, or back issues too.

In this case, a launcher toy might come in handy: while their exact design can vary, many launcher toys work by scooping the ball up for you and easily allowing you to throw it a significant distance (without having to use much movement).

Although some toys serve as entertainment for your dog, not all of them do, and that includes plush toys. These soft toys often look a lot like stuffed animals and function the same way too. Like an anxious child who bonds with a certain stuffed toy, your Boston Terrier will likely treat their plush toy like a security blanket.

What to Look for in a Good Toy for Boston Terriers

Whether you’re a first-time owner or a dog enthusiast, it can be difficult to understand what separates a good toy from a bad one. Unfortunately, most brands will tell you their toys are great—even if they aren’t. There are a few key elements, however, that can truly make the difference.

The first thing to pay close attention to is the toy’s effectiveness. If the toy can’t stimulate your Boston Terrier like it’s supposed to, then that’s the first red flag that you aren’t getting your money’s worth. It can be challenging to tell how high-functioning a toy is, but one thing you can look for are the promises made by the brand. Generally speaking, the more specific promises, the more likely the toy is to live up to those promises.

One thing to watch out for is durability. Even if a toy does exactly what it’s supposed to, it’s functionality won’t matter much if it doesn’t last more than a month. While it isn’t always possible to determine how sturdy a toy is, you can look at the materials the manufacturer used to make it. Strong materials like tear-resistant fabric and durable nylon may last much longer than cheap plastic or thin rubber.

Keep in mind that, since every Boston Terrier is different, what makes a good toy for someone else’s dog might not make a great toy for yours.

Best Dog Toys for Boston Terriers

While some brands might promise that their toys will work perfectly for all breeds, that’s rarely the case. Not only do you need to find the best dog toys, but you need to find the best dog toys specifically for Boston Terriers. Luckily, we’ve already done that part for you:

Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude Dog Toy

Best Overall

There are plenty of effective toys on the market, but not all of them can serve multiple purposes like the Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude Dog Toy can. In addition to being the perfect fetch or chew toy for your Boston Terrier’s collection, it can also be filled to the brim with treats.

The next time you need to occupy your pup’s attention, all you need to do is load the Busy Buddy toy up with your Boston Terrier’s favorite tasty treat, and watch them spend hours trying to uncover how to get to them.

For Boston Terriers that may be a little more aggressive, it’s worth noting that the toy is designed for extra durability, and comes in multiple sizes to pick from.

Nylabone Strong Maple Bacon Chew Stick Dog Toy

Best for Aggressive Chewers

With durable nylon that will last more than a week and real wood, the Nylabone Strong Maple Bacon Chew Stick will make your Boston Terrier feel as if they’re living in the wild. Much like a real stick, the patented over-the-mold technology gives the Chew Stick the feel and flavor of a real stick, but without the risk of a mess or harmful splinters.

As they gnaw on the stick, your aggressive chewer may also experience better dental health as the Nylabone toy helps remove tartar and plaque build-up.

KONG Bounzer Dog Toy

Most Durable Kong Toy

Unlike plush or chew toys, the rubber, hollow center of a Kong toy like the Kong Bounzer won’t leave a mess and can be easily used as a fetch toy as well. When squeezed (by you or your Terrier) the toy will compress, but will then regain its shape. Not only does this promote self-play, but it also makes the lightweight toy easy to throw or bounce.

In some cases, the toy can even be a way to help reduce separation anxiety with newly-adopted Boston Terriers or puppies. Keep in mind that the Kong Bounzer  and brand also comes highly recommended by veterinarians and other animal health professionals for decades.

Trixie Activity Poker Interactive Box Dog Toy

Best Interactive Puzzle Toy

Don’t let the Boston Terrier’s small size fool you—these dogs are always up for a challenge and that includes solving a puzzle toy like the Trixie Activity Poker Interactive Box Dog Toy. With four different boxes that you can use together or individually, your Terrier will have to use flaps, lids, or ropes to find the tasty morsels hidden inside.

You can change the placement and number of treats you put in the game, and when playtime is over, all you need to do is pop the board in the dishwasher for clean-up.

Chuckit! Classic Launcher Dog Toy

Best Dog Launcher

If fetch is your Boston Terrier’s favorite game, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t also be yours too. Unfortunately, throwing slobbery tennis balls again and again can get old pretty quickly—which is why you may need to invest in a launcher like the Chuckit! Classic Launcher Dog Toy.

Not only can the launcher scoop up those dirty tennis balls for you, but it’ll be able to throw them twice as far as you can. In addition to making the process more convenient, your Terrier will likely enjoy the longer distance too.

Frisco Rope with Handle & Tassels Dog Toy

Best Rope Toy

If your Boston Terrier seems to enjoy tug-of-war a little more than fetch, they might just love the Frisco Rope with Handle & Tassels Dog Toy then. Unlike some rope toys, you can easily grip this one using the built-in loop, making it perfect for both tug-of-war and a good game of fetch or chase.

The rope is also designed to be extra-thick so that it won’t unravel after a little rough play, but still soft enough that it won’t harm or irritate your Terrier’s teeth. The tassels also add a little extra fun to the game and give your Terrier something to latch onto.

Starmark Everlasting Treat Wheeler Dog Toy

Best Treat Dispenser Toy

If your Boston Terrier tends to be an aggressive chewer, the Starmark Everlasting Treat Wheeler Dog Toy may be just what they need. The “virtually indestructible” material is stronger than rubber and can stand up to even the strongest of Terriers. It’s also free of harmful chemicals or materials like latex, vinyl or phthalates that can irritate your Terrier’s allergies or sensitivities.

Along with placing treats inside the wheeler, you can also fill the grooves on the outside with peanut butter or paste to promote better dental health. It’s also worth noting that the toy comes with its own edible dental treat as well.

ZippyPaws Donutz Squeaky Plush No Stuffing Dog Toy

Best Squeaky Toy

One way to keep your dog occupied for hours is with a squeaky toy. However, not all squeaky toys can last the test of time like the ZippyPaws Donutz Squeaky Plush No Stuffing Dog Toy can. With two loud squeakers inside, your Terrier is unlikely to get bored with this toy anytime soon.

Unlike some other plush toys, there isn’t any stuffing inside. So, if your Terrier does manage to rip the donut apart, you won’t need to worry about cleaning or dealing with stuffing. There’s also little risk of a choking hazard since your Terrier can’t swallow stray stuffing either.

Nylabone DuraChew Flavor Frenzy Picnic in the Park Twin Pack Salami & Cheese and Watermelon Flavor Dog Toys

Made In The USA

If you’re looking for a toy that’s the paw-fect chew toy for your Terrier but also supports USA-based businesses, then the Nylabone DuraChew Flavor Frenzy Picnic in the Park Twin Pack Salami & Cheese and Watermelon Flavor Dog Toy may be just what you need.

Not only can it stand up against aggressive chewers, but the durable nylon is also packed full of flavor too. Depending on your Terrier’s preferences, they may enjoy the spicy taste of salami and cheese or gravitate more towards the sweet flavor of the watermelon chew. Either way, they’ll be something for all dogs to try.

 

Best Dog Toys for Boston Terrier Puppies

Puppies have different needs than adults, which is why we’ve highlighted the specific toys that work great for developing Terriers:

Nylabone Teething Puppy X-Small Toy

Best for Teething

Teething is one of the most vulnerable stages of a Boston Terrier’s life. In addition to dealing with a sore mouth and gums, your Terrier is also learning what things they should chew on (and what things they shouldn’t). The good news is that, with the Nylabone Teething Puppy Beef Bone Toy, your tiny Terrier doesn’t need to suffer.

With a savory beef flavor that’s sure to entice your Terrier to try it out, the Nylabone can help promote overall better dental health in your Terrier as well. Even when they’re older, your Terrier might still try and take a chomp out of this toy.

KONG Puppy Small Teething Stick 

Another Great Teething Toy

If your Boston Terrier just doesn’t seem to like the beef-flavored Nylabone (or wears it down too quickly), another great option is the Kong Puppy Small Teething Stick. The exclusive dental-ridges will clean your pup’s teeth while also massaging their sore gums. Instead of trying to take a chunk out of your shoes, your Terrier won’t be able to get enough of the teething stick.

One way to arouse interest in the teething stick, if you need to, is by adding a little bit of peanut butter or treat paste inside the grooves. As they massage their aching gums, your Terrier will also get to taste something savory too.

KONG Plush Teddy Bear Dog Toy

Best Plush Toy

For a bite-sized dog like the Boston Terrier, there’s now a bite-sized plush toy like the Kong Plush Teddy Bear Dog Toy. Unlike some plush toys, this one has a major advantage: you can remove the squeaker whenever you want.

Now, when you need a little peace and quiet, you can take the squeaker out and let your Terrier cuddle the toy. Then, when you’re ready to play with your dog, you can place the squeaker back inside the teddy bear and let your pup chase you around the yard.

It’s also worth noting that this toy doesn’t use any stuffing either—so that you don’t need to worry about it being a choking hazard for your Terrier (or even just a major mess to deal with).

Tips for Playing with Your Boston Terrier

Once you’ve found the right toy for your Boston Terrier to play with, it’s time to talk about what you can do to make the most out of them during playtime:

  1. The first thing to do is arouse your Terrier’s interest in the toy. If it’s a treat dispenser toy, you can do this by adding treats, but with other toys, you can try letting your pup sniff it. If they aren’t interested, try swabbing a little peanut butter on it for them to lick off.
  2. You’ll also need to establish yourself as the “alpha dog” during playtime with your Terrier. While your dog may be the one who needs playtime, that doesn’t mean they should be in charge of it. At any point, you want to be able to stop the game if it goes too far, and have your dog listen to simple commands.
  3. Establishing yourself as the “alpha dog” means putting your foot down. If your Terrier refuses to give a toy when you ask or tries to snap at you, playtime should cease immediately.
  4. The location of playtime matters too. While certain places – like your house or park – might be okay for your dog to play in, other areas – like a friend’s home – might not be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Boston Terrier toys are best for this breed’s temperament?

Since every dog’s temperament varies, it’s difficult to say which type of toys will work best for an entire breed. However, since Boston Terriers may not require as much activity as a larger dog, you may not need to focus on buying as many fetch or tug-of-war toys. For some Terriers, you may only need a few plush and interactive toys to keep your pup satisfied.

How can I stop my Boston Terrier puppy from chewing on my things?

One way to keep a puppy from chewing on your favorite items is by giving them a teething toy. While it may not be able to completely stop your Terrier puppy from going after your stuff, these toys can go a long way in teaching them healthy chewing habits.

Why doesn’t my Boston Terrier seem interested in playing with toys?

If your Boston Terrier suddenly loses interest in his favorite toys, there could be a variety of different explanations. The first thing to do is to make sure there isn’t a medical cause for your dog’s change in behavior—if he doesn’t feel well, your Terrier might not be up to playing. Once a vet visit has ruled out a medical reason, you can try using treat-dispensing toys to arouse your Terrier’s interest or change the location of playtime. If you notice that there are certain places where your Terrier doesn’t like to play in, it may be that your dog doesn’t feel safe in these areas.

Conclusion

Now that you more about the different kinds of Boston Terrier toys as well what to look for in a good one, it may be time to start shopping. If you still aren’t sure where to begin finding the right toy for your Terrier, you can always start off by trying out one of the high-rated products we’ve reviewed for you above.

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