8 Best Dog Toys for Poodles in 2024

Standard poodles weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, and miniature poodles weigh no more than 15 pounds. Athletic and intelligent toy poodles weigh from four to six pounds and stand no more than ten inches high. Although poodles have a reputation as fragile lap dogs, they’re quite agile and curious.

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Poodles can be quite assured and self-confident. Some poodles are easily excited while others get bored easily. Since poodles are small dogs that usually stay indoors most of the day, the toys they play with can make the difference between a happy pet and a bored, destructive one.

All poodles like to play games and solve puzzles. Outdoor exercise and long walks will keep them healthy, but this breed more than many others needs interactive, squeaky, and problem-solving toys to pique their intelligence. Poodle pups need plush companion toys and chew toys to help them as they teethe.

Different Types of Dog Toys for Poodles

These types of toys are excellent choices for Poodle adults or puppies.

Chew Toys

We normally think of teething toys as useful for puppies, but they serve their purpose for adult dogs, too. Chewing rings, bones, or other toys relieve your poodle’s natural desire to bite and chew. Balls, animal-shaped toys, and rope toys also satisfy this instinct and keep your poodle from chewing on clothes, shoes, or furniture.

Interactive Toys

Puzzles or interactive toys are excellent playthings for stay-at-home poodles. These toys prevent boredom by keeping your pet engaged in playing a game, trying to dislodge a treat or small plush toy, or another task.

Plush Toys

Plush toys make treasured companions for poodle puppies, and they can also engage your pet in play with hidden squeakers or rattles. Small terry cloth or polyester-covered, animal-shaped toys give poodles comfort, especially when they are at home alone or sleeping.

Throw and Fetch Toys 

Because poodles tend to spend so much time indoors, it’s important to maximize your outdoor playtime with your pet. Use balls, discs, and specialized items like launchers and flying toys to make the most of your exercise and playtime with your poodle.

What to Look for in a Good Toy for Poodles

Poodles were the first breed in Germany and France and were originally raised to hunt waterfowl. Miniature and toy poodles first appeared in the 1400s. Poodles love to perform tricks and play games, and the breed even appeared in circus sideshows at times.

Given the breed’s intelligence, it’s no surprise that you should look for puzzle games and treat dispensing/problem-solving games to keep them happy. Treat dispensers with secret compartments keep your curious poodle busy when she’s home alone and helps prevent separation anxiety.

Talking toys and balls entertain poodles with human and animal sounds and encourage them to play without a lot of prodding from their owners. These toys keep your pet busy when  you’re busy, and are especially helpful for solo pets when they feel lonely. Look for squeaky or talking toys without plastic or removable parts.

Make the most of your outdoor playtime with your poodles with chew rings, sticks, or balls. If the product has textured nubs, it will also clean tartar off your pet’s teeth. These toys can be used in a game of fetch, but your dog can also chew on it afterward to get out his aggression and prevent any indoor destruction.

Overall Best Dog Toys for Poodles

Ready to learn more about some of the best toys on the market for poodles? Read on.

Best Overall

Here’s our choice for best  overall toy for adult poodles, followed by other great options for your pet.

Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball 

This interactive talking ball from Pet Qwerks has more than 20 different noises and expressions. The toy doesn’t just squeak, it speaks. “Sweet puppy” and “Hey! What are you doing?” are just two of the 20 sounds it makes. This toy is excellent for keeping hyper poodles occupied when you’re at work or busy elsewhere in the house.

Your pet activates the ball by touching, tapping or pushing it, and the ball stops talking when he stops playing with it. The Talking Babble Ball is a great boredom-fighter. This toy uses  three 1.5 volt batteries. (You’ll need to remove the battery compartment top with a deep Phillips screwdriver)

Chuckit! Ultra Ball

Chuckit!’s Ultra Ball lets you play fetch with your poodle at the beach, in the backyard, or in the park with an added element of fun. This ball has a squeaker toy inside its durable rubber exterior. The ball’s textured surface and thick rubber core is easy on your dog’s mouth, but won’t bother him if he’s an intense chewer.

This bouncy Ultra Ball comes in bright colors to increase visibility and make it easier to find the toy in a crowded room or in the yard. This toy is compatible with Chuckit’s Launcher, which you can use to throw balls for your pet to catch.

The Ultra Ball is inexpensive, and satisfies your poodle’s desire to chew and helps him get exercise outdoors  or in the house.

Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel Interactive Puzzle Toy 

This plush puzzle toy features cute plush squirrels for your poodle top play with in a game of hide and seek. You put the squeaky squirrels in a plush tree, and your pet tries to grab them. Your poodle will learn how to nudge and nuzzle the squirrels out of the trunk. You may even find that your pet absconds with one of the squirrels as a companion! You can also play fetch with the squirrels instead of using a ball.

The Hide a Squirrel interactive toy keeps poodles occupied so they don’t become destructive or start biting or chewing on items around your house.

Starmark Bob-a-Lot Treat Dispensing Toy

The Bob-a-Lot Treat Dispensing Toy will keep your poodle fed and entertained all day long. The toy is designed to keep poodles mentally sharp while they look for their favorite treats. The dispenser holds treats or kibble in dual chambers in a ball-shaped toy. You can customize how hard it is for your pet to retrieve treats from the chamber.

Your poodle has to chase, nudge or paw at the chamber opening to get treats. This dispensing toy helps foster your poodle’s natural hunting skills and prevent boredom. The Bob-a-Lot also helps dogs that scarf down their food by making them solve a puzzle before eating.

Performing a task before eating slows them down, so they’ll eat less and experience fewer digestive problems.

Trixie Activity Flipboard 

Poodles have a lot of nervous energy, and this activity flipboard keeps them engaged and satisfies their curiosity. Like the Starmark Bob-a-lot, it dispenses treats, but the games involved are more varied.Your pet gets treats for opening up the correct compartment. There are various shapes your dog has to remove to find the treats – cones, circles, and plastic hammers.

The cones must be lifted up, not knocked over, making it harder for poodles to get at the treats. You can vary the number of shapes used, and add more as your pet learns to master the game.

The game board has a non-slip rubber edge to keep it in place when your pet gets too boisterous. This game is made for pets with experience playing with puzzles and dispensers.  The Trixie Activity Flipboard is dishwasher safe, and comes with an activity booklet.

Chuckit! Flying Squirrel, Color Varies

The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Toy  makes an energetic poodle’s playtime more fun by using this durable, glow-in-the dark squirrel instead of a ball or Frisbee. The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel come in several colors, and has multilayer construction to last after many play sessions.

This toy has glowing paws, so you can use it after dark. Your poodle can chase it by the lake or the pool because it floats. For comfort, the Flying Squirrel features raised sides so your dog won’t get hurt if the toy lands on his nose. This toy is great for long distance games of fetch because of its aerodynamic shape.

If your poodle loves to play fetch and chase around balls and toys, the Chuckit! Flying Squirrel will give your throwing arm a rest, since it does most of the work itself.

Overall Best Dog Toys for Poodle Puppies

Have a poodle puppy who needs a chewing toy? Check out our favorite pick.

Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew 

The Nylabone Petite Dental Puppy Chew helps your poodle pup develop strong teeth and good chewing habits. Nylabones chews are made of soft, textured  material that removes plaque and tartar. This chew toy is made for puppies who don’t have permanent teeth yet.

This vet-recommended chew toy is shaped like a bone and has textured nubs that clean the teeth.The chewable bone is hot pink, and has  a chicken flavor that makes it even more appealing to puppies.

Multipet Look Who’s Talking Cow Plush Dog Toy

This plush cow toy moos when its squeezed, which makes it a great companion for poodle pups. Your puppy can use this as a comfort toy, or you can play fetch with him using it. The Look Who’s Talking Cow Plush Toy has reinforced stitching to last longer. There aren’t any plastic parts, so there’s no choking danger.

This cow plush toy is a favorite of puppies and small dogs, and lots of pets carry them around and sleep with them. The mooing sound entertains and excites pups. This toy uses batteries encased in a plastic box inside the toy. Always check the toy for damage after excessive use.

The Look Who’s Talking Cow Plush Toy is now made of terrycloth to make it even softer and more comfortable for puppies. If your new poodle needs  a reassuring “security blanket”, the cow plush toy may offer him safety and contentment.

Tips for Playing With/Entertaining Your Poodle

Poodles like to yap and are curious about their surroundings. They can become unruly, especially when they’re bored or stuck alone during the day. Even though poodles are small dogs, you’ll still need to walk them and ensure they exercise outdoors for at least 15 minutes a day, preferably much longer. Here are some tips to keep your poodle well-exercised and mentally stimulated.

Play Bumper Ball

Poodles are small, but they’re not always dainty. Any kind of physical activity will help keep them healthy and out of trouble. Bumper ball is an alternative to toss and fetch. In this game, your poodle pushes an inflated rubber ball (or similarly sized toy) across your yard.try to keep it away from him and watch him butt it with his head or push it with his feet.

Challenge Your Poodle with Hide and Seek

Hide somewhere in your house and let your poodle find you. Give your poodle a treat after she finds you, and vary your hiding place  over time. The closet, under a desk, in the shower are just a few hiding places you can use. .

Find Variations on Throw and Fetch

Use any ball reserved for playing fetch in new and interesting ways to prevent your poodle from getting bored. Bounce the ball off the floor and instruct your dog to catch it when it bounces, or bounce the ball against the wall and let your dog catch it as it rebounds.

Vary the Toys Your Poodle Uses

Make sure to buy a variety of toys for your poodle. Even if  he prefers plush toys or squeakers over balls, it’s important to give him a variety of playthings to appeal to both his mental and physical health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any toys my poodle should not play with?

If your poodle is an aggressive chewer, avoid plush toys or toys with easily detachable plastic parts. Opt instead for bals and throw and fetch toys made of harder material that your dog can’t damage.

What exercises are best for poodles?

A daily walk of between 15 and 60 minutes is recommended, depending on your poodle’s energy level. A brisk walk will tire him out and prevent behavioral problems at home.

How can I keep my poodle from being bored when I’m at work?

Poodles can be quite hyperactive and get bored easily. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your dog has a treat dispenser that doubles as a puzzle to keep him memtally stimulated while you’re away from home. Dog toys that squeak, roll or move on their own are also excellent for engaging bored dogs.

Conclusion

All poodles love to be challenged by puzzles and interactive toys. Although they need chew toys and balls to teeth and play fetch, puzzle games are as important to their development as exercise. The toys on our list are highly recommended to  appeal to a poodle’s natural intelligence and curiosity.

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