12 Best Dog Toys for Great Danes in 2023
Contents
- What Are the Best Great Dane Toys?
- Different Types of Dog Toys for Great Danes
- What to Look for in a Good Toy for Great Danes
- Best Dog Toys for Great Danes 2023
- Petlou Colossals Rabbit Plush Dog Toy
- Arm & Hammer Dental Super Treadz Dog Toy
- KONG Ring Dog Toy
- ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Toy
- Nerf Dog Air Strike Launcher Dog Toy
- Mammoth Monkey Fist Bar Dog Toy
- Petstages Challenge Ball Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
- KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
- Frisco Fetch Squeaking American Flag Tennis Balls
- Best Dog Toys for Great Dane Puppies
- Tips for Playing With Your Great Dane
- Conclusion
The Great Dane’s protective nature is nothing new: historically, German noblemen bred Great Danes to hunt wild boar and guard their homes. Today, while most Great Danes no longer hunt boar, they still enjoy the challenge of a chase.
In fact, if they aren’t properly occupied, your Great Dane may turn their attention to activities they shouldn’t—like ripping apart your favorite pair of shoes or tearing up your new outfit. Fortunately, you can stop this kind of destructive behavior in its tracks by purchasing stimulating toys for your Great Dane.
Given this dog’s large stature and unique personality, finding the right toy can be a challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help—and have already compiled a list of our favorite top-rated Great Danes toys of 2023 for you.
What Are the Best Great Dane Toys?
Different Types of Dog Toys for Great Danes
With so many choices, figuring out which toy your dog will enjoy the most can be a challenge. However, before you buy anything, it’s important to identify the different types of toys out there—and how they can benefit your Great Dane.
One of the first toys that many Great Dane owners invest in is a plush toy. These soft toys look a lot like stuffed animals and even function similarly too. As a puppy, your Great Dane may bond with a plush toy the same way a child has a security blanket.
Puzzle or interactive toys, on the other hand, are meant to challenge and stimulate your dog by giving them small puzzles to “solve.” Most of the time, winning the game results in a treat. As natural-born hunters, Great Danes enjoy a good game, and will likely love an interactive toy that challenges them. In some cases, owners can even use these toys to help strengthen the bond between them and their dogs.
A treat-dispensing toy does exactly what the name suggests. Usually in the form of a ball, cube or bone, you can place treats inside the toy and then allow your dog to figure out how to reach them. If you need to occupy your Great Dane for any length of time, a treat-dispensing toy may be just what you need.
What to Look for in a Good Toy for Great Danes
Although they’re known for being friendly and affectionate with their loved ones, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that Great Danes can be tough on their toys. Picking out the perfect toy for your pup means finding one that’s both durable and stimulating.
In plush toys, durability is particularly important. Since your dogs spend a lot of time carrying these toys around, it’s crucial to find one that won’t tear easily or leave a mess if your pup does manage to rip it apart.
It’s difficult to know if a toy will be long-lasting at first glance. Most brands will claim their toys will last forever, but not all of them will live up to this promise. What you can do is look at the materials: high-quality toys will typically use high-quality materials—like thick rubber or durable fabric.
Engagement is another key element to look for. Besides bonding, you usually use toys as a way to hold your dog’s attention—and some do this better than others. While a treat-dispensing or puzzle toy might be great at keeping your Great Dane occupied, a rubber kong toy might not hold their interest at all.
Best Dog Toys for Great Danes 2023
| Our 2023 Picks: Best Great Dane Dog Toys | |||
| Rank | Toy | Price | Rating |
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#1 |
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$ |
A+
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#2 |
 |
$$ |
A
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#3 |
 |
$ |
A
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#4 |
 |
$ |
A-
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#5 |
 |
$ |
B+
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#6 |
 |
$ |
B+
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#7 |
 |
$$ |
B+
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#8 |
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$ |
B+
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#9 |
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$ |
B+
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Now that you know what to look for, here are our favorite, top-rated picks for Great Danes:
Petlou Colossals Rabbit Plush Dog Toy
Best Overall
Plenty of dog toys will work great, but only one rises above the rest—and that’s the Petlou Colossals Rabbit Plush Dog Toy. This multi-function toy can serve several purposes: in addition to being the perfect plush toy for your Great Dane to snuggle up with at night, it also has squeakers inside too.
When you’re done using the Petlou toy for tug-of-war or even fetch, your Great Dane can curl up with it while they’re resting. Since it’s made with lightweight materials, tossing this plush toy around won’t be an issue, and your Great Dane will likely have no issues carrying it around either.
Arm & Hammer Dental Super Treadz Dog Toy
Best for Aggressive Chewers
Although all chew toys are designed to keep your pup from gnawing on things they shouldn’t, not all of them can support your dog’s dental health the way the Arm & Hammer Dental Super Treadz Dog Toy can.
Even Great Danes that are aggressive chewers will be unlikely to tear this toy apart—since it’s made with extra-durable rubber, it’s likely to last a long time.
In addition to the different ridges on the Arm & Hammer toy, there’s also an infused layer of baking soda to make taking care of your dog’s teeth much easier (and less hands-on).
KONG Ring Dog Toy
Most Durable Dog Toy
Although many dogs love Kong toys, it’s important to make sure they can last—especially when tested against your Great Dane’s sharp teeth. This is exactly what the Kong Ring Dog Toy is meant to do: provide your Great Dane with endless amounts of playtime and fun.
The toy is made with durable, all-natural rubber that lacks harmful additives, and even includes nubs so that your Great Dane can clean his teeth (and remove tartar) while chewing.
Along with promoting good dental habits, the Kong Ring dog toy can also be great for Great Dane puppies who are still learning what’s appropriate to chew on, and what’s not.
ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Toy
Best Interactive Puzzle Toy
Long ago, Great Danes were hunters—and now you can continue the fun with an interactive puzzle toy like the ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Toy. Depending on how long you want to keep your Great Dane occupied, you can hide just one or all three of the chipmunks inside the log.
If things get a little rough or dirty, the entire toy is completely machine washable. All you need to do is pop it into the washing machine, let it dry, and then it’s ready for playtime again. While this puzzle game will engage and challenge most dogs, keep in mind that it may not be an ideal choice for extremely aggressive chewers.
Nerf Dog Air Strike Launcher Dog Toy
Best Dog Launcher
Just because fetch is your Great Dane’s favorite game doesn’t necessarily mean it’s yours. After continually throwing the ball and collecting slobbery tennis balls, you might be ready to call it quits even if your Great Dane isn’t. Fortunately, you don’t need to disappoint your dog—with the Nerf Dog Air Strike Launcher Dog toy, fetch can become a much better experience.
Now, you can easily cup and pick up slobbery fetch toys without bending down as well as throw them a considerable distance too. For owners that suffer from back, knee, or shoulder injuries, this might be an ideal toy to have on hand.
Keep in mind that every purchase comes with its own tennis ball so that you can begin using the toy right away.
Mammoth Monkey Fist Bar Dog Toy
Best Rope Toy
Not all toys are multi-functional, but the Mammoth Monkey Fist Bar Dog Toy certainly is. Along with being made from natural cotton that won’t harm your Great Dane’s teeth, the Mammoth toy also includes fibers to help floss your pup’s teeth as they play.
When they aren’t using it as a chew toy, your Great Dane can use the rope toy in a competitive game of tug-of-war or even as a fetch toy. Even aggressive chewers who easily tear through and unravel rope toys will likely have a difficult time destroying this one.
Petstages Challenge Ball Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
Best Treat Dispenser Toy
One way to occupy your Great Dane’s time for hours on end is with a treat dispensing toy like the Petstages Challenge Ball Treat Dispensing Dog Toy. All you need to do is place a treat inside the ball, and watch your Great Dane go crazy as they try to figure out how to reach it.
If you already know your pup is a little smarter than average, you can try upping the difficulty on the toy too (or lower it if it seems too challenging). If you plan to play outside, the all-natural red and blue combo will easily stick out (and be a little easier for your pup to spot).
When your Great Dane is able to easily find the treats on their own, you can try using the Petstages toy as a fetch or chase toy instead.
KONG Floppy Knots Dog Toy
Best Squeaky Toy
If your Great Dane is a big fan of squeaky toys, they’ll probably love the Kong Floppy Knots Dog Toy. In addition to providing your dog with a satisfying squeak every time they squeeze the toy, the “floppy” texture of the toy means your Great Dane is less likely to get bored with it.
Since similar plush toys can cause a mess when your pup manages to rip them apart, it might be a relief to know there’s only minimal stuffing in the Kong toy. Even if your dog does manage to demolish it, there won’t be much of a mess to clean up.
Frisco Fetch Squeaking American Flag Tennis Balls
Made In The USA
Whether it’s a national holiday or just looking to show a little patriotic pride, the Frisco Fetch Squeaking American Flag Tennis Balls may be just what you need. Unlike some tennis balls, these use non-abrasive felt so they’re unlikely to chafe your dog’s teeth and mouth.
Although your Great Dane might also try to use them as chew toys, these tennis balls work best in a game of fetch or chase. When you’re outside, spotting these paw-triotic tennis balls will be much easier than some products (and the perfect thing to pull out at your 4th of July parties).
Best Dog Toys for Great Dane Puppies
| Our 2023 Picks: Best Great Dane Puppy Toys | |||
| Rank | Toy | Price | Rating |
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#1 |
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$ |
A+
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#2 |
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$ |
A
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#3 |
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$ |
A
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You might be able to find a lot of toys to fit your dog’s needs, but not all Great Dane toys will be perfect for a puppy.
Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Dog Keys Toy
Best for Teething
While they’re teething, your Great Dane puppy is in a delicate stage of life. Not only do they want to nibble on your favorite things, but it’s also the time when they’re still learning appropriate chewing habits. One way to keep your pup away from your stuff is by using a teething toy like the Nylabone Puppy Chew Teething Dog Keys toy.
The thermoplastic polymer is soft on puppies that are growing permanent teeth but firm enough to be effective. The bristles on the toy are also designed to promote better dental health and even remove tartar and plaque that builds up on developing teeth.
Nylabone Puppy Teethe’n’Tug Dog Toy
Another Great Teething Toy
Not all Great Danes are aggressive chewers—in fact, some may be gentle chewers that require a softer toy to nibble on. In that case, the Nylabone Puppy Teethe’n’Tug toy may be the best option.
The ridged texture is designed to feel good on your puppy’s developing teeth and gums while the rounded structure can keep them entertained for hours. For dogs that are no longer teething, you can even use the toy in a game of tug-of-war—the design makes it easy for you to grab one end while your Great Dane latches onto the other.
KONG Plush Frog Dog Toy
Best Plush Toy
For a plush toy made with safe, non-toxic materials that won’t irritate your Great Dane’s sensitivities, the Kong Plush Frog Dog Toy is an ideal pick. The squeaker inside can keep your Dane engaged for hours on end, and when it breaks, you can easily replace it. In fact, Kong has even included an additional, replaceable squeaker for you.
While some plush toys can cause a big mess when your dog tears them open, the Kong Plush Frog Toy uses less stuffing so that you have a much smaller mess to deal with.
Tips for Playing With Your Great Dane
Once you’ve found the right toys for your Great Dane, you might think the hard work is done. However, knowing how to entertain and engage your Great Dane can be just as important.
- You need to assume the role of the “alpha” dog. While Great Danes aren’t too rambunctious, a dog of this size is still intimidating—and they’ll challenge your authority if they can. Any time you play with your Dane, make sure you establish yourself as the “alpha” or pack leader.
- If your Great Dane breaks a rule (such as no biting or refusing to give the toy when you ask), you should end playtime. Unless you enforce the rules on a consistent basis, your Great Dane will continue to break them.
- Don’t forget to supervise playtime with all new toys. Not only could your Great Dane have a negative reaction, but they also tend to play rough. Unless you watch them closely, they might easily tear the stuffing out of a new plush or squeaky toy.
- If you aren’t a fan of fetch, try using a launcher toy to make the process a little easier. Many launcher toys will pick up slobbery balls for you, and throw them a significant distance (so that you don’t have to tire out your arm).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What toys are best for the Great Dane’s temperament? – Along with a plush toy for them to bond with and a chew toy to nibble on, fetch toys and rope toys work great for the Great Dane’s active personality. Even if it just seems like fun, a game of fetch or tug of war can actually strengthen the bond between you and your Great Dane.
- How often should my Great Dane play with toys? – There isn’t a specific time limit to how often or much your Dane should spend playing with their toys. Since every dog is different, some Great Danes might try to play all the time, while others might prefer to lounge around the house or go for a walk.
- How do I know if the toy is high-quality? – There’s no foolproof way to determine whether or not a toy is high-quality, but one thing you can do is look at the materials. High-quality toys typically use high-quality materials—like thick rubber, plastic, or tear-resistant fabric.
- How can I stop my Great Dane puppy from chewing on my stuff? – Anyone who owns a puppy, regardless of the breed, knows how difficult it can be to stop them from chomping on all your things. One preventive step you can take is purchasing a teething toy. Instead of gnawing on your clothes or shoes, your puppy will be preoccupied with the teething toy.
- Why doesn’t my Great Dane seem interested in playing with toys? – There can be a couple of reasons your Great Dane is uninterested in playtime. The first thing to look out for is a medical reason–if your Great Dane suddenly becomes uninterested in their toys, they may not be feeling well. A quick visit to the vet can rule out possible illnesses. If your pup refuses to play with Great Dane toys in certain locations, they may not feel safe in those areas, and you might need to move playtime somewhere else. If their disinterest persists, it might be possible that your Great Dane is simply more laid-back. Puzzle and treat-dispensing toys, however, can help generate interest in toys.
Conclusion
For new Great Dane owners, picking out the right toy might seem easy, but every dog has different needs and preferences. Not only do some toys use low-quality materials that won’t last a week, but others aren’t even functional.
While it might be impossible to avoid low-quality toys completely, the good news is that you already have a starting point. If you aren’t sure where to begin, try using one of the top-rated Great Dane toys that we’ve already reviewed above.
